Meet Whitni Resides! Whitni is a writer/actor/producer that hails from Tennessee (originally Chattanooga, now based in Nashville) and was one of Catalyst’s 2022 Script Competition winners. See what project she’s currently working on, what she’s got in development and why she recommends that everyone see The Karate Kid.
What project are you currently working on? What is your role in the project?
I am currently working on a proof of concept film for my one-hour serialized drama, Redneck Army. I am co-creator of the project alongside Mark Brown. In addition to that, I am finishing up a romantic comedy feature film script titled, The Path of Totality. My plan is to direct this under my new production company, Incandescent Pictures, later next year!
Do you have a favorite hat under the “creator” umbrella?
My trifecta is writing, acting and producing. However, I enjoy all the hats! I’ve fallen in love with running crafty over the past few years. Every set needs a good snack. I stand by that.
What were your earliest inspirations? How did you get started as a creator?
I fell in love with acting and the cinema when I was only four years old. The first film that made a huge impact on me was Titanic. I remember being mesmerized by it and thinking to myself ‘This. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.’ I spent the next 15 years acting on stage. When I started acting for the screen, my love for performing spread into a love for storytelling behind the camera. I began writing, producing and directing my own projects in 2018 after I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Business Management.
Whose work do you admire? Who are your dream collaborators?
There are so many… Where to begin? I am a huge fan of Quentin Tarantino. I dream about collaborating with him every single day. I admire Greta Gerwig, Steven Spielberg & Phoebe Waller-Bridge so much. My collaboration list is long but it would be an absolute dream if I had the opportunity to work with any of these filmmakers.
If you had to give one piece of career advice to your younger self, what would it be?
One piece of career advice to my younger self would be to trust your gut & never give up. No matter what. Just keep climbing.
What’s your must-read/must-watch book/show or movie?
Since I’ve already mentioned Titanic, I’ll say my must-watch movie is The Karate Kid. If Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita don’t brighten your day, I don’t know what will. “Daniel LaRusso’s gonna fight!”
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Instagram: @whitnirae
Twitter: @whitnirae
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