Meet Kelly Dunnigan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Dunnigan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kelly , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Sheer unadulterated stubbornness. I have never liked being told I can’t do something. In fact nothing inspires me more than being told I can’t do something. Even when all the odds support their conclusion. Because anything ever accomplished was done by another human who just had the audacity to try and the stubbornness to see it through. I’m not a confident person, I don’t think I have more answers than the person next to me or think I’m the most qualified person in the room. But I’m stubborn and I will work harder than the next 10 people to make the impossible possible. I show up, I do my part, I give my all and am always excited to learn something new from those around me. Even failure is a lesson that I can take and use to make the next project even better.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

In a very large sense I’m just one person with one life – most likely on this one planet. But even with those limitations, my goal is to see and experience as much as I can, and try to leave the world a little better than how I found it. As a filmmaker, my goal is to tell stories that I hope will open people’s minds to new perspectives and visions of the world. Stories that will help unite people and increase our understanding of one another and the infinite possibilities of our existence. Through documentaries of people who have overcome incredible odds or through fictional characters shooting for the stars, I strive to create a sense of reality in those spaces to remind you, the viewer, that anything is possible.

With the rise in independent content creation we have more voices being heard and more stories being told to a greater audience than ever before. Over the years I’ve had the honor of teaming up with many independent creators and industry builders. Makers who have built their community nearly from scratch and strive to empower local voices. This year I’ve taken on a studio managing role with Studio Space MKE to help bring more resources to local talent. We’ve had an incredibly busy year with so many exciting projects from film makers local to Milwaukee and abroad. I couldn’t possibly list them all here but stay tuned and follow their page online to see what new exciting projects are coming to the area!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Problem solving, adaptability and diplomacy are key in being successful in film. Every set is a completely different beast. While some things are constant there will always be surprises that come up that have to be handled and handled quickly with a dozen voices and possible choices flying around you. You have to make it all work, while also making it seem like nothing went wrong in the first place. Being able to learn quickly and step up where help is needed is essential. On set you become like a family unit. For better or worse you have to count on each other to get the job done. Not everyone always loves one another or gets along, but in the end you have each other’s back to get the shot and do the story justice.

My advice for others deciding to get into film or any creative field, it’s to follow your passion. Anyone can pick up a camera or set up some lights, but the details come from the love of the art. The long, 16 hour days and months on the road are more easily endured if you truly love what you do. Otherwise, there are a million other jobs with a fraction of the stress that you can choose. I would also suggest you explore every part of your art. Learn every step of the process and consider the possibilities. Every film starts with an idea. From there, many voices have their version of the story and they must come together to make the final project. The writing, the camera and the acting are all important – but the music, the editing, the makeup, the production design and even the stitching on the shoulder of the wardrobe can completely change how a story is felt. Let your passion lead you, explore all the ways you can add to the story and have fun.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

In this industry, the hardest obstacle you face is finding and connecting with people who share your vision and passion. Well that and financing, obviously! But when you find amazing people who you share a vision with, you can make astonishing things happen. I am always looking to connect with passionate people who have a project they feel will make an impact beyond themselves. I will never be the person who says, “It can’t be done.” I will say, “How can we make it possible?” If you have a project you’re trying to get off the ground, reach out. Let’s make it happen!
Kelly Dunnigan
[email protected]

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