Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brooklyn Wilde. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brooklyn, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from growing up in what I call, “the best of both worlds,” having been raised in a split family—on one hand, I had exposure to privilege and structured opportunities, with expectations to fit into a certain mold of comfortable Midwest Middle Class affluence, and on the other, I faced scarcity and independence that forced me to fend for myself from a young age. I didn’t feel like I fit in with my affluent side of my family, nor did I feel comfortable wading in the impoverished struggles of barely scraping by on government meals and community hand outs, from clothing to food to the roof over my head at some times.
I look back on my upbringing with gratitude for all that it gave me, the understanding of what to strive for in life and how to achieve it with even the littlest of means. Through my time in Los Angeles, I’ve see aspiring talent come and go and come and go again. Often I find that these folks have family to go back to, and while I mourn for a family that feels like home, I relish in the recognition that I wouldn’t have survived these ten turbulent years in Los Angeles as a person from a tiny town in Middle America, had I had a home to return to.
Resilience isn’t about never struggling. It’s about struggling and still showing up. Making that indie film on a shoestring budget at 17 years old. Driving out to California with $2,500 and a dream. Still believing that your story matters, even when the world seems stacked against you. All the times that my mother brought me horseback riding, and for all my disdain towards it, the greatest lesson I learned was getting back in the saddle.
And maybe most importantly, resilience is about maintaining hope – that weird, stubborn hope that says “I’m going to make something of myself” – even when everything around you suggests otherwise.
The through-line of my story isn’t victimhood. It’s taking whatever cards I was dealt – whether that’s growing up between a golf course subdivision and farm life, dealing with family complexities, or literally living out of a car to chase a dream – and turning it into something that’s uniquely mine.
The entirety of my upbringing was filled with adults telling me who I was supposed to be and why it mattered to them. But resilience taught me that I have the power to show up as the person I most deeply desire to be, no matter the cost. It’s like riding horses—getting bucked off time and time again, but always being encouraged to get back in the saddle, no matter how hard the fall. Life has given me plenty of reasons to quit, but it’s my resilience that’s taught me to keep going, to redefine my own narrative, and to show up as myself, unapologetically, every day.
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?
Right now, I’m primarily focused on two major projects: my memoir and a screenplay set in San Francisco.
My memoir is a deeply personal journey through resilience, identity, and overcoming adversity, told through a mix of humor, raw storytelling, and social commentary. It’s not just a chronicle of my life; it’s a way for readers to find their own strength and inspiration in my story. I’m looking forward to sharing more details on my website www.brooklynwilde.com by early 2025.
In addition, my screenplay, which is set in the vibrant and ever-changing landscape of San Francisco, is a project I’m incredibly passionate about. The story blends a socio-economic drama with a deep dive into a psychological thriller, set against the unique backdrop of the city. It’s currently in development, with seed funding secured and talent already attached to bring this vision to life. This project is an exciting step forward in my creative journey, and I’m eager to share more about it as it evolves.
Both of these projects reflect my commitment to creating work that resonates with others, invites introspection, and explores the complexities of identity, resilience, and transformation. I’m thrilled to continue bringing them to life and look forward to sharing them with the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Taking initiative has been crucial in my ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. I learned early on that if I didn’t make things happen for myself, no one else would. Whether it was making an indie film at 17 or driving across the country with little more than a dream, I had to step up and take action, even when the path wasn’t clear.
Anticipating needs has also been key, both in my personal and professional life. In every situation, whether it’s a film set or a business opportunity, I’ve learned to think ahead, understand what might be needed, and act on it before being asked. This proactive mindset has not only helped me stay ahead of the curve but also earned the trust and respect of those I work with.
Finally, owning accountability has been my foundation. It’s easy to point fingers when things go wrong, but taking full responsibility for my actions has allowed me to grow and learn from my mistakes. Accountability doesn’t just mean owning the good, but also embracing the lessons from the setbacks along the way.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to start now. Don’t wait for permission or the “perfect moment.” Take the initiative, put yourself out there, and embrace every opportunity to learn. Develop a mindset that’s always thinking two steps ahead and anticipating the needs of those around you, whether in a creative project or business endeavor. And most importantly, own your actions—good or bad—because accountability is what keeps you grounded and helps you grow.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m at a point in my career where I’m looking for people who see potential and are ready to build something impactful together. I have a solid foundation as a producer—handling independent films, navigating budgets, and making things happen under tough circumstances—but what I’m really searching for now are collaborators and partners who share the same passion for making art that challenges norms and lasts beyond the screen.
I’ve been in the industry long enough to know that success isn’t just about what you can accomplish on your own, but the team and community you build around you. I’m eager to find those long-term artistic collaborators—people who lift each other to the next level, and who are in it for the love of the craft, not just the commercial success. I’m looking for those rare, like-minded individuals who know that making art is a journey that requires both vision and grit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brooklynwilde.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/brklynwilde
Image Credits
Image with purple backdrop (Teatro) by Priten Vora, all other images are personal captures by friends and colleagues. Note the photo with Christopher Lloyd!
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