We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Pape recently and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I don’t think anyone ever finds their purpose, so much as they witness and acknowledge it. I was always intensely and passionately drawn to plays and movies. I loved watching them over and over and over again growing up. I couldn’t get enough. I was also creating and putting up skits with friends. What I was obsessed with was pretty clear. As I grew up and put more time and energy into making a career in Hollywood, there has never been a question of purpose because it is crystal clear. The road it takes to live out your purpose is not as shiny but the good news is once you’ve accepted your purpose there’s no other way to live your life. It’s a blessing and a curse. Some say it’s brave or inspiring to live a certain way, but at a certain point it’s just a necessity.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a writer-director-producer, primarily working in the narrative filmmaking space. I’ve directed and produced music videos for the band Crazy Girl Therapy, produced short films for other filmmakers and I’ve written, directed and produced my own short form projects.
My latest project, Before Marriage, starring J.J. Nolan and Andre Boyer, is a romantic comedy short series that explores the conversations couples have while they create their partnership. Before Marriage premiered at Mammoth Film Festival and is playing at film festivals throughout 2023. Self-funded through day jobs and a self-distribution plan through YouTube, Before Marriage, is a true independent filmmaking production. Produced by its creator, actors, cinematographer and editor this project was built by a cohort of filmmakers: writer-director Courtney Pape, AFI alum cinematographer Olesia Saveleva, editor and USC grad filmmaker Denny Wong, producer Meagan Grainger, lead actor Andre Boyer and lead actress J.J. Nolan.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Obsession, determination, solitude. Find what you’re obsessed with. Be so determined no one can stop or deter you. Be prepared to go it alone, for at least portions of your journey.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Get quiet. Take a walk. Do another activity. Distract yourself momentarily. Breathe. It’ll all work out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtneypape.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtpape
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmeDslUlVmU
Image Credits
Sela Shiloni
