We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adria Branson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adria below.

Adria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always been creative. As a toddler, I’d make up songs while sitting in the grocery cart. In daycare, I organized my friends to put on weekly sketch comedy shows. When I got my first camera as a preteen, I spent hours creating and editing music videos with friends. But the moment I knew I wanted to pursue this as a career was when I directed my first play.

In high school, we had a tradition of student-directed one-acts, typically directed by seniors. As a freshman, I acted in one and immediately knew I had to direct my own someday. During my junior year, I nervously asked the theater director if I could pitch a play. When he smiled and said, ‘Let’s do it,’ I felt a wave of pride and determination. I went home that night and threw myself into crafting my pitch.

That winter, I premiered The Love of Three Oranges, a whimsical, commedia dell’arte-inspired story filled with exaggerated characters and slapstick humor. Directing the production allowed me to experience the beauty of theater from the other side. Rehearsing with my cast and collaborating with the crew was magical. Working with the actors to play and find the comedy, collaborating with designers to build sets and props, and watching an idea grow into a full-blown production was exhilarating. Each step, from the first rehearsal to opening night, gave me so much joy and fulfillment. I’ll never forget the thrill of hearing the audience erupt in laughter during the performance, knowing I had helped create that shared joy. In that moment, I realized storytelling was something I wanted to chase forever.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Adria Branson, a filmmaker, editor, and creative storyteller based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from southern Maryland, my passion for storytelling began in childhood and has grown through my experiences in theatre, film, and television. In high school, I threw myself into theatre, directing plays and exploring performance, which I further developed in undergrad, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatrical Directing from Pace University.

Graduating in May 2020, at the start of the pandemic was far from what I envisioned. Theatre had come to a complete halt, my original plans were out the window, and leaving New York City to move back home to Maryland wasn’t what I had in mind at all. For the first time in years, I didn’t have a built-in creative outlet. That period, though challenging, helped me realize that art and storytelling weren’t just hobbies for me—they were necessities, deeply ingrained in who I am.

So, I did what felt natural—I pivoted. I started exploring digital storytelling, creating videos, experimenting with editing techniques, and teaching myself new styles. I fell in love with editing during that process, and it became clear this was the path I wanted to pursue. So, I took a leap of faith and applied to only one graduate school: Loyola Marymount University. I told myself, ‘If I get in, I’m moving to LA. If not, it wasn’t meant to be.’ Thankfully, it was, and now I’m set to graduate this May with a Master’s in Film and Television, specializing in Editing.

My time at LMU has deepened my love for storytelling and given me a fresh perspective on how my theatre background shapes my work. While I now specialize in film and post-production, my creative mission remains the same: crafting emotionally resonant, women-focused narratives that deeply connect with audiences. My work spans directing, editing, and producing, with a goal of creating stories that not only entertain but also inspire others to live unabashedly and lead with empathy.

My storytelling is defined by a balance between bold, imaginative concepts and the quiet, intimate moments that make them truly impactful. My background in theatre taught me to think big and embrace avant-garde, larger-than-life ideas, which fuel the bold, imaginative worlds I bring to the screen. Meanwhile, my studies in film have honed my eye for detail and my ability to convey subtle, nuanced storytelling through visual language and editing. This combination allows me to see the big picture while perfecting the small details, ensuring every project is cohesive, impactful, and memorable.

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is my dedication to learning and evolving as an artist. Every project I undertake is an opportunity to grow, and I bring this passion for continuous improvement to everything I do.

I’m excited about the future and the stories waiting to be told. My hope is that my work not only entertains but also challenges and inspires others to see the world—and themselves—in new and meaningful ways.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is connection– something more crucial than ever in our growing digital world. Emotions are beautiful, and I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to bridge gaps between people. I’ll never forget the first time I saw my dad shed a tear—it was during a Cheerios ad featuring a mixed family that looked like ours. It was such a simple moment, but it struck a chord. Similarly, my mom watches Christmas movies well into March because they make her feel warm and bring her joy. My mission as an artist is to create work that resonates deeply and sparks inspiration.

When I was growing up, I didn’t see a lot of characters who looked like me, and when I did, they were rarely the exciting, complex main characters. Through my work, I hope to change that by creating films that feature diverse, exciting women and explore the nuanced experiences that come with that.

Ultimately, my goal is to create stories that connect people, inspire them, and foster positive change in how we see and relate to one another.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is hearing that my work has made someone rethink, laugh, cry, or feel. in any capacity. Knowing that something I created has touched and connected with another person is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that art has the power to spark emotion and create meaningful experiences, and that’s what makes the creative journey worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adriabranson.com
• Instagram: @lemonadria__
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adria-branson

Image Credits

Miranda Cardenas
Crys Lee