We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Dixon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
I am a new mom. I put off having children for a long time because I worried about how I would balance this industry and having a baby. As a documentarian, travel is a huge part of the process. I would always say after this next job, which turned into many jobs. When I was pregnant, I hid it for as long as possible, scared that agencies would not hire me to be on set. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. Agencies and production companies embraced me and I was hired up until the very end of my term. I had jobs offered before my maternity leave was over. As filmmakers, our physicality and emotions are such a huge part of the process, and I was going to need to share that space with pregnancy. Making room for life can be challenging, but, to me, it’s been totally worth it. It’s made me realize even more that being a woman is complex and powerful. I now get to teach my child to follow her passions and embrace life. I can truly lead by example.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a film director based in Atlanta, but I often find myself somewhere between the four corners of the earth, searching and filming stories on the human experience. My main area of focus is docu-style filmmaking, via branded content, social justice topics, or educating through storytelling. This constant quest has landed me with clients such as WebMD, Dove, Chick-fil-A, and more. Through these collaborations and others, my work has earned Webby Awards, multiple Telly’s, screenings at Tribeca Film Festival, and Vimeo Staff Picks to name a few. I live to tell authentic stories in a visceral way. I want you to experience the raw human emotions of the characters on screen so that when the film ends, a piece of their story goes with you. If you need to tell the visual story of a CEO, an activist, a niche product, or even just capture the fray, then give me a call!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Creatives often face rejection as a part of their daily walk. Whether it is a, No, Not at this time, Thank you very much BUT… dismissal comes in all forms. In the film world, I believe resilience is not simply a choice – it must become a part of your ethos. Be steadfast in your value. There is a particular online film festival that I have submitted to every year for many years. Every time, I would get the same rejection letter. Of course, it would bother me, but I used it as motivation, as fuel to stoke the fire. I would say on repeat, “One day, I will make a film so good that they could not turn it down.” Last year, not only did my short film get accepted, but it was one of the most watched films on the platform and earned an audience choice award. When you know you have what it takes, do not let a single, two-letter word, or shape thereof, be your roadblock. Make them see you.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I craft films out of real stories. If it is for a brand, a small business, or a social justice piece, my mission is to connect the audience to the human emotion within the topic. We all must have empathy and give space to others in the world around us. I believe there is a common root in all of our personal stories that can bind us together. After watching a film, I hope the viewer can relate on a personal level. Maybe their story will mirror some innate feelings within themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtneydixon.com
- Instagram: @courtneydixon