We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Pilder Olson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.
Heather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
I’ve taking several project from idea to execution and this is one of the things I love about writing and producing films and TV pilots. Coming up with the idea for a script, completing that script, and then moving into the role of producer by hiring crew, helping with casting. choosing locations, participating in the production, and staying with the production through post, festivals, and distribution to the public. It’s always a marathon and it can be very challenging, but I love it.
Filmmaking is the artform that combines all other artforms. When it works well, it’s like conducting a beautiful symphony. Each artist contributing in their own way and making the final product something magical. And each production is such a wonderful learning experience. I’m excited for more!
Heather, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a writer and producer of film and television, and have produced several award-winning films. I was a producer for The River, a documentary about homelessness in the Pacific Northwest; currently streaming on Amazon Prime. I was an associate producer for Gold Balls; a documentary about tennis players over the age of 80, also streaming on Amazon. And most recently, I wrote and produced A Broad Abroad: a TV comedy pilot about the making of a travel show. We shot this in Italy in 2023 and are hoping to turn it into an episodic series. I also enjoy being a co-leader of the Northwest Screenwriters Guild Green Room: a fellowship for local screenwriters. I lead writing retreats on the Washington Coast twice a year, and live and work in West Seattle.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale is crucial on a film set. And it’s not something I can do alone: it’s created by the director and leadership of the production. But if it’s a project I wrote and am producing, I certainly take it upon myself to spread as much joy and enthusiasm for it as I can. On our recent shoot for A Broad Abroad in Italy, there were days that were really challenging. Most of us were operating on too little sleep, dealing with a big time change, and filming in another country. So everything was amplified. For me, getting up before everyone else, making sure I was in a good frame of mind, and taking breaks when necessary was helpful. And, having a director, AD and other producers on that shoot that I knew I could rely on was really helpful too. Everyone on that cast and crew did exceptional work, and seeing that happen increased my own joy and confidence in the production.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I think the main goal and mission I have in creating the work that I do is to inspire and delight other people. Even with heavy subjects like homelessness, we made a film that includes stories of resilience, hope, and even moments of laughter. I think engaging people emotionally helps them stick with a movie or TV show. I especially enjoy writing and producing comedy because sitting in a theater and hearing an audience laugh at something I created is really one of the best things you can experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heatherpilderolson.com
- Instagram: @hpowriteon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Feelcat/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pilder-olson-04560b9/
