Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Otter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Katie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

Unlike many of the people I meet my age, I was exposed to grief very young. I experienced several losses throughout my adolescence, the most impactful being the sudden passing of my father in 2011. I was extremely lucky to be loved by some incredible people. However due to my circumstances, as a child I learned a difficult yet invaluable lesson: life is unpredictable, but it is truly a gift, so be good to people and make lasting memories.

A huge part of my ability to navigate the hardest moments of my life has been my exposure to film and television, especially comedies. Early 2000s Saturday Night Live, The Office, In Living Color, and more essentially played on a loop at my house, in order to preserve laughter for years after my Dad died. As I’ve grown older, my love for media has definitely expanded; I tend to empathize with complicated, multidimensional characters, regardless of the genre I find them in. A great recent example that struck me are the three main characters of the Netflix film His Three Daughters. Seriously my fellow grief girlies, this movie gets it.

Additionally, I deeply believe that as humans, we are created to be in relationship with each other. When we have visceral attachments to stories that give us a greater sense of belonging, we further our connection to the human experience as a whole. My goal is to create the next generation of nuanced stories that do this, through sincerely and authentically capturing the value of life.

Film, television, and theater have always been not only an escape for me, but a place to understand feelings that I may not have had the vocabulary or capability to grasp in the moment. I think it is only natural that I feel my purpose is to share the same with as many people as I can.

Despite how I may appear through all of this existentialism, I am also a very silly person and a huge proponent of not taking life too seriously! I am indeed the stranger who will dance with you when I hear a great song at the mall, the Uber passenger who will talk your ear off, and the girls’ girl who will genuinely compliment your outfit if I love it, no matter how awkward the scenario. So whether you’re a stranger, loved one, or just a viewer of a film I was in, my hope is that you leave an interaction with me with a newfound sense of connectedness and empathy…and potentially a smile :).

Also I just have to point this out—“The Story” by Brandi Carlile started playing as I began answering this question, which I just find so hilariously full circle.

Katie, 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?

Ooh okay! Hello, friend! I’m Katie Otter–yes, like the animal! I am an LA-based actress and filmmaker originally from Las Vegas, Nevada.

When I was in high school, my safe haven was the theater. I never found that specific area of mainstream academic curriculum that I felt I excelled in or belonged. All I knew was that I felt my happiest when I simply got to exist in our little high school black box. To be clear, I never hated school. In fact, I recall loving the storytelling aspect of history, the detailed problem solving that came with algebraic equations, and the fascinating complexities of relationships which I read about in psychology class. Looking back now…all of these are qualities that greatly lend themselves to acting.

One of my biggest blessings, and a true dream come true, was getting to attend the University of Southern California Schools of Dramatic Arts and Cinematic Arts. That beautiful red brick campus holds some of my fondest memories and growth moments as a person, filmmaker, and stage/screen actor. It was four years of endless play, and I found acting class to be my favorite environment in the world. For a few months after graduating, I actually felt myself having to come to terms with the idea that there are lots of other settings that can facilitate my growth (*cough cough* and potentially the career part) as an actor. And I am really grateful to now have these settings as my new playground.

The past year, two projects I got the chance to work on, called Acting School and Sunkiss, have started making their way through film festivals. Although, I personally find it daunting to perceive myself on a big giant screen, it has nevertheless been a very cool and rewarding process, and one which I am thankful for. Filming Sunkiss, a coming-of-age drama, was especially a really great learning experience; it was my first time being at the top of a call sheet, and my first time acting on film, as opposed to digital. The pace is different, and you can’t be as precious about your choices which was refreshing. I am a huge film nerd, so working on 16mm was also just a complete dream. Our director and DP, Dice Rose, even let me bring my Super 8 camera to set and capture some behind-the-scenes footage which of course, I loved!

My love for comedy hasn’t gone anywhere either. I’ve recently found so much joy in classes at The Groundlings. It is a really supportive, yet challenging environment, and it’s such an honor to learn in the space where some incredible careers were started. You’ll definitely catch me in all sorts of acting classes throughout LA, mouth agape as I deeply admire my peers, or scribbling in my notebook about the scene I was given that week.

I am always looking for the next opportunity to collaborate, whether film or theatre that raises the bar for what I previously thought I was capable of doing, though I mostly find myself drawn to grounded ensemble and romantic comedies, indie dramas focused on human relationships, and coming-of-age stories. I’ve also been trying to expand my toolbox through writing and directing. I am working on a few scripts that I hope to see to fruition, and helped assistant direct a show for Hollywood Fringe in 2023.

When I’m not pursuing the craft—doesn’t that sound fancy?—I can usually be found bothering one of my 2 older siblings, volunteering with Comfort Zone Camp, walking to Trader Joe’s or a Soul-Cycle class, and watching films at the Egyptian or an AMC. You would indeed be correct to assume that I have every word to the Nicole Kidman monologue committed to memory.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Oh yes! Lots!

If you are in any way serious about becoming an actor, get a copy of The Actor’s Life by Jenna Fischer as soon as humanly possible! Jenna is one of my favorite actresses and I have looked up to her work for a really long time. This book was gifted to me in 2018, and it encapsulates the authentic highs and lows of Fischer’s career path, while giving tons of great, light-hearted guidance on how to be your own advocate and trust the process in an absolutely whacky business. I’ve read it multiple times!

This might sound kind of goofy and is absolutely not sponsored (I wish), but AMC A-List has truly been the gift that keeps on giving. It has allowed me to see so many more films, and be much more well-versed in the industry.

Finally, some free resources I like to indulge in:
– Podcasts I love where different performers talk about their process are “Acting Schmacting” by Jeffrey Tambor and “Off Camera” with Sam Jones.
– Variety’s Actors on Actors videos are kind of like double episodes of Inside the Actor’s Studio, which is also classic and great.
– “The Dailies” is a free email subscription service that shares interesting and concise industry updates.
– Visiting the local library never hurt anyone! Read a couple of plays you’ve never heard of. Or pick up a book on cinematography—I’ve found it quite important to learn what other people do in the field, especially as an actor. Having even a basic understanding of each person’s job on set or in the theatre allows for better flow as an ensemble and a more cohesive final product.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s gotta be the people. Being on set is truly such a special feeling, and one that I crave when I don’t have it. There is just magic in the air when a group of artists are working together to make something that they truly believe in, and that has never existed before. As a cinephile, going to set internally feels like fangirling: just by being there, I get to witness uber-talented designers and filmmakers craft tiny details that end up making the biggest impact. And even better, I get to know the faces behind the details more deeply.

This career facilitates an environment where you literally go from being complete strangers with people, to spending 12-hour days together as your most vulnerable, weirdest, and probably tired selves, all while knowing you may possibly never see some of them again. I am truly a people person at my core, and this aspect of the field allows me to hear and share more stories than I ever thought possible. It is crazy and unpredictable and I absolutely love it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katieotter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kotter7
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6844902/

  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kateandhersuper8

  Instagram for “Sunkiss”: https://www.instagram.com/sunkissfilm/

Image Credits

Nerris Nasiri, Viva Gentes, Stephanie Girard, Skyler Deyoung, Dice Rose, Cathryn Farnsworth