Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Dunnigan.

Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well my journey was pretty winding but I’ve always loved creating. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting in my grandma’s basement making “masterpieces!” As I grew up I was always finding a way to turn every game into an elaborate melodrama. Convincing friends and family to act out elaborately rehearsed comedy shows or a great trek across the Alaskan tundra! This evolved into a love of reading and I would write sequels and prequels and alternative endings to my favorite series. I was lucky to see many of those series come to life in the boom of the YA Book-to-Movie era of the early 2010’s and this opened my mind to so many new possibilities. When it came time to apply to college I took this as an opportunity to explore this passion as a future career. And I loved it. I had A LOT to learn as I knew less than nothing about the actual process of making films so while in school I explored every aspect of the process. Now I strive to stay well rounded and take every opportunity in the field I can. I’ve found a passion in recent years for Production Design and Art Directing. This position involves me in the creative process of pulling a project together from the ground up as well as hands-on experience with the day to day flow of being on set. Going forward I will always love the Art Department but I also want to keep expanding on my abilities in other areas of production.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! The road was about as smooth as Milwaukee’s city roads! It’s still rocky. Any freelance career is inherently risky, especially in an artistic field where value is hard to measure and even harder to invoice for. You are essentially running a small business where you are the CEO but also the product, the development team, the accounting team, day to day laborer and also the marketing team. It feels like you’re running a marathon wearing a blindfold and no matter how many inspirational quotes you read or share, future success isn’t guaranteed. Reaching an audience is hard, especially when there is so much quality content coming out. The possibilities are endless but it’s also an incredibly competitive industry. There are constantly new voices joining in that have equally strong messages they want heard. At the same time there’s a million different ways and avenues that can lead to new opportunities. Staying focused on your goal while being open to new opportunities is as challenging as it is exciting. I joke that filmmakers, especially independent makers, are a bunch of gambling addicts. Constantly risking it all in the hopes that this next one will be the one to sky rocket you to the next level and make all the sacrifice and sleepless nights worth it. With the growing digital marketing field and streaming services constantly growing the odds are far more promising than in Vegas!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well I have been primarily working as a Production Designer and a Production Assistant. I’ve only been working in this field full time for a couple years and am still making a name for myself. My Long term goal is that I can make a shift in the way we approach social / societal conversations. I’ve never liked jumping to conclusions or closing conversations. The world is such a colorful place with so much variety and beauty and I think we, people in general, are often quick to judgement and slow to acceptance. I just hope to be one piece of the puzzle that can change how we see the bigger picture. To let empathy and real stories shape everything I do. From documentary to commercial work we can improve the messages and norms we put out into the world. Encourage deeper conversations and questioning established norms.

Honestly I think the thing I’m most proud of is that I’ve kept at it. Of all the paths I could have taken this is by far one of the most difficult for me by nature. I love security and I don’t like self promotion and putting myself out there but I keep trying. It’s uncomfortable but I’d rather try and fail at it then wonder what I would’ve missed out on. I don’t think I’m particularly special or different from the next artist. We all have strong ideas and crave a way to express it and capture people in our vision of the world. There are filmmakers who break their backs and literally risk life and limb dangling off cliffs, jumping out of planes and blowing up buildings to sell you their reality. We are a crazy bunch of people! It’s hard to truly stand apart in an industry filled with so much talent so in all honesty I’m just happy to get to be a small part of it.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Unfortunately I don’t have much advice for finding a mentor as I’m looking for one myself! I’ve learned a tremendous amount from my peers. Seeing the way they navigate and take risks has been invaluable. I would recommend taking every opportunity to be on set and watch those around you. Listen and watch the way the departments work with and around each other. Pick up on where you are needed and just talk to those who stand out.

Regarding tips on networking, it’s easier said than done but it’s true: reach out. Put yourself out there and take every opportunity you can. Make yourself available, work hard and then work even harder. Someone will notice. If you keep at it and have a little luck you would be amazed by the doors that can open for you. Stay engaged and keep putting yourself out there. It may take time but you will find other creatives who share your vision and passion. The more you follow through and keep showing your dedication the more people will trust you with their creative babies.

Oh and when someone says they love working with you, BELIEVE THEM! Build on that relationship and explore what you can do together. The stronger the community the more you can build together and the further you can go!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellydunnigan0101/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kellydunnigan0101
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@averageadventures9998

Image Credits
“First Film” – Kelly Dunnigan on set of “My Grandfathers Waders” by Clay Olsen
“Killers Club” – Cast and crew of “The Killers Club”: Director Trevor Siegman, and producers Michael Sapieja and Rob Phillips.
“Let the Road Take you” – Crew of Let the Road Take you: Director Kelly Dunnigan with Producer Kenzie Huckabay, Erin Homuth, DoP Jens Rhude and actors Chloe Collins and Jessie Heesacker
“AromaVision” – Behind the Scenes of “Aroma Vision” with Production Designer Kelly Dunnigan and Director Shun Powell
“Dreams Fuel Greatness” – Behind the scenes is Kelly Dunnigan and Myles Smith
“Top Chef” – PA’s of Top Chef season 21 in Milwaukee’s American Family Insurance Stadium.