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

Olivia , appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it wasn’t immediate—it took years of persistence, adaptability, and strategic decision-making. My journey started with formal education in film, followed by hands-on experience in the industry, working under established professionals in TV and film. I built a strong network and honed my skills in producing, casting, and production coordination, taking on both union and independent projects to gain a well-rounded skill set.

Freelancing was a major stepping stone. At first, I juggled multiple roles, including nannying work, to stay financially stable. Eventually, as I built a reputation and secured consistent work, I transitioned fully into production. Key milestones included securing long-term contracts, gaining management experience, and expanding my expertise into event coordination and branded content.

If I could have sped up the process, I would have prioritized networking even more, sought mentorship earlier, and focused on high-value, scalable work sooner. Understanding the business side—negotiation, contracts, and financial planning—was crucial in making the leap to full-time creative work.

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

I’m Olivia Battles Reap, a producer and casting director from Boston, now based in Brooklyn. I earned my M.A. in Film & TV and a B.F.A. in Performing Arts with a Minor in Film & TV from SCAD, giving me a strong foundation in both storytelling and production.

I run Battles Studio & Casting, where I specialize in casting and production for independent films, shorts, music videos, and commercials. I’ve worked on projects for Amazon Music’s City Sessions series and led viral influencer casting campaigns, alongside film credits like DEUCE (2025), REMNANT (2021), and RAPT (2023).

Whether sourcing the right talent, problem-solving on set, or streamlining production, I bring a mix of creativity and organization to every project. I thrive in both independent and commercial spaces and am always excited to collaborate at any stage of development.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I see NFTs as a trend that had its moment but ultimately fell short of delivering long-term value. While the concept of digital ownership is interesting, the space became oversaturated with speculative hype, scams, and environmental concerns. Many projects lacked real utility, and the market crash exposed how unstable and unsustainable it was. In creative industries, NFTs were often pitched as a way to empower artists, but in practice, they frequently benefited only a small group of early adopters while leaving many others at a loss. Overall, I view them as a cautionary tale of speculative digital assets rather than a meaningful innovation.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing non-creatives often struggle to understand is that a creative career isn’t just about passion—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and constantly proving your value. There’s a misconception that creative work is fun and effortless when, in reality, it requires just as much discipline and strategy as any other profession.

People outside the industry may not see the unpaid hours spent honing skills, the rejections, or the emotional investment that goes into every project. Stability isn’t guaranteed, and success isn’t linear. Unlike traditional jobs with clear promotions, creatives often have to navigate an unpredictable path, taking risks and betting on themselves repeatedly.

Another challenge is that creative work is often undervalued. Many assume that because we love what we do, we should do it for free or “for exposure.” But creativity is a skill, just like anything else, and it deserves compensation.

At the same time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The ability to tell stories, shape narratives, and bring ideas to life is incredibly rewarding. And while it’s not always easy, the moments when your work truly resonates with an audience make all the struggles worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.battlesfilmcasting.com/
• Instagram: @Olivia_Battles
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-battles-reap-6514331b0/