Meet Winter
Posted by belleenargent.com Admin on
Hold on world, Winter Dunn is making appearances on every major media platform near you! The actress, director and producer is currently juggling a handful of high profile projects, including a feature film, web series, new screenplay, and roles on HBO, Netflix and Buzzfeed productions. If us usual muggle-humans would be exhausted by that schedule, Winter is not! Embracing all of the challenges that come with attempting balance and welcoming destiny, Winter keeps it real with down-to-earth advice and a no-nonsense approach.
We caught up with this Belle en Argent muse to discuss new projects, inspirational industry figures, collaboration wishlists, the power of embracing opportunities, and stepping up when women and people of color are creating the narrative. Winter shares advice for your younger self and her future self, which poignantly resonates at a time when the world needs more empowered women stepping forward and taking the lead. We would be remiss if we did not include a GOT of thrones reference, when we say with full assurance, “Winter is coming!”
We played Two Truths and a Lie with Winter! .....You probably know the rules, but here is a quick refresher--Below, Winter gave us two true fun facts, as well as one that's made up. See if you can guess which one is the lie! View the answer at the bottom of her interview.
I've never seen a Star Wars film.
I was robbed in Barcelona.
I speak three languages.
I made a cameo on #Insecure last night.... Did you catch it? Thanks to @IssaRae and @The_A_Prentice for showcasing your girl!! pic.twitter.com/4aRGXZp6eR
— Winter ;) (@wintersayschill) August 14, 2017
List your favorite social media handles to follow
There are a few pages I'm obsessed with: I think @traceeellisross is AMAZING. The entire team at Black-ish feel like family and Tracee is auntie. I've been following @Ava since her first feature, Middle of Nowhere. That film was actually a major reason I decided to become a filmmaker. It was so beautiful to me. And when I want some tea @theshaderoom is always there for me, lol. I guess I'm obsessed with pages and artists that are focused on and owned by women of color. I think we have such a powerful voice and I'm very excited to see how we continue to evolve in this industry. I plan to be a major contributor to our collective voice. I just love us so much.
Home Town
I'm from Gary, Indiana, but I consider Chicago to be my second home.
Occupation
Director, Actress, Producer. I'm THE multi-hyphenate to look out for!
When did you know this is what you wanted to do?
I've always been involved in the arts. Growing up I went to Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts in Gary, IN, and I studied dance. It was very clear I was an artist from an early age. It wasn't until I was accepted to the Chicago Academy for the Arts for acting (to my surprise) that I began to find my rhythm. My dance training gave me a musicality to text and stage that my peers and professors noticed early on. Because of that, I was accepted to Fordham University in New York to continue my theater training.
I came to LA about three years ago, and that's where I found production. My first experience on set was like, "Ahh.. that's it! That's what I've been searching for."
I had so much training, but it was all geared toward stage. I’ve been working to figure out how that translates on set. Now as a filmmaker because I've worked in so many disciplines, I can communicate with anyone which is a huge asset for me.
What projects are you working on now?
SO MUCH! I have a feature film, Jezebel currently in post-production. We were invited to the Tribeca Film Festival's Work In Progress program in 2018, and we'll continue our festival run in 2019 when the film is complete.
I just released my web series PLATONIC. I directed all seven episodes and have gotten some incredible responses. The show can be found on YouTube and Instagram (@PlatonicTheSeries).
I am also currently writing a new screenplay. It will be my feature film directorial debut.
In front of the camera, I can be seen on Netflix, HBO, Buzzfeed and so many more upcoming projects! There’s so many amazing things in the works and I can't wait to share them! I'm blessed.
What is your dream project? Or dream collaboration?
I would really love to work with Issa Rae's team. Issa and I have a similar journey, working in web series and using that to open bigger doors. I was given a cameo on INSECURE Season 2 and it was amazing working with that team. I would LOVE to direct an episode of the show.
Being the multi-hyphenate I would love to direct a Lena Waithe project. I feel like Lena and I are maybe a degree of separation from each other, although we've never met. I know her vibe would so match with mine. We would make something dope. But I would also kill to play a role in a Lena project. Her writing is so rich, down to earth and honest. I would love to put that on its feet.
List three (3) accomplishments you are most proud of
- Producing my first feature film.
- Graduating from Fordham University.
- Being someone my mom is proud of.
Who is your favorite character from a movie?
Darius Lovehall from Love Jones, hands down. That film speaks to me on a spiritual level. Let's just say I'm looking for my Darius, lol. So dreamy.
Who is your favorite filmmaker/writer/director/producer/editor, etc?
That’s a hard one. Different creators speak to different parts of my artistry. However, I am very inspired by Woody Allen. He has a theatrical tone to his films that I love. I’ve studied the shots in Manhattan and the way he shoots New York, is stunning. I always try to imagine what Woody Allen’s work would look like if we had more people of color in the mix.
Who do you admire and why? (this can be someone you know or a public figure)
There’s been a lot people who’ve fought to be themselves, especially in film. There are so many black women whose names we’ll never know- actors, directors, writers. I admire them. It’s because of them that we are finally getting a seat at the table.
What do you feel is the biggest hurdle for women and POC in the film industry?
Access. POC have always been here and we've always been talented. It's getting in the room that's been hard. We are seeing an expansion of production companies run by POC and it's very exciting. The more we take the position as the Boss, the more we can tear down the hurdles that have been blocking us for so long.
There has never been a lack of talent in our communities, there's been a lack of opportunity.
Did you know in 2016 women made up only 7% of all directors working on the 250 top grossing films?
That's wack! I believe women are the storytellers of society. We are natural leaders. We're changing that! It's our time
Did you know in 2016 women made up only 7% of all directors working on the 250 top grossing films?
That's wack. I believe women are the storytellers of society. We are natural leaders. We're changing that! It's our time!
Do you know women who aspire to be film directors?
I do! I'm blessed to be around some extremely talented women. Women who inspire me everyday. I made that a goal when I moved to LA. Find the black women in film. Support them and be inspired by them. I would not be where I am today if it were not for black women and women in general. There's a change happening and I feel like I have a front row seat.
What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self? What is one wish you have for your future self?
Younger self: There isn't one way to do anything. Stop comparing your process to other people. You will fail if you're trying to be him or her. You will never fail if you’re working to be your authentic self. Stay focused on you and don't be afraid to go off script.
Future self: Don't forget right now. Don't forget how much you've grown and don't forget the pain. Make a point to help young artists when you're "established." Make sure to help bring other people up, the same way people helped bring you up.
What's your favorite makeup item?
Liquid liner!
Anything we forgot to ask about that you want to share?
This art life is hard, and for me it’s all about finding the little things that make you happy. Go for a bike ride, eat ice cream, dance for no reason. The whole point is to have fun. So just do that, everything else will fall into place. Or at least, that’s what I’m banking on…
Which is the Lie?
I speak three languages.
- Tags: BEAUTY, Character Study, Film/Art, Life
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