We had the good fortune of connecting with Kirsty O’Donnell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kirsty, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up I had an undiagnosed learning difficulty. It wasn’t until I was 17 years old that I was diagnosed with a processing problem and phonological issues. During school, I really struggled. In the subjects I wasn’t failing, I was scrapping a pass. In a school that was full of extremely smart people, I didn’t really fit in and was so embarrassed at my scores.

During that time films and TV shows were my escape. They allowed me to go into a different world for a few hours and forget about my problems. Not only did I enjoy watching them, but I also made my own videos with my friends and family. It was the first time I felt genuinely good at something. After I figured out how my brain worked I went on to study Marketing and Business Law at a top university in Glasgow, Scotland. I graduated with a second-class upper-division joint honours degree and for the first time I felt that I had finally proven that I was smart, I just needed a little help to get there. I never forgot that escape that film and TV shows gave me when I so badly needed it so I decided to move to New York to study Film at the School of Visual Arts. It is my goal to pay it forward and create Films and TV Shows for those who need an escape from their own reality, just as I did.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I currently have two short narrative films in the film festival circuit that I wrote, directed, and produced. I also have a third short documentary film in the film festival circuit that I produced. My work has been shown in over 8 festivals in the past year. I am very proud of all three of these films. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my producing partner, Rianne Pyle. She is an incredible powerhouse who I am so blessed to get to work with. It really does take a village to create a film and Rianne is a huge part of my village.

My scripts are always very personal to me. The storyline might be fictional but the journey that the character goes on tends to be very similar to something I have gone through. I think that is what sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to be vulnerable and share my true feelings and emotions. The emotions always seem to be rawer to me if they come from a real place.

Two of these films were shot during the height of the pandemic in 2020. This was extremely challenging to make the films during this time as covid restrictions were constantly changing. One of my dad’s mentors and a close friend used to say to him ‘If it were easy everyone would be doing it’. This is a mantra that has stuck with me ever since and is something I always live by when times get tough.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favourite place in the city is Domino Park in Williamsburg. It is such a lovely area with great views of Manhattan. Not to mention the great tacos you can get from Tacocina. I also love walking the Williamsburg bridge and S’mac, Grimaldis, Miss Lily’s, Posto, Spot Dessert Bar, International Bar, Hair of the Dog and Iggy’s Keltic Lounge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents. I am incredibly blessed to have such supportive parents who have always done whatever they could to help and support my dreams. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I am so lucky to come from a very close family who will always have each other’s backs.

When I first moved to New York, I hated it. There is no doubt in my mind that I would have left if it wasn’t for my ‘American parents’. My distant cousins who took me under their wing and treated me as their own. I will never be able to thank them enough for what they did for me that first year.

To my parents and my American parents. This shoutout is for you!

Website: https://www.kirstyodonnell.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstyod123/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-odonnell/

Image Credits
Nimran Kang, Millie Moon Poster.

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