Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Rose Lee.
Hi Briana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started working in professional theater as a child, and my love of entertaining has only grown. I got involved both on stage and off stage all through middle and high school and majored in theatre arts in college. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, I switched to film production and have worked on feature films, short films, commercials, industrials, live recordings, comedy shows and more. I joined IATSE Local 490 as a production coordinator and I am an active member at meetings. My favorite projects to work on are independent horror films, I love the creativity that goes into them and the special effects art is always a lot of fun. I joined AEA during the pandemic which opened more doors for me and after a several years long break from the stage, I will be working on a musical again at the top of the new year. I also work year round at the Twin Cities Film Fest helping with events and red carpet interviews and whatever else needs to be done. I consider myself extremely lucky that I have been able to make a living doing what I love, working in entertainment, and I am proud that I never gave up and took an easier (and more stable) path. I find my work very fulfilling and I am always looking for the next project to collaborate on.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing about working in the arts is easy. We don’t get benefits or insurance. We don’t work regular hours or days of the week. We are freelancers. The biggest struggles I have had have nothing to do with the actual job. I am extremely skilled and passionate and good at what I do. My biggest struggle is health care. And retirement. Basically, if this country had universal health care like just about every other country in the world, I would be able to continue doing what I love without the stress. We lose a lot of really talented artists because they need healthcare for prescriptions. They want to have a family and realize they can’t have a child and no retirement or healthcare plan. It’s ghastly that our country (the “richest” in the world) doesn’t support small businesses, entrepreneurs and freelancers and artists.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an entertainment swiss army knife. I work professionally as a production coordinator and producer (film), stage manager (theatre), actress, tour manager and social media manager. If someone has production needs, I am the person to ask. If the job is a little non-traditional, I am the girl for the job, I love trying new things. I am creative, self-motivated, and extremely knowledgeable in how to run a safe and efficient set. What sets me apart is my attitude, I never stop enjoying what I do and I bring that joy to every set and my sunshine permeates the rest of the crew.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I would consider myself a risk taker. The easy road has never appealed to me in the sense of having a steady 9-5. I like being my own boss and taking on projects that I want to do. If something is interesting to me, I do it, if it doesn’t interest me, I don’t. Saying “no” to jobs is a risk, you don’t know if they will ever call again, and you don’t want to burn bridges, but I have realized that being honest to myself about what I want to work on, has given me the freedom to continue loving what I do without being burned out. I think the bigger risk is living a life not true to myself.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.brianaroselee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briana_rose_lee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briana.rose.lee/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianaRoseLee
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5324955/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Image Credits
headshot with yellow jacket, John Wagner photography
