Photography by the famous Andras Schram.
DARK WOODS (Alberta)
Director/Writer: Berkley Brady
Producers: Michael Peterson (Peterson Polaris Corp), Berkeley Brady (NikaProductions)
Band, Director, Editor, Writer, Producer, Production Design, Camera Operator, Lighting, Voice Over
I'm a Métis artist who's been working in film since winning an award for new producing talent from Telefilm in 2006. After working for several production companies in Canada, I went to the U.S. and got my MFA in film from Columbia University in NY, NY. While there, I was also a reader for Likely Story (Synecdoche, New York; The Ice Storm; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and Cooper’s Town (Capote). A short I produced, The Immaculate Reception, premiered at Sundance Film Festival. Since then, I've directed music videos, shorts and am currently writing two episodes, on Louis Riel and Peter Erasmus, for APTN's new show, "The Secret History of the Wild West which has been received very well. - Storyhive
What was your dream as a kid growing up?
To feel free. And to one day be an old lady who lived in a cottage and made potions and friends with animals.
What are the titles you want to be known by?
She/her; Filmmaker; artist.
Tell us the story of when you first took steps to start your dreams and career. How did it happen?
Choosing to study creative writing in University was a big leap and commitment to choose the art life over one with more security, though I lost my love of writing in the program (U of Vic). Through that I met the poet and dancer Erin Robinsong, and we became friends and roommates. She helped me see myself as an artist and is still a huge inspiration to me. From there, meeting other friends who were making it as artists and filmmakers gave me the gumption to apply to Columbia, which was a huge commitment to learning the craft of film making.
How has COVID effect your business and career?
Some aspects of work slowed down, especially in production, but I was lucky in that I was in a period of developing projects and writing, which is a fairly solitary process. COVID restrictions freed me from FOMO so I could buckle down like a hermit, guilt-free.
Where are you at now with your passion, dreams and life?
I'm proud of what I've accomplished and also burned out. Shooting a feature on locations in the mountains is no joke. I'm taking this time to regenerate and fill my creative cup, cook, spend time with my dog and grow a baby.
WATCH BERKLEY'S REEL
How many times have you gone for your dream and had to take a break, went full into it and then started something continuous or new?
Too many to count. All my artistic work and dreaming seems centered around narrative of some sort, so I keep coming back to storytelling through paints, photos, words and film.
Share an encouraging quote from you to the imherewithmag.com fans about achieving your dreams.
It's been said by different people in different ways, but there's truth and power in the idea that when you commit to something, really really commit, then everything conspires to help you achieve it.