The Pitch
Storyteller. Cat Whisperer. Fighting Girl.
I’m a lifelong learner passionate about family, travel, (cats), and telling stories with heart. “Conventional” has never described my education. I left traditional schooling at 1st grade and never looked back. Homeschooling gave me the incredible opportunity to take charge of my education. I explored my community, worked with mentors, learned entrepreneurship and life skills, and pursued interests in piano, ballet, antiques, history, and photography (read more about my homeschooling journey here). In May 2020 I graduated Summa Cum Laude from NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Film and TV and a minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Most recently I was a COVID Production Assistant on the Netflix feature film "Don't Look Up." I've interned at NBCUniversal, PUMA, the Andrew Wilson Agency, the Boston International Kids Film Festival, and the indie distributor Screen Media Films. I spent a semester in London traveling around Europe and attending a directing program through the National Film & Television School. Currently, I'm working on pre-production of my thesis film OUT OF EDEN, which was delayed due to COVID-19. I am also the founder of REELS BY AUDREY, creating theatrical and commercial demo reels for actors. |
The Story
Before I was born, my brother Sam wished for a baby boy named Batman. Then came the ultrasound news. Sam’s disappointment lasted a moment before he exclaimed, “well maybe she’ll be a fighting girl!”
His response became part of our family lore. Under Sam’s tutelage, I grew well-versed in Lord of the Rings and all things Marvel. We wrestled, choreographed sword fights with wiffle-ball bats, and held Harry Potter wand duels. Sam’s prediction came true: I am a “fighting girl.” But now, I realize, this means so much more.
As a kid, I never thought of myself as a leader. The leaders I saw around me were loud and confident, powerful and charismatic. I was a listener, observer, and thinker.
But having a dream can change everything. At age 14, I co-founded the organization Fountain of Youth Productions with the mission of producing quality films created by kids, and providing opportunities for youth involvement in movie-making. Before long I was creating a website, networking with film professionals, recruiting kids, and planning events.
On the set of FYP’s first short film, COUNTDOWN, I was bombarded with questions to answer, problems to solve, and tasks to complete. I came to understand the responsibility involved with leadership. I realized that the same traits I had disqualified before were really my greatest assets. I didn’t need to yell to be heard. I knew how to really listen to my team. My confidence in them inspired their confidence in me. In the process of becoming a filmmaker, I had become a leader.
From there, I went on to produce and direct another film for FYP, DRAWING INSPIRATION, and head-started an online summer screenwriting program for kids across the U.S. The program culminated in a youth script contest sponsored by Final Draft. It was a proud moment to award 3 prizes and 4 honorable mentions to screenwriters as young as 8 years old.
In 2016, the short film I produced, wrote, and directed, CAMPING TRIP, screened at 14 film festivals nationwide and won a national gold medal at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Carnegie Hall. In 2017, the audio drama I wrote and produced at NYU, MIRACLE ON 14TH STREET, won the Tony Hawkins Award for Best Adaptation. And, in May 2020, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
Over the past few years, “Fighting Girl” has evolved from funny story to personality trait, and now, to life motto. I’ve realized that success takes more than passion and hard work— it takes perseverance, learning from mistakes, and having the courage to put yourself out there again and again despite the obstacles.
Graduating into a pandemic has been humbling. It's easy to feel powerless in the face of these setbacks. I have to work extra hard to summon my resilient spirit. I close my eyes and picture the girl who skinned both knees but put on a brave face for her friend. The girl who swallowed her fear and spoke in front of one hundred guests. The girl who failed her ballet exam but went back to class the next day to work harder. The girl who started an organization despite being told she was too young. The girl who got back up. The girl who persevered. The fighting girl.
In 2016, the short film I produced, wrote, and directed, CAMPING TRIP, screened at 14 film festivals nationwide and won a national gold medal at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Carnegie Hall. In 2017, the audio drama I wrote and produced at NYU, MIRACLE ON 14TH STREET, won the Tony Hawkins Award for Best Adaptation. And, in May 2020, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
Over the past few years, “Fighting Girl” has evolved from funny story to personality trait, and now, to life motto. I’ve realized that success takes more than passion and hard work— it takes perseverance, learning from mistakes, and having the courage to put yourself out there again and again despite the obstacles.
Graduating into a pandemic has been humbling. It's easy to feel powerless in the face of these setbacks. I have to work extra hard to summon my resilient spirit. I close my eyes and picture the girl who skinned both knees but put on a brave face for her friend. The girl who swallowed her fear and spoke in front of one hundred guests. The girl who failed her ballet exam but went back to class the next day to work harder. The girl who started an organization despite being told she was too young. The girl who got back up. The girl who persevered. The fighting girl.