Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Bryant.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I hold a B.A, M.S in Psychology with a specialty in Forensics. I attended Spelman College at the age of 16 and became the youngest to attend Spelman at that age with a full-ride community service scholarship in Atlanta Georgia in 2007 and went on to pursue my master’s and graduate studies in 2013 at Prairie View A&M University. Then in my second year in graduate school at Prairie View, I decided to pursue my acting career. I was under the direction and instruction of Suzanne Jennings and Dr.Cristal Truscott. Since then I have been in over ten plays, eight short films, commercials and the award-winning feature film, Beyond the Vows. I am a screenwriter, producer and director. In 2016 I created the award-winning web series My Brothers Keepher which has been awarded and selected in four film festivals and ranked one of the top tier projects in Film Freeway. I also wrote and produced the short film, Coming Home, which was a finalist in the REVOLT TV “Short & Fresh” Hip Hop Halloween Contest. In 2018, I created CourtSideView Productions a multimedia production company that helps artists, creatives, and content creators like myself develop compelling stories for the world to see with a specialization in short films, tv/web-series, and other visual arts. Courtney loves and lives for exploring life through the eyes of her characters.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been the smoothest. I have definitely faced many struggles including suffering from depression, anxiety, and unfortunately suicide. I’ve faced a lot of mental health struggles. I have also been able to combat financial struggles and hardships along the way. My parents were definitely not the wealthiest. I’m the first to ever graduate let alone attend college in my family. So I”ve had a lot of family struggles including being the breadwinner and caretaker in my family. My mom suffered a stroke in 2019 and that set me back emotionally, mentally, and financially. It’s also been hard to truly break off into the entertainment industry and really making a name for myself as an African American actress.
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 a screenwriter, producer, and director. I currently write films and produce them and submit for tv network distribution. I’m also an actress. Over the years to help sustain my dreams I have held a number of jobs. People typically say I am a truly a ‘Jack of all Trades” Some of the jobs I’ve had are a grocery store photographer, real estate sales assistant, extension agent, case manager, a private investigator, phone sex operator, home health care attendant, I’ve owned halfway houses, self-love coach, website designer, business coach, a notary, e-commerce brand owner, I’m also a truck and transportation driver and dispatcher. You name it I’ve done it. I’ve always wanted to be free and free to make my own rules. I will usually try anything once especially when it comes to money. My father was a serial entrepreneur and I truly believe he instilled that in me. I’ve wanted to show and teach people they can do this for themselves. When people come to me they know I am going to make it happen. No idea is too big or too small. I’m definitely the Queen of Hustles.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think my whole life is a risk. But the risks that I’ve taken have landed me in some of the best spots. It was risk going to college at 16 and graduating as a junior from high school but I did it and graduated. I took a risk neglecting my second-year graduate studies to become an actress but I’ve never been more fulfilled.
I take a risk every time I invest in a new side hustle but I’ve learned so much about business and myself.
I took a risk starting my production company but I’ve been able to produce quality content and showcase the work of some of the most brilliant artists, and work with some iconic people in the entertainment industry.
So I’ll take a risk anyday.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtsideviewproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtsideviewproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.thomaz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCai9dIyjhyYZZQd1LSqPeYQ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@courtsideviewed
Image Credits:
– Chastity Smith
