Meet Audrey Roloff | Filmmaker & Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Audrey Roloff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Audrey, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
When I create something, inspiration is always present. Trying to create something without it feels forced and unauthentic. Inspiration surrounds me on a daily basis, especially living in New York. When it comes down to the core of what drives my art, I lean into my emotions, spirituality and environment. Anything that I create has to be personal to me, a topic that energizes my soul. It could be derived from a past experience I had, then expanded into a broader story that other people can relate to. Or, it can support an art form that I specialize in, and turn into an experience where the audience is engulfed in a physical installation. It’s important that my art lets people take a break from their reality, and step into a new world where they can absorb the visuals around them and simply be present.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a filmmaker with a focus in projection mapping and installation work. My background is in journalism and filmmaking, however, as I develop my artistry, it has shifted to avant-garde installations, and projection mapping for fashion shows and concerts.

I am most proud of the fashion show I put on for the streetwear brand Virginia Avenue in 2022. This was an influential project in my career because it combined all of my interests and strengths together: fashion, film, producing, editing and directing. I worked alongside the designer, Andrew Whitaker, from ideation to the final show, directing a cast and crew of over 30 people and filming, editing and projection mapping my art in the venue as part of the show. The whole process was exceptionally exciting because of how effortlessly it came together. All of the work flowed to create a masterpiece. It showed me what I am capable of, and opened doors for future opportunities.

When I first moved to New York, I didn’t have a job lined up and started out as a Production Assistant for various tv shows, movies and concerts. I loved the excitement of being on set, but had a hard time adjusting to the instability and lifestyle of production. That made me shift into post-production working as a video editor. I currently work for an established magazine company and get to edit content for brands such as InStyle, People, Byrdie, Better Homes and Gardens, and more. This job is a great fit because it plays into my strengths, gives me stability and allows me to be creative every day.

Moving to a big city like New York increases the difficulty of landing a job, especially in the film industry. Nevertheless, it has taught me grit, determination and how important it is to connect with people during every opportunity. Eventually, your hard work will pay off and doors beyond your wildest dreams will open.

In my independent art career, I am here to bring innovative ideas and stories to life, sparking positive emotions and inspiration in my viewers. I believe that every human is innately creative and a visionary within their own life. I want my art to remind people of the power they hold within themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
New York is full of places to experience, but my favorite spots would be Central Park, the MET, strolling around in Brooklyn to various coffee shops, restaurants and thrift stores, and dancing at all the gay bars.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Some of my most influential teachers have been:

1. Joe Wittman, my high school Broadcast Journalism teacher, who taught me the foundation of editing, interviewing and filming

2. Stacey Woelfel, my Documentary Journalism professor in college, who taught me excellent leadership and communication skills

3. Katina Bitsicas, my Video Art 2 professor in college, who taught me projection mapping and changed the course of my career

4. Lynda Kraxberger, the Associate Dean of the Journalism school at my college, who gave me opportunities to expand my portfolio and enhance my leadership skills

5. Sarah Hill, my boss at Healium, a virtual reality company, who gave me a safe environment to grow in and creative freedom in my projects

6. My mentors Lindsey Miller and Meg Vatterott, who have been there for me during my transition to New York and have given me invaluable career advice

7. My family who has always supported my art career and believed in me

Website: https://www.audreyroloffmedia.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyroloff