Meet Courtney Coker | Filmmaker

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

Hi Courtney, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
I think there’s an illusion of arrival in a creative career. I thought there would be a moment in film where I felt like I finally “made it.” Through experience, and the wisdom of the artists I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside, I’ve learned that you never truly reach the end of your expression. Sure, there’s monetary success or critical acclaim, but the best artists are constantly growing, pushing themselves, and thinking of new ways to tell their stories. They’re living life, they’re failing, they’re not relaxing or resting on their laurels. This lesson has reframed the way I think about filmmaking – it’s certainly not a linear career and there is no formula for how it should be done. It’s also helped me survive the dreaded question of: “what’s next?” I no longer think about the next rung on the ladder we’re all desperately trying to climb. I think about what excites me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I absolutely love film. I watch too many movies, read too many scripts, and have a list of too many projects I would love to direct one day. I promise I have other hobbies in life, but film is the medium that makes my brain come alive. I primarily work as a development executive in TV and film, but my dream has always been to direct films. I’ve been lucky enough to make a few short films and music videos and am planning to direct a feature (soon).

I went to a small film school and truly had no idea what I was doing, but had some great internships that helped me eventually get a job at Paramount Pictures. I worked on several films in the years following and learned as much as I could about the entire filmmaking process. The pay was terrible, the hours were long, but the experiences were worth it. I’ve been able to make it through challenges thanks to the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working with. Film crews really are the best family.

Some of the best things I’ve learned in my past 10 years in film:

– There are no small tasks. Do everything with excellence.
– Every single person on a set matters. Don’t take anyone for granted.
– You can lead with kindness. You don’t have to be a tyrant to get results.
– Delegate! Empower everyone to do their job, don’t micromanage them.
– Don’t neglect your personal life. Film jobs can easily become overwhelming but spending time with family and friends is essential.

My goal is to make films that help people understand more of what it means to be human. To ask questions of life and explore the answers. Movies have always been a way for me to process my own emotions – especially ones I can’t articulate – and I want to do that for others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First of all, I would make a list on Google Maps because I’m obsessed with organizing travel recs that way. If we’re doing a big LA tour I would start on the westside and move east. You know, save the best for last.

I’d start in Malibu up at Little Dume beach. Spend a whole day there, maybe hike Solstice Canyon if we’re feeling it. Would go to Endless Color for a pizza dinner.

Next day is Santa Monica / Venice / Culver, starting at goodboybob coffee because it’s incredible. Then a nice walk along The Strand beach path to people watch, ending at the Venice canals. Head to Citizen Public Market in Culver for lunch. Maybe do the Culver stairs if it’s not 1000 degrees out. End the day with a movie at The Culver Theater.

Ok big Beverly Hills, West Hollywood day! Start the day with a really tacky and ironic Starline tour after grabbing a coffee from Maru. Grab a picnic lunch and head to Greystone Mansion to hang out in the gardens and feel British. Go to AWAN for really fantastic ice cream and then have dinner at Night + Market.

Hollywood and Los Feliz, here we come. Get a latte at Sightglass and then start vintage shopping. Stop into Besties Vegan Paradise for a quick lunch and then read a book (that you bought at Skylight Books) on the lawn at Hollyhock House. Dinner at All Time and then a stroll through Griffith Park.

I’m going to list a few more because my best friend is probably exhausted and sick of me by now, but we’d kayak the LA river (I’ve done it, it’s kind of bad but also awesome) and then go to Just What I Kneaded for vegan pastries. There’s a great ridge hike in Glendale, so I’d make them do that. Then we’d chill at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum in Highland Park where they do a sound bath. I also have so many places I love in Pasadena and Long Beach but we simply do not have the time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to do a 2-for-1 special if that’s allowed! I owe so much of my love for film and storytelling to my mom. She’s always encouraged my creativity and was the first person who taught me how to watch movies in a different way. At age nine I was dissecting the themes of the Shawshank Redemption over coffee.

Second shoutout is to Stephanie Ito, my boss in my first real adult job at Paramount Pictures. She’s an absolute legend and taught me how to advocate for myself. She leads by example with her incredible work ethic and never lets a problem go unsolved. She’s truly one of my role models and I owe so much to Steph!

Instagram: courtcoker

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-coker-4695a370/

Image Credits
Jordan Cramer