Meet Bethanie Ackerman | Producer

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

Hi Bethanie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk and taking risks is the biggest part of success and figuring out who you are. If risks aren’t taken, you can’t figure out where you truly should be and what you truly should be doing.
When I was 16, I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker. At what capacity, at the time, I didn’t know. But now, after taking that risk and moving away from home and moving out to Los Angeles, (the place where I feel the most at home), I’ve found that I love producing.
I think that if you don’t take risks and don’t step outside of your comfort zone, you’re really only harming yourself. You could end up living a life of ‘what ifs’ instead of ‘look at what I achieved because…’.
The greatest thing for me thus far has been proving to myself that taking that risk and moving outside of my comfort zone truly was the best choice I’ve ever made.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I mainly do work as a Film Producer now. And in all honesty, I never thought I would be! I came out to LA with the intention of becoming a Film Director, but when I got my hands in the Producing world, I fell in love. I really can’t imagine myself doing anything else. Producing for me isn’t working at a job, but instead a passion that I am lucky enough to get to do every day.
Nothing is ever really easy. Being a Female Filmmaker in Los Angeles absolutely has its challenges. But, I got lucky enough that Producing seemed to come easy, and I had a natural drive towards it. I’ve learned that because nothing is ever easy, that just means that it’s going to take a little bit of extra push sometimes to get where I want to go, and that’s okay.
I mainly like to work in the Horror industry, as that’s my favorite genre! I’m very proud and excited that I work in an industry that allows me to work behind the scenes of my favorite genre and work along like-minded individuals that help push my creativity and keep the passion alive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first, I’m absolutely taking them to Barney’s Beanery. It’s a great spot for lunch, dinner, karaoke, drinks, etc! Definitely a favorite restaurant I always love taking people to if they’ve never been.
Then, I’m a huge outdoors person, I love the sun. So, then I’d probably see if we could have a day to just hang out at the beach together and relax.
Another thing I would do with them is take them to Cold Stone Creamery. I know that that’s not a California exclusive ice cream place, but it’s my favorite and if they’ve never had it, then I’ve gotta show them!

Another great place thats more of a local hang out is the Ugly Mug in Burbank, I’d absolutely take them there. It’s a great little coffee shop with a great atmosphere, a wonderful outside seating area, and is so calming. The workers there are always super friendly too! (And, if you’re like me and like a sweet drink, I recommend the Vanilla Horchata drink).

Something to do in the evenings, would be seeing the Griffith Observatory at night. Looking out over the city at night, with all the lights on, the stars out, it’s absolutely magical, and truly breathtaking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Two people, actually. My twin sister, Brooke Ackerman, and my partner, Sam Shipe. They’ve been my number one supporters and the two people I can count on every single day. When others asked me “are you sure this is for you?” or “but what if it doesn’t go as planned?”, Sam and Brooke were always instead saying “but what if it DOES work out? What if it’s the greatest choice you ever make?”
I can honestly say if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be half of the person I am today, both mentally and creatively. They push me every day to continue to create, to continue to be myself, and to continue to do what I know I was meant to.

Website: https://imdb.me/bethanieackerman

Instagram: @BethanieAckerman

Image Credits
Quinn Vasileva