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

Hi Cindy, how do you think about risk?
I look at risk as a necessary element in attaining pride in your success. I had early opportunities to take on job positions with comfortable salaries and financial stability, but that could never satisfy me. I’ve never been the type to settle in comfort. I love to gamble, and stand by the “the bigger the risk, the greater the reward” mentality. I chose the film industry at a young age and knew it wouldn’t be a cake walk, but with determination, persistence, and a ton of resilience,  I’m doing what I love and I’m my own boss. I make movies for a living, the movies I want to make. I’m living my childhood dream. It’s pretty remarkable.

What should our readers know about your business?

Bringing artists visions to life is what I do. I’m partner in an independent production company. We make movies for a living. Certainly a dream come true for a small town girl from Pittsburgh.  My day to day consists of reading screenplays, casting, raising finance, and  working closely with the filmmakers on the creative development of their picture.  I’ve spent most of my life watching and obsessing over movies, so to work in the world of film doesn’t feel like a job because I love what I do. My ability to communicate with and gain the respect and trust from my filmmakers sets me apart from other producers. I started in this industry as an actor, so I’m able to understand and empathize with artists who put every ounce of themselves into their art and fight for them, fight for what they feel services the film and not everyone else’s bank account. It’s not just a business to me, if I was in it for the money, trust me – I would have taken another path, maybe something a little less uncertain. I’m in it to make movies I’m proud of, and to support artists who have stories that need to be told. How did I get here? I have some talented friends — they trusted me to find a good home for their projects and with each call made, I secured relationships and it’s become a domino effect since. Was it easy? NO. Do I have any regrets? NO. I’ve had to overcome numerous challenges throughout my career. Balancing parenthood while maintaining a full time job was the biggest. Wanting to be on location filming around the world, while also knowing that my daughter needs her mom now more than ever, can cause conflict in my head. I admire any person who has it figured out, and if you do, be sure to send instructions in full detail because i’m still working on it.  Just over here, doing my best!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My friend Alexa came into town for a visit from our lovely hometown of Pittsburgh a while back, and I think we did it right. Drinks at Edendale and Bar Calo in Silverlake (I’m an east side gal). Beach time and live music in Venice. Margaritas at El Compadre in Echo Park courtesy of Mario. Day trip to Santa Barbara. Whale watching in Long Beach. Finish it off with a hike through the San Bernardino Mountains to the deep creek hot springs where we eventually lost our way while heading back to our car after dark (we were warned). We ran out of food and water, phones were at around 2 %, coyote and rattlesnake sounds surrounding us, and eventually the local PD sending a search party and rescue helicopter out for us. I’m a great host. Please visit me any time friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My motivation, my inspiration, my daughter Olivia.

Instagram: @cindybru

Image Credits
Tyler Hollingsworth

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