Meet Connie Jo Sechrist | Multi-Hyphenate Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Connie Jo Sechrist and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Connie Jo, what are you inspired by?
As a filmmaker, I’m deeply inspired by the power of storytelling to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and connect people. My journey began unexpectedly, and throughout the years, I’ve learned that persistence and passion are key to thriving in an industry filled with challenges. What drives me is not just the art itself, but the ability to communicate important social issues like mental health. I find immense fulfillment in creating stories that make a difference in people’s lives and in mentoring the next generation of filmmakers.

At the heart of my inspiration is a desire to make a meaningful impact. Each film I work on is a new opportunity to engage, inspire, and push boundaries, all while building connections with others who share the same passion for creative expression. Through this lens, filmmaking becomes not only a personal journey of growth but also a means to contribute positively to the world.

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.
Getting to where I am today professionally was far from easy. It has taken years of dedication, hard work, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the film industry. I started by building a foundation in business and marketing, which helped me develop a strong sense of organization, planning, and communication that I think sets me apart from others. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I transitioned from acting to producing, and now, I’m venturing into writing and directing.

The setbacks and obstacles I’ve faced have shaped me into a stronger, more resourceful artist, and I’m grateful for the experiences that have brought me here today. I’m excited about the opportunities for growth and new creative challenges on the horizon particularly as I embark on writing and directing for the first time. My debut short film, “Echoes in the Dark,” is currently making its rounds in the film festival circuit, and I’m excited to tackle the next exciting project where I’ll be directing and producing a sci-fi feature in collaboration with Scott Seagren.



I believe in the transformative power of creativity and collaboration to bring compelling stories to life, and I am committed to making a significant impact through my work, reflecting my vision and dedication to the craft.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting I would take them to a delicious breakfast at Harvest Moon for some of the best French toast in town. Explore the Griffith Observatory and enjoy the views of the city. Grab a casual lunch at the Santa Monica Pier. Stroll through The Last Bookstore. Enjoy cocktails and the view at The Rooftop at The Hollywood Roosevelt and spend some time in Los Feliz Village.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I owe much of who I am today to the unwavering love and support of my family and friends. Having supportive people in my life is a priority for me as it has played an important role in my personal growth.

Special shoutout to my incredible film family, friends, and collaborators who have uplifted, supported, and inspired me throughout my career. In no particular order: Chris Edgette, Cameo Wood, Dina Prioste, Dr. Gary Smagalski, Sean McCarthy, Rosie Ferdin Cruz, Tony Alfaro, Ashley St. Cin, Amanda Wolgemuth, Jared Newman, Maura Mannle, Jose Castro, Christopher Denise, Sujoy Sarkar, Evan Weidenkeller, Sarah Simka Jaffe, Scott Norcross, Ben Thatcher, Roth Rind, Gavin V. Murray, Dave Moutray, Kersti Bryan, Jeremy Mazzulla, Angel Onchanthorn, Austin Smagalski, Vijay Vanniarajan, Liz Anderson, Rich Wolgemuth, Sean St. Cin, Cortney Wright, Darren Joe, Kimberly Ann Rose, Chris Lambert, and Scott Seagren.

Website: https://www.conniejosechrist.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-jo-sechrist-77322938

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConnieJSechrist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnieJoSechrist

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2495675/