Meet Karen Gehres | Film & TV Producer and Documentary Filmmaker

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

Hi Karen, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I think of the risks I’ve taken throughout my life, it’s always been linked to fear and confidence simultaneously. Every time I have pushed through the fear of the unknown, taken the risk into new territory with no safety net, I come out the other side with greater confidence. Usually, the possibility of something better, is the force that steps over the fear. The risk has almost always lead to unimaginable reward. In fact, I wouldn’t have much of a career if I hadn’t stepped out of status quo. Every stepping stone along my career path has required some sort of risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My point A to point B has been an odyssey. I think my strong art foundation has been the constant in all I have done. It has lent itself to every medium. I graduated from Parsons School of Design as a Fine Art Painter. I painted murals, sold my work on the streets of SOHO and whatever I could to pay the rent. But there was always a little voice in my head leading me to the entertainment world. I wanted to learn filmmaking but couldn’t afford to go back to school for that. I was able to secure a two day a week internship at Film/Video Arts where I could take classes for free and get my hands on the equipment.

From that internship sprang a job, then another job, then finally a freelance sound-mixing job and then becoming a Producer. I think every Producer should start out as a member of the crew. It has helped me be a better Producer in countless ways. To understand that every member of the crew plays an important role is crucial and deserves respect.
I continue to challenge myself today as a long-form documentary Producer as well as a red carpet and EPK Producer.

I think my determination and fear of being a failure has been the driving force in my career. I want to be better and never rest on any laurels. I really never feel that I’ve done enough.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
NYC has been a great love of my life. It has been my savior and constant source of joy, energy and multiple cuts and bruises. Therefore, I am quite protective of it. You see, I don’t think of NYC as just a city, it is a living breathing thing. I love it like a person. So, I only like to share my most precious places with those I know will love it too.
It’s not about going to a certain spot like an amusement park attraction. I think anyone visiting needs to just walk the streets, take it in as if you are meeting someone for the first time. Get to know it not superficially but by doing simple things like sitting on a park bench, talking to New Yorkers, grabbing a coffee, ride the train to Coney Island, take the Staten Island Ferry just for the ride itself, and most importantly , walk, walk ,walk. I believe it’s the only way to feel the heartbeat of the greatest city on Earth.

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?
My family have always supported me in all my artistic efforts. My Mom and Dad have been my greatest strength every day of my life. They are the inner cheerleader in my mind when I need to urge myself on. I am lucky to have a husband that encourages me every day to do whatever I need to be happy and fulfilled in my career.

The world of film and television is pretty tough. I have had angels along the way that gave me a chance. That’s the biggest hurdle, to just find those that will give that chance. So the big breaks came when I was called for my first job as a sound-mixer on set, my first red carpet gig as a Producer and my first job as a Segment Producer. These opportunities came from people who took a chance on me and believed I would not fail. I am grateful to them all.

An unexpected supporter was Film Critic Roger Ebert. Out of the blue one day, he contacted me about my documentary. He was so complimentary and generous. He invited me and the film to his own Ebertfest. His stamp of approval of my work came at a time when I needed it most.

Website: http://karengehresnyc.com

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

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

Image Credits
Horizontal portrait by Phil Penman