Meet Courtney Bryant | Screenwriter/Film Director/Actress

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

Hi Courtney, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to pursue an artistic/creative career because I felt called to express myself. I really felt trapped at one point. Trapped by societal and familial pressures. Pursuing my dreams of acting and screenwriting has taught me so much about myself and the lengths and sacrifices I’m willing to make to succeed. I found that in other professions although they were great choices at the time financially, I was giving more of myself to others. Giving back is good but pursuing a creative career taught me to give to myself first.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m Courtney Bryant, a screenwriter, producer, film director, and actress. I started my production company, CourtsideView Productions in 2018 after obtaining a Bachelor and Masters in Psychology. Then in 2014 decided to pursue acting and a career in the film craft. Since then I have been in over 20 productions and placed and won 4 film festivals for my own works, My Brother’s Keepher, a tv sitcom, and an award-winning short fiilm Coming Home. Since then I have continued o create compelling and innovative stories that I hope and believe are true to myself, my values, and ultimately my culture. I believe what truly sets my brand apart is that it comes from a genuine place of healing and community or at least that’s always been my goal. Ive faced countless of challenges in building a production company from lack of funding to personal losses, even challenges to my mental health. Nevertheless, these have all taught me that giving up is not an option. I’ve learned that you have to trust yourself and that no idea is a bad idea. The worst idea is the one that stays in your head and that you never take action on. Because of the many challenges I’ve faced, I live for turning my broken heart into art and telling the stories of those who feel unheard and unseen.

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.
Houston will always be home to me because its one of the most diverse cities in America. It’s known for its ever growing population filled, southern charm, and food you can’t live without. I would say hands down I would take my friend to Mickey’s, she is and always be to me the Queen of Soul Food. _The POST Houston
-Taco Trucks (El gato)
-Warwick
-Thirteen
-Bloom and Bee
-Galleria Food Truck Park
-Turkey Leg Hut
-Rooftop Cinema
-Farmers Market
-Prospect Park (Galleria)
-Cafe Mawal
-Toulouse brunch

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?
Jerrell Terrell-Grossed over six figures ads a new year trucking business in the expedited industry. Verroni Leday-New African American country/hip hop artists

Website: www.courtsideviewproductions.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.thomaz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@courtsideviewproductions4103

Image Credits
-Chastity Smith