Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Walter.
Hi Annette, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am Annette Papé Walter and I am the creator of Papé Films. I am a film producer & director aspiring to become a movie director. I can’t remember a time where I didn’t want to be in film, I guess it just was apart of me.I started my business the summer before my senior year by filming some family friends weddings. I since then have expanded into filming any sort of event.As I built up my website I would start to self promote on social media and later when I got to SCAD I would start networking.I was very blessed in that way because unlike most 10 year olds, I knew what I wanted to do. My dad says he wished he could “see the world through my eyes”,and that’s when I noticed that I have a different perspective on life that I wanted to share. I love telling stories and what better way then to bring my stories to life than film. I started making iMovies with my neighbors and then I would go on to encourage my friends and family as I got older to make short films with me, and now I’m just starting to do it professionally.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think imposter syndrome is a big struggle, not just for me but for other artists also. There’s a lot of times where I think that someone else is better than me and it can be challenging when you’re surrounded by other likeminded people. I’m my own worst enemy , but I’ve learned comparing myself to others is not going to change the way I feel about making a film- I’m going to do it anyways because it’s what I love. I also have dyslexia, which at first people see as a disability, but for me it’s the opposite. There’s a stigma around people who are dyslexic, that it’s all about being hard to read, but there’s so much more to it than that. Dyslexia made it hard for me in grade school, but it actually enhances my imagination significantly. My creativity is unlimited.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a filmmaker who focuses in directing and creative producing. I have worked on a Coca-Cola commercial as a BTS Producer and that was one of the first “big breaks” for me in my career. That opportunity opened doors for me and my career to blossom. I also think it’s important to know the actors POV of you want to direct so I do some acting on the side. I just recently wrapped my first feature film as an extra actor in a party scene for a movie that’s coming out this next year. I would say that my short films are my proudest projects, specifically the ones I’ve directed. I really enjoy directing actors and bringing visions to life the way I see them in my head-it’s really satisfying when that happens.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Filmmaking is always a risk. You book based on gigs and so on, so it’s very unpredictable but that’s what makes it exciting. I think it’s worth risking a “stable” career in order to do what you want to do. I love the saying “do it for the plot” because at the end of the day, the risk is what’s going to make a good story!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://papefilms.com/
- Instagram: annettepape_04 & pape_film
- Facebook: annette.walter.762159
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-pap%C3%A9-walter-b515b828b
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@annettepapewalter2004?si=4g6usIxG-JFcwvUY
