EPISODE · Jul 24, 2025 · 30 MIN
Purpose, Power and Pure Vision: Award Winning Filmmaker, Natalie Jasmine Harris
from Prepare For Takeoff · host Terry L. Cyrus
Natalie Jasmine Harris—an award-winning filmmaker and graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts—joins host Terry L. Cyrus in this episode of Prepare for Takeoff to share her remarkable journey from Maryland to the international film stage. She reflects on the success of her NYU thesis film PURE, which received the Directors Guild of America’s Student Film Award and was acquired by HBO Max and discusses its ongoing evolution into her debut feature. Natalie talks about her latest short film GRACE, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and went on to screen at major festivals including Palm Springs and BlackStar, earning a Vimeo Staff Pick and a home on The Criterion Channel.In addition to her narrative and documentary work, including BEN IN BLOOM, created in partnership with the It Gets Better Foundation and her record-breaking episode of YouTube and Breakwater Studios' FLOWERS, Natalie has made a strong entrance into commercial directing. She directed impactful campaigns for Hyundai and Verizon, seamlessly blending her cinematic eye with powerful brand storytelling. Now serving as Commercial Content Director at Outspoken Media Group, Natalie is expanding her creative reach, bringing her signature authenticity and vision to branded content and community-driven campaigns.Throughout the episode, she offers meaningful insights for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the power of storytelling rooted in purpose, community and identity. Her journey is a masterclass in staying true to your vision—this is Prepare for Takeoff.Chapters 00:44 - Growing Up in Maryland: A Utopian Experience02:46 - Finding My Voice: The Impact of Boarding School04:01 - The Journey to Filmmaking: From Interest to Career06:11 - Navigating Post-Graduation Challenges09:23 - The Success of 'Pure': A Breakthrough Moment12:16 - Creating 'Grace': A New Chapter in Filmmaking14:04 - Transitioning to Commercial Work: Balancing Passion and Pay16:43 - The Importance of Community and Mentorship21:31 - Key Takeaways for Aspiring Filmmakers29:47 - Prepare For Takeoff ClosingStart recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP to get started.The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj.
What this episode covers
Natalie Jasmine Harris—an award-winning filmmaker and graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts—joins host Terry L. Cyrus in this episode of Prepare for Takeoff to share her remarkable journey from Maryland to the international film stage. She reflects on the success of her NYU thesis film PURE, which received the Directors Guild of America’s Student Film Award and was acquired by HBO Max and discusses its ongoing evolution into her debut feature. Natalie talks about her latest short film GRACE, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and went on to screen at major festivals including Palm Springs and BlackStar, earning a Vimeo Staff Pick and a home on The Criterion Channel.In addition to her narrative and documentary work, including BEN IN BLOOM, created in partnership with the It Gets Better Foundation and her record-breaking episode of YouTube and Breakwater Studios' FLOWERS, Natalie has made a strong entrance into commercial directing. She directed impactful campaigns for Hyundai and Verizon, seamlessly blending her cinematic eye with powerful brand storytelling. Now serving as Commercial Content Director at Outspoken Media Group, Natalie is expanding her creative reach, bringing her signature authenticity and vision to branded content and community-driven campaigns.Throughout the episode, she offers meaningful insights for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the power of storytelling rooted in purpose, community and identity. Her journey is a masterclass in staying true to your vision—this is Prepare for Takeoff.Chapters 00:44 - Growing Up in Maryland: A Utopian Experience02:46 - Finding My Voice: The Impact of Boarding School04:01 - The Journey to Filmmaking: From Interest to Career06:11 - Navigating Post-Graduation Challenges09:23 - The Success of 'Pure': A Breakthrough Moment12:16 - Creating 'Grace': A New Chapter in Filmmaking14:04 - Transitioning to Commercial Work: Balancing Passion and Pay16:43 - The Importance of Community and Mentorship21:31 - Key Takeaways for Aspiring Filmmakers29:47 - Prepare For Takeoff ClosingStart recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP to get started.The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj.
NOW PLAYING
Purpose, Power and Pure Vision: Award Winning Filmmaker, Natalie Jasmine Harris
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.