Who am I?
My name is Tatiana Coleman, and I am a filmmaker and writer based in Los Angeles. I am a recent graduate from William & Mary with a B.A. in Film & Media Studies with a minor in Creative Writing. Over the past few years, I have directed, written, and edited several short films that have screened at the Ampersand International Arts Festival, the Virginia Student Film Festival, and the Amor Film Festival. I am the winner of the Scammon Prize for Drama for my short film script, “Forever A Never,” and a recipient of the Film & Media Studies Award for “Creativity & Innovation”.
My creative work often explores identity with a non-linear story structure. In addition to my narrative projects, I have had internships and roles that taught me the ins and outs of production, from pre-production planning to camera operation and post. I interned as a Video Production Intern at the Illinois Farm Bureau and for my university’s video team, where I produced promotional content. I was also a recipient of the Louis E. Catron Grant for Artistic Development at my university in order to complete a 4-week filmmaking program at the New York Film Academy, where I wrote and directed three short films and crewed on several others
Fun Fact: If you give me the chance, I will nerd out about horror/psychological films and Star Wars.
My Passion
I come from a background where access to film was limited, so I have made it my mission to create opportunities for myself and others. Whether it is running a club, directing on tight deadlines, or mentoring peers, I lead with passion and a desire to build community through storytelling. I believe film is how we make sense of ourselves and the world around us. It is connection, proof, and I am committed to continuing that work—on set, behind the camera, and in every story I choose to tell.
My passion for filmmaking started when I was young, making short, funny skit videos with my brothers. I learned how there were different ways to watch and experience films; one of them was the question of 'how' films are made. I started to make short videos, and in high school, I became more intrigued with the entertainment industry. All of my experiences - from studying abroad in Scotland to spending a summer in Illinois - have been so that I can tell stories from all types of perspectives. When we live in these spaces, connect with people on a personal level, we understand in a way that transcends something you may read or see on a screen. As long as we let ourselves remain open and honest, stories are endless.