Episode 11: Wynonna Earp Fame, Feature Film Director & Mom Of Two (with Kat Barrell)

In this powerful conversation with Kat Barrell we talk all about her journey as a creative and her path as a lifelong storyteller from theatre school to producing and directing indie shorts, to starring in network television, to writing and directing features.

Kat and Kat also get vulnerable about the demands and unique challenges of motherhood for creative professionals and the importance of balance and self-advocacy in the industry. This episode is a so inspiring and is packed with so many incredibly important takeaways!

Katherine (Kat) Barrell has shot over 100 episodes of scripted television and 15 feature films (leading 9 of them and directing two). She is best known for her series regular roles as Officer Nicole Haught in WYNONNA EARP (NBC, SYFY), Alicia Rutherford in WORKIN’ MOMS (NETFLIX) and Joy Harper on GOOD WITCH (HALLMARK). 

 Kat is a graduate of George Brown Classical Theatre School and trained at the Groundlings School of Comedy in Los Angeles as well as attending the UCLA extension program with a focus in television directing. Her feature directorial debut, ‘Flipping for Christmas’, was acquired by The Hallmark Channel and was voted one of the top 10 Christmas Movies of 2023 by House and Home Magazine. She most recently completed her second directorial feature, CLICKBAIT UNFOLLOWED, alongside co-director, Melanie Scrofano, for US streamer, TUBI. The pair also co-wrote the screenplay and co-starred.\

Chapters

00:00
The Creative Journey Begins

04:09
Navigating the Acting Landscape

07:07
The Impact of Mentorship

10:03
From Auditions to Breakthroughs

12:57
Directing: A New Hat

15:47
Personal Stories in Film

19:13
The Importance of Rehearsals

24:10
Transitioning from Actor to Director

28:02
Navigating the Hallmark Film Landscape

30:48
Creating 'The Clickbait Unfollowed'

36:56
The Realities of Social Media in Careers

37:32
Collaborative Strengths in Filmmaking

37:55
Casting Choices and Challenges

39:37
The Importance of Live Auditions

41:40
Directing While Pregnant

44:12
Balancing Motherhood and Creativity

46:57
The Myth of 'Having It All' as a Parent

49:26
Practical Tips for Working Parents

53:21
Living Life to Fuel Creativity

54:33
This One Time: A Cautionary Tale About Safety on Set