Olivia Butler

I dedicated the majority of my life to the world of theatre, performing in plays and musicals up until two years ago. While performing will always have a special place in my heart, I’ve dreamed of writing and directing my own film since I was little. When I discovered the School of Media Arts and Design (SMAD) at JMU, I knew I had to start pursuing that dream. In the program, I received a well-rounded education and learned skills in graphic design, user design, and most of all, video production. Learning all things video and film is thrilling to me, so much so that I can’t sit back and relax while watching a movie. Whether I’m at the movie theater or in the comfort of my own home, I can’t help but analyze every camera movement, angle, sound, plot point, line of dialogue, visual edit, the list goes on. I love to predict elements in a film, then get excited when I can’t. 

Over the past two years, I have grabbed ahold of every learning opportunity possible. I joined my school’s student newscast production and served as Substitute Floor Director and Camera Operator. I later held the role of DP for my senior thesis film, and Director for a thesis play. In 2023, I was accepted into the JMU in LA study program where I not only took entertainment classes, but also secured two internships in pre-production with Castle Rock Entertainment and Gott Films. I graduated a semester early to get a head start on my career in the industry, and throughout 2024, I had the privilege of working as a director’s assistant to Oran Zegman. Simultaneously, I took on the roles of Substitute Administrative Assistant and Social Media Manager for producer Sara Elizabeth Timmins and her production company, Life Out Loud Films. 

I just moved to LA in September of 2024, and have been working as assistant to director Cynthia Riddle for her documentary, Invisible Legend. I've had the opportunity to serve as Camera PA for both a short film and a long-form vertical series, gaining invaluable experience on set. Since being here, I have realized how passionate I am about Film and TV, and that being on set is where I belong.

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My goal is to work in production, either in the Camera Department or as a director. I believe it is so important as a woman to be a leader in this industry, especially because we don't see enough women film directors or cinematographers. I am hungry for more opportunities in which I can put my skills to the test, learn from my mistakes, and grow as an artist. Storytelling is my passion, and I hope to one day tell stories on the screen that matter.​