I’m Heather Wilson and I’m a producer. I grew up in Ohio and relocated over five years ago to the New York City area with my then two-year-old daughter, in order to pursue my career in the film and television industry. I thought if I’m going to go to college in the arts, I should probably live in a place where I could actually put my education and skills to use. As a single mom at the time, I wanted to set a good example for my kid: show her that if you work hard enough, you can achieve anything. (You know, with a lot of hard work and not a lot of sleep. But that’s okay! Sleep is for the dead.)

I’m proud that I went with my gut and put my passion for visual storytelling on the front burner. When I was in high school and told everyone that I wanted to go to college and learn filmmaking, I didn’t exactly get the most supportive or positive reactions. I was told it wasn’t practical - an unrealistic goal. So, the fact that I studied film and television in both my undergraduate and graduate programs, and managed to find work in the industry is an accomplishment I am very proud about.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to make movies. One of my earliest memories was the first time I saw Forrest Gump. The moment it was over, I thought to myself, I want to make something like this! I found the story to be smart, heart-warming and funny. And something I felt I could make because it fit within my wheelhouse of stories I was coming up on my own.

It’s also corny to admit but I was that kid who made sure to complete her Oscar ballot every year, even when I was too young (and too broke) to watch the nominated films. I would go to school the next morning, exhausted from staying up until the end credits wound down. Not a single person in class could relate to my experience. To this day, every Oscar night, I sit in front of my television with my ballot in hand. The difference now is that I make sure to see everything that is nominated.

I don’t remember a time that I ever wanted to do anything else with my life. I think my chosen career path was pre-destined I also hope that one day when my daughter is older and looks at my life choices, she'll be proud of me.