Courtney Baxter is a renowned filmmaker with an impressive 20-year career in the film industry. Her journey began at the tender age of 11, when she started acting professionally in commercial spaces, landing over a dozen national campaigns before entering high school. As she grew older, Courtney's interest in the filmmaking process only intensified, leading her to produce independent films at the age of 16.
Her early start in filmmaking proved to be a catalyst for success, as several of her films went on to win numerous awards at prestigious film festivals. Two of her films were later sold and distributed, further solidifying her reputation as a talented filmmaker. In 2015, Courtney's dedication and hard work paid off when she won the Best Actress award at the 30 Under 30 Film Festival.
This recognition marked a turning point in Courtney's career, as she went on to become the President of the same festival. Her academic achievements were equally impressive, as she graduated early from Pace University in 2015 with degrees in Film & Screen Studies and Economics, completing her studies in just three years.
As an actress, Courtney has appeared in notable films such as "Sharknado 2" and "Night Has Settled", which helped her develop her skills and gain valuable experience as a filmmaker. In 2017, Courtney directed a short documentary for the United Nations, partnering with UN Women on a short film festival held during CSW Week at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The following year, Courtney co-wrote and co-directed the Ecuadorian short film "Ruta Viva", which premiered at the HBO Latino Film Festival and went on to win the top prize. The film was later purchased by HBO and gained international recognition, taking home the award at the Guayaquil International Film Festival.
In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Courtney has also honed her skills as a producer, working as the in-house director and producer for Brewer Media, an entertainment company founded and partnered with NFL players. Her contributions to the company helped elevate its performance, as she directed short films, commercials, music videos, short documentaries, and event productions.
In 2019, Courtney joined forces with Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas at Nuyorican, where she worked on producing projects with Jennifer Lopez. Her first project with the company wrapped just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the industry to adapt to new working conditions. Despite the challenges, Courtney continued to produce projects in various cities, states, and countries, developing innovative strategies to navigate the complex and ever-changing film landscape.
Throughout her career, Courtney has had the privilege of working with talented teams, industry leaders, and studios, which has allowed her to hone her skills as a producer and filmmaker. With over two decades of experience in the film industry, Courtney has solidified her position as a respected and accomplished filmmaker, producer, and actress.
