Meet Rachel Wiggins | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Wiggins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Many things in life are risky. I consider what I want to do and make sure I pray over the situation before I take that leap of faith. From the first time, I was an intern for the Walt Disney Company in Orlando for the Disney College Program to going back to school to complete my Bachelor’s at Arizona State University. I have known what I wanted to do since I was 15, and know there have been risks and detours along the way but I know what I want to do and haven’t given up yet.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is filmmaking. I am 40 years old, and I am still going after a dream I had when I was 15. What probably sets me apart from others is my imagination and my faith. I grew up attending a Christian church and have stayed devoted to it my whole life. I also grew up watching many Disney films, so when it comes to writing or creating a story, it’s typically family-friendly for all ages. The most proud and exciting thing I would have to say is writing my first feature this past semester. I was supposed to film a 10-minute short version of the story last fall, but my professors chose to scrap my film, and I was pushed into a hybrid version of an advanced screenwriting class. Normally, that class is taken over two semesters, but I completed it in one. I am in the pre-production phase to shoot a crowdfunding video to raise money, eventually make the feature, and hopefully send it to film festivals.
My path has not been easy. It’s one thing to say you want to do something, but going after it is completely different. My parents were not thrilled when they heard my younger self say I wanted to be a filmmaker. They were worried for my safety, knowing the scary stories people hear about “Hollywood” and the price of living in Los Angeles. Mom wanted me to be a music teacher because my background was in band and choir during Junior High and High School, while Dad wanted me to go into computers because of my skills with technology. We moved across the country after my Sophomore year of high school due to my grandfather’s health at the time; at the new school, I joined the student council, and they were looking for someone to run the camera for the morning announcements, so I volunteered and ran the camera. I also started a film class at the school. Mount Pleasant was known for its Future Farmers of America or Future Teachers, but nothing related to what I wanted to do, so I went to the principal and asked about a film class. He told me we could look into it if we could get enough kids interested and a teacher to teach it. I returned to him the next day with 300 signatures and a teacher who wanted to teach it. The first film class was taught during my Senior year. I went to a few community colleges off and on, taking classes and working on the side. I tried to apply to Chapman University a couple of times with no acceptance, which is when I found the Film School at Scottsdale Community College, where I was taught to write, film, and craft my skills. I planned to move to Los Angeles afterward, but because of funds, I moved to Texas with my parents and sister. I eventually started working for American Airlines in reservations and worked on my health. Due to life hurts and traumas, I was in really bad health, and with the help of my health insurance, I ended up having the Gastric Sleeve.
I lost 207 lbs. and took my life back, as I call it. It put me back on track to go after my dreams and consider returning to school, so I applied to ASU to get my BA and improve my skills and networking. I planned to focus on Producing when I returned because of my gift of administration and being a good one when I attended SCC. Still, I was asked to direct one of my school projects and rediscovered my love of directing, and my creativity flowed into all the projects I made in school. Some lessons I have learned in my journey are that it’s never too late to go after your dreams and don’t let anyone discourage you from what you want to do. Find what you love and make it happen. I want the world to know, like I say in my writing. I may not be able to say it, but I can write it. I show my creativity in my work and am passionate about each project.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Mexican food, so I would take them to Tee Pee’s in Phoenix and Nando’s in Queen Creek. Maggiano’s in Scottsdale is also a yummy place to eat Italian food. I would take them to walk around Freestone Park in Gilbert and mini Golf at night at Golfland. The OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale is a great escape from the heat, and it is fun to see all the marine life up close. A really fun place to visit is the Music Instrument Museum, or the MIM, where you can see instruments worldwide. They even offer special exhibits like Prince’s “Beautiful” Piano and his golden microphone and green outfit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My recognition, or, as I like to put it, “the people in my corner” who have supported me on my journey, would have to be my parents, Glenn and Terry, my sister, Rynae, and two of my best friends, Sarah Manos and Sarah Murray. “The Sarahs,” also former Cast Members, have encouraged and loved me to go after my dreams and make them happen. Manos would remind me that C’s get degrees, but I wouldn’t settle for C’s in any of my classes. Which is why I graduated Summa Cum Laude. I would also like to recognize my professors at ASU, who encouraged me to dream and strive harder in my assignments. Last but certainly not least, my boyfriend Jim, who loves me unconditionally and loves the artist I am and my goals for the future.

Instagram: @caligrl0630 @rachelwigginsphotography

Youtube: @caligrl0630