Meet Zoe Kerr | Director/Writer/Cinematographer for Film & Theater

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

Hi Zoe, why did you pursue a creative career?
Honestly, it’s never occurred to me not to. My focus has shifted in the last decade, as I used to be a full-time actress, but I’ve always known I would be an artist of some sort. I can remember telling little made-up stories to my parents when I was four years old and acting out all the roles. I was also very assertive and would direct my friends how to play pretend better during recess. Thankfully, I’ve gotten much better at talking to actors. I think a lot of my respect for the arts (to the extent that I never doubted its viability as a career, even as a child) comes from my parents, as my father is a writer and my mother is a visual artist. Becoming a writer and director has been a natural progression, and I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to pursue it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey to becoming a cinematographer/director/writer was unexpected. I worked as an actress for almost a decade before even considering taking the step behind the camera. I always thought there would be a moment where I would know I was ready to be a leader, or when someone else would see my potential and essentially tell me it was time—it’s silly thinking about it now, but it’s the truth. Thankfully, in undergrad, I realized no one would just give me that space or grant me that position. I had to claim that title myself and create the art I wanted to see in the world. First, I tackled writing. I began writing everything I possibly could. Plays, poems, screenplays, prose…Anything and everything I could think of, just to get that range of experience. I also applied to several writer’s groups, and was eventually invited to join the Playwright’s Workshop at Dallas Theater Center, led by their Playwright-in-Residence Jonathan Norton. I doubled down on my efforts as a writer and began to improve my skills as a critic as well for my cohort. Meanwhile, I started doing this thing where whenever someone asked me what I was up to, I told them straight-up that I was working as a writer and director now and was looking for new projects to lead. Out of nowhere, people began asking me if I was available to direct or write something for them. Turns out, if you’re open about wanting more experience and enthusiastically throw yourself (and your ideas) into the ring, people are generally receptive to giving you a chance.
In a way, the first lesson I learned was that having a vision and a great work ethic will see you through almost anything. I knew I could do it, I just needed to practice and work with confidence, while being open to learning everything I possibly could from anyone generous enough to offer their guidance. I picked up small gigs here and there through those random conversations while applying to writer groups and developing my own projects. Any free time I had was spent researching new techniques to practice and how to best represent myself and my work to others. It seems simple now, but a lot of what kept me going was reassuring myself that rejection is common and nothing personal, and that there would always be more opportunities in the future.
Now, I’m excited by how far I’ve come as a director and writer. Every single short I’ve directed, written and/or shot has gone on to compete in festivals. A short I created with Jeff Colangelo in 2020, titled Out of Hand, recently won Critics Best Film at the inaugural Dallas Filmmakers Alliance Filmed in Dallas Competition. I wrote a movement show last year titled Everything Will Be Fine for Prism Movement Theater that not only racked up enough ticket sales to tour through three locations, but also garnered four Dallas-Fort Worth Critics Forum Awards, including Best New Play.
I guess the thing I’d most like the world to know about my work is that it’s always aboutembracing the unusual. The unique. The weird. My mission statement is: “We tell stories that stride confidently off the beaten path in subject matter, style, and approach,” and I think it sums up everything I do and have done up ’til now.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay, a lot of my recommendations are dependent on season, so for the sake of this question I’m envisioning some sort of utopia Texas where the weather is always beautiful and every attraction is always open regardless of time of year.

MONDAY

Day — Listen, if I haven’t seen my best friend for a while, I would greet them with a box of red velvet cupcakes from my favorite local baker, Sinful and Soulful Bakery (find them on IG @sinfulandsoulfulbakery). Amazing. Then I’d probably strong-arm them into hitting up a thrift shop with me. My favorite spots are Garland Road Thrift Store, and Buffalo Exchange on Greenville.

Night — After all that, I’m taking my best friend to Cidercade in the Design District. They have hundreds of arcade games, about two dozen kinds of ciders, and food trucks outside every day, so I know we’ll have a good time.

TUESDAY

Day — I used to live near White Rock Lake, so I can say with some authority that morning walks around the lake are incredible. There’s also paddle boarding available through White Rock Paddle Co. if you’re feeling athletic. Afterward, take a drive over to Jimmy’s Food Store on Bryan Street, order a Prosciutto Panino and cannoli, and enjoy perusing the many aisles of imported food.

Night — I love taking classes with friends, and Dallas has a ton of unusual classes for all skill levels. Lone Star Circus has adult classes if you’re in the mood to learn aerial silks or hand balancing, Dallas Center for Photography has classes for almost anything photography related (including how to take better iPhone photos), and if you need an excuse to drink on a Tuesday, Trinity Hall on Mockingbird hosts whiskey tastings that are super fun and educational.

WEDNESDAY

Day — Tour through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and they always have new exhibits, concerts, and classes. This can take several hours, so make sure to eat beforehand. My favorite hole-in-the-wall is Hong Kong Restaurant on Garland. I’ve been going there for over a decade and the food literally never disappoints.

Night — Private karaoke room at Soju 101. Straight up one of the best nights I’ve ever had was with a bunch of friends while we inhaled k-pop fries and takoyaki. Best part is that every booth is super-soundproof, so no one can hear you attempt a three-part harmony after your second strawberry margarita.

THURSDAY

Day — Today’s more of a chill day, starting with brunch at Spiral Diner. Not going to lie, it is tough to get a table without a reservation (damn them for being so good), but pick up is always an option and their baked potato grilled cheese sandwiches are too good to give up on.

Night — Keeping it mellow at Wild Detectives in Oak Cliff. They have events going on in their backyard throughout the week, but the interior is really cool too, as it doubles as a bar and bookstore. Definitely order whatever pie they have from Emporium Pies, a glass of wine, and relax with a good read.

FRIDAY

Day — There are so many incredible museums in Dallas. Seriously. If you’re looking to learn more about art, history, or both, I recommend: The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Crow Collection of Asian Art, and the Nasher Sculpture Center. If you’re looking for something a little more poppy, check out the Museum of Memories, the Museum of Illusions, Sweet Tooth Hotel, and Rainbow Vomit.

Night — Informal bar crawl through Lowest Greenville with several friends. I did this for my 21st birthday and I’ve been told it was a great time. The Libertine, Single Wide, Truck Yard, and HG Sply Co. are the best.

SATURDAY

Day — First, we have to hit up the Dallas Farmers Market. They have all kinds of cuisine in their indoor Market, so pick your favorite and find a stall. After that, walk through the Shed outside where all the vendors congregate. You’ll help support local businesses and probably end up leaving with a ton of delicious food for later.

Night — I was never a video game fan until I tried the virtual reality entertainment at Zero Latency, then I became hooked. This place is ridiculously cool, and they have a variety of games you can try. Highly recommend.

SUNDAY

Day — Get ready, because we’re going on an adventure–an Urban Adventure Quest! Okay, I admit, I’ve never done this, but I really want to. It’s basically a smartphone based scavenger hunt that starts in the Historical District and leads you around town. It seems very fun, and if you gather your cleverest friends for the journey, you’ll be crowned the champions of Dallas trivia in no time.

Night — After a week of running around the metroplex for various happenings, I think a simple sit-down dinner sounds nice. My vote is Penne Pomodoro on Preston. Their Paglia e Fieno is incredible, as is their entire dessert menu.

After all that, I’m scheduling a week-long nap for myself.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the entire Prism House, Jonathan Norton, Sasha Maya Ada Davis, Calamity West, Dr. Emily Sharma, my parents (my parents times one million, honestly), and my sisters.

Website: https://www.zoekerr.com/

Instagram: @iamzoekerr

Other: You can also email me at zoe@zoekerr.com!

Image Credits
Images shot by Zoe Kerr, Anthony Gutierrez, and Sasha Maya Ada Davis.