For Mindy Raymond of New Republic Studios, the old adage if you build it, they will come is the truth when it relates to the development and expansion of this creative campus in Bastrop County. A leader on the team behind the 200-acre film production studio that has brought Hollywood to Austin, Raymond is helping to provide an innovative, multi-platform experience for companies to create film, TV, Commercial, New Media, AR/ VR and Immersive Media content. An actor by trade, Raymond shares on her career journey and how she ended up in her leadership roles today, her passion for helping to grow the film industry in Texas, and her admiration of Reese Witherspoon.
On her career journey:
My career has taken many twists and turns. Where I am now is not where I thought I would be when I started professionally in 2001. From acting in Dallas where I received my first paying gig, to attending Michael Howard Conservatory in NYC one year later, to working for the Seattle Film Festival and then ultimately coming back to Austin, where I feel my career really took off, all of those were stepping stones to where I am now.
For me, my decision to move to New York was really the launching pad to pursuing a professional career in film / TV / media. Once I made that commitment to working in the creative industry, I worked as hard as I could to make connections, learn the business and establish meaningful relationships. I love connecting people and have found that through my years, moving from New York to Los Angeles to Seattle to Austin, I have cultivated valuable relationships in my industry and call on those connections all of the time. It really is true that who you surround yourself with, who lifts you up and ultimately who you know will end up opening so many doors.
On what makes her unique in her industry:
I have always been able to speak both the creative and business languages, and I think that is what sets me apart in my industry. I am a creative, but I am also extremely organized and task-oriented, so I get things done…quickly. Fortunately, I have been able to carve out amazing positions throughout my career. I think it’s because when I say I am going to get something done, I do it and I do it well. I love the creative side of the business and some of my dear friends are the ultimate creatives. However, I see how they can become overwhelmed when it comes to a to-do list or having to set systems in place to get to where you want to go. I thrive in that environment and love starting a project and then seeing it to its completion.
On serving the Texas film community, family and other passions:
My passion is film, and working to bring more production work to Texas. I have served on the Austin Actors Conservatory and on the Texas Motion Picture Alliance board, then was hired as their first Executive Director. Currently, I am a member of the Media Mavens as well as on the Board for Visit Bastrop, because New Republic Studios is in Bastrop County. Outside of my career, I have an amazing husband (who without him, I would not be able to do any of this) two boys, Jack (6) and Andrew (3). I love fitness and am certified as a yoga and barre instructor. I love being social, going to breweries and vineyards with friends and am enjoying all of the amazing TV shows that are being produced right now.
On her personal female hero:
Reese Witherspoon. She is such a force to be reckoned with, and has proven that women are just as good, if not better, at being in powerful positions and not taking them for granted. She is so sweet, funny, good-natured, loves her kids and always is down to earth. I would love to meet her, and feel that we would be best friends.
Connect with Mindy Raymond and New Republic Studios on Instagram @mindyraymondbenson and @newrepublicstudios.
This profile was (Em)Powered by New Republic Studios.
Edited from an interview by Eleanora Morrison.