Brittany Gillespie

About Brittany Gillespie

I’m a Director, Filmmaker, and Event Producer who uses storytelling to challenge convention and spark connection. With a background spanning theater, filmmaking, and large-scale event production, I bring both creative vision and logistical precision to every project—whether it’s a short film, a live performance, or a athletic event.I currently serve as Associate Director of Events at Active Transportation Alliance, leading everything from intimate advocacy gatherings to Bike the Drive, one of Chicago’s largest annual celebrations. My work blends creative leadership with community engagement, accessibility, and mission-driven impact.As a director, I’m drawn to bold, messy, deeply human stories. My work moves between farce, mockumentary, sci-fi, magical realism, and documentary, often using dark humor, stage combat, and surrealism to explore power, gender, and identity. I center femme-driven narratives and love experimenting with nonlinear structure, absurdism, and genre-play.During the pandemic, I co-founded Leafy Greens Productions. Our short \'Highbrow\' won Audience Choice at A Night of Misfit Film Festival (2023), and \'Blindspot\' earned Best Editing at the 48 Hour Film Festival (2022). I continue to direct and produce independent films that push boundaries and amplify underrepresented voices.Whether on set, on stage, or in the streets, I believe art is a tool for transformation. I\'m an artist advocate and find my work is grounded in advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive justice, racial equity, and sustainable and walkable cities. I\'m driven by a commitment to making inclusive creative spaces where stories can provoke, delight, and disrupt.

Experience

1. Associate Director of Events

   Active Transportation Alliance

   Jan 2024 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Oversees all production and logistic aspects of the Active Transportation Alliance\'s Special Events including largest fundraiser Bike the Drive - a bicycle ride on Chicago\'s iconic DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Other events include Chicago Bike Month, the Bike to Work Challenge, and Movers & Shakers Ball. Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization that works to improve conditions for bicycling, walking and transit in and around Chicago.

Education

• IO Chicago

  Improv Training

  2013 — 2015

• University of Arkansas

  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

  2008 — 2013

• Chicago Filmmakers

  Directing: Prepping for Production Class

  2023 — 2023