I grew up in South Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the seeds of my journey as Founder and CEO of Filmmaker Berserk were sown. Movies were my escape, a way to step outside my reality and into the shoes of characters who could rise above adversity. When life got tough, I became Annie or Sarah Connor, using those transformations to wipe away bad memories and find joy in the moment.
From a young age, I was a performer—writing, acting, and leading my classmates as president. I read to younger students and collected spelling bee trophies. But home wasn’t always a safe haven. I witnessed my father’s hurtful actions toward my mother, igniting a fire in me. In third grade, I stood before my class, urging the boys to protect and respect the girls, and empowering the girls to never allow mistreatment. I led a line as we marched down the hallway together, a mini protest led by a determined kid. That day changed everything; I thought oh no as I was forced to begin therapy sessions with a school counselor, but my message remained clear: I stood by my words. I still do.
Music became my outlet as I formed a band with my schizophrenic sister and a neighbor, charging our neighborhood for shows. Tragically, I lost my sister to the streets, we pray shes around somewhere, it is a wound that still lingers. Our family fell apart after my parents divorced, and I found myself separated from my sisters, living with relatives. One day, rummaging through an attic, I stumbled upon a video camera—a treasure that ignited my passion for filmmaking.
With that camera, I created entire worlds. I became orphan Annie, dancing and singing on my windowsill, dreaming of being adopted by my own Daddy Warbucks. I crafted music videos and even directed my aunt and uncle in goofy productions starring my dog, Barney. My father’s imprisonment for armed bank robbery and my own struggles only fueled my desire to tell stories and live life in different worlds, but at 14, after being betrayed by someone I trusted, I ran away with nothing but the clothes on my back and the shoes on my feet. I ran down the alley from my grandma's and I never looked back. I became a ward of the state, navigating girls’ homes and learning to survive on the streets. The cold streets of the Southside.
Through it all, I developed a thick skin. I connected with fellow underdogs, offering support in their struggles. I became a protector, channeling my past into a fierce drive to uplift others. Despite facing numerous challenges, including becoming a mother at 16, I never let go of my passion for movies. I moved to Florida, where my first audition for a horror short film, "Filthy," marked the beginning of my acting career. Booking that role was a turning point; "Filthy" won awards across the country, and I continued to find success in independent film, working with talented filmmakers and earning recognition at prestigious festivals.
Yet, my journey wasn’t without demons. Struggling with sobriety and navigating a tumultuous lifestyle in the world of independent film, I hit rock bottom. Thankfully, powerful figures emerged as protectors, guiding me toward sobriety in 2014. This newfound clarity and drive propelled me forward, and I embraced my roots as a fierce fighter for the underdog.
However, I witnessed the heartbreaking reality of the independent film industry. Filmmakers pouring their hearts and finances into projects, only to find themselves broke and disillusioned. I watched as dreams turned into financial nightmares, questioning why so many talented artists struggled to make a living. It was a harsh truth that fueled my determination.
So, I set out to create my dream project—a biker-themed action thriller. Eight years in the trenches taught me invaluable lessons about the industry, revealing why filmmakers rarely make money. I experienced the struggles firsthand, from contracts to distribution, and learned how the system often exploits the very artists it should support.
Ironically, in my day job as an aviation software specialist, I developed an app to help airports manage transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. I became adept at tackling self-reporting business models, ensuring transparency and accountability. This experience gave me a unique lens to view the film industry. When I examined the reports from our distributors, I realized they employed the same flawed model that left filmmakers perpetually indebted to them.
Our distributor for my dream project was a complete disaster. We poured $1.3 million into it, yet saw not a single penny in return. The sales agent and his team prioritized personal connections over professionalism, hiring friends in exchange for favors. They even published a press release in Deadline Hollywood, claiming ownership of a film I created. It was a circus, an absolute carney show unfolding at our expense.
Witnessing this chaos ignited an epiphany in me. My team and I dedicated years to uncovering every nuance of the industry’s business formulas. We delved deep into rates, paperwork, legal matters, and post-production requirements. We invested in quality control and sought to understand every technical aspect. It was a quest for knowledge—one that couldn’t be found online. We tried to research it, but the vital information remained elusive, locked away in the industry’s hidden corners.
This struggle reveals why so many filmmakers are broke and feel like failures repeatedly. The loss of our investment—our dreams and our hearts—felt like grieving a loved one. I grappled with the pain, unable to accept the betrayal from those who were supposed to support us. It was a harsh lesson, but I realized it happened for a reason: to prepare me to confront these challenges head-on.
I am the girl who loves to teach, who leads the charge for change. I’m the one who dances through adversity, unafraid of being blacklisted. My mission is clear: I protect the underdog, fighting for those who deserve a chance to shine. I know what it’s like to struggle, to feel overlooked, and I’m determined to help filmmakers transform their stories into success.
As a Queen Berserker, I refuse to back down from my truth. I fight to share the knowledge that can elevate deserving industry professionals. I don’t just speak about the issues—I have the receipts to prove it. I’m armed with information, the true currency in this industry. Information is king; it’s the pathway to success, and it’s here, ready to be shared.
Through Filmmaker Berserk, I’m building a community where filmmakers can reclaim their power, learn the ins and outs of the business, and finally see the fruits of their labor. Together, we can dismantle the broken systems that keep us trapped in cycles of debt and disappointment. It’s time for a new narrative—one where artists can thrive and create without fear of exploitation.
I’m here to lead the way, to ensure that no filmmaker feels alone in this fight. We are warriors in our own right, and together, we’ll forge a path to a more equitable future in film.
That’s how Filmmaker Berserk was born.
—Krista Grotte Saxon
Executive Producer, 3 Time Award-Winning Actress, and CEO of Filmmaker Berserk
