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<\/a><\/p>\nHillary Van Ness<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u2014 Hillary Van Ness<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
AUSTIN, TEXAS, UNITED STATES, August 21, 2024 \/EINPresswire.com<\/a>\/ — Hillary Van Ness is a writer, who\u2019s bridging the gap between storytelling and accessibility. She\u2019s offering her interpreting skills to film and TV productions. \u201cThere\u2019s a growing number of deaf and hard of hearing actors and therefore a need for interpreters. And sign language is something that can be appreciated, even by those who don\u2019t speak the language,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Born and raised in Southern California, Van Ness recently moved to Austin, Texas, where she’s reflected on her journey. She says, \u201cAustin\u2019s vibrant creative community is the perfect place for me to pursue my dreams. I’ve thought a lot about the path I’ve taken. I believe I\u2019m drawn to interpreting because I struggled to access my voice growing up. I empathize with the struggle to communicate.\u201d<\/p>\n In high school, Van Ness went to the library and checked out books, dictionaries and DVD’s about sign language and began teaching herself. \u201cMy mom saw how quickly I was catching on, so she hired a sign language tutor. I went on to Golden West College in Huntington Beach and completed the Interpreter Training Program.\u201d<\/p>\n While living in Sacramento, Hillary was introduced to film and TV production. \u201cI kind of stumbled into it by attending a casting event for short films and putting myself on camera,\u201d she recalls. <\/p>\n Her journey into the world of film and TV came full circle with the publication of her book, “Empath Uncovered”, which she\u2019s now working on as a pilot series. \u201cIn my opinion empaths are often treated as if they are weak. My goal with the novel is to show that we can be strong and heroic too. I want those who feel different to know they are not alone,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n It was during the filming of her project that Van Ness discovered her passion for interpreting on set. \u201cMy pilot features a Deaf character, which required me to interpret. Combining my two worlds brought me immense joy.\u201d<\/p>\n Van Ness believes everyone should have a shot at being successful. That\u2019s why she wants to provide more accessibility for Deaf\/HH actors, while also providing more opportunities for interpreters. \u201cI\u2019ve struggled to find resources and interpreters in this industry,\u201d she says. \u201cWhile there are some agencies who include film and TV for booking interpreters, I haven’t found one solely dedicated to the industry. I want to bridge that gap and make it easier for Deaf\/HH actors and interpreters to work together.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information about Hillary Van Ness and her work, visit: hillaryvanness.com<\/a><\/p>\n