Creator Spotlight: Allison Rothwell

From Background Roles to Bold Leads – and Producing Her First Film

At HerVoice Media, we spotlight women who are daring to create on their own terms – carving paths in film not by waiting for the industry to open the door, but by building it themselves.

This week, we’re proud to share the story of Allison Rothwell – a Massachusetts-based actor, full-time administrative assistant at an accounting firm, declutter coach, mom of two, and now, first-time film producer. Her story is one of persistence, risk-taking, and what happens when you say yes to your own creative voice.

Allison Rothwell

A Role She’d Never Been Given – So She Created It

Allison's love for acting began early. Her first experience on set came at just 11 years old, and throughout high school and college she performed in plays, later studying theater formally. But like many creatives, she found herself in a “real job” after graduation. A stable role at a respected accounting firm helps support her family – but it’s not where her passion lives. “My passions are acting and decluttering,” Allison shares. “My day job doesn’t really tap into my creative side.”

The idea for her film was sparked in an everyday conversation. A writer friend asked: What kind of role would you love to play next? She answered instinctively: “Something dark. Something twisted. I want to play someone a little unhinged.”

And just like that, her friend wrote a script – one where she wasn't the mom or the girl next door, but the stalker, the villain. It was a role so far from her usual typecast that she felt she had to bring it to life, even if it meant producing the film herself – a process she’d never tackled before.

From DM to Co-Star

With no producing experience, Allison initially thought the film would stay small – local actors, minimal budget. But a podcast changed everything.

While listening to an interview with Trevor Penick, a member of the early-2000s boy band O-Town, she heard him mention wanting to act again.

“I thought, why not? I have a script. I’m a fan. Maybe he’ll respond.”

She DMed him. He replied. And three months later – after cautious back-and-forth – he agreed to co-star in her film.

Trailer for Old Friends

Trial by Fire: Producing a Short Film Without a Map

What followed was a crash course in indie filmmaking. From raising $5,000 and taking out a personal loan, to losing a location and a cast member the night before shooting, Allison pushed through every hurdle. “I had no idea what I was doing. But I was determined,” she recalls. “My dad saved the day by letting us film in his house. I just didn’t want to let the opportunity slip.”

Her small team shot the entire film in three days. Allison was intentional about hiring women. “We had a female director, DP, sound tech, and more. I wanted to give as many women opportunities as possible.”

Though producing pushed her outside her comfort zone, she made sure every cast and crew member was paid for their time. “I’ve worked for free so many times. But this script deserved more. We all did.”

Behind-the-Scenes Photos from Old Friends

Twists, Themes, and What Comes Next

The short film “Old Friends”, currently in post-production, explores power, gender dynamics, and manipulation. The setup leads you to believe the male character might be a threat – until the tables turn. “It’s about a woman taking control, but in a dark, twisted way,” she says. “We want audiences to be surprised.”

Allison plans to premiere the film locally at a brewery featured in the movie, and then submit to festivals. If reception is strong, she and her team are considering adapting it into a feature-length film – and Trevor has said he would be open to it.

For Allison, the most meaningful part of this project was proving to herself she could do it. “I still love acting most – that’s my passion – but I’m proud I pulled this off.”

Her advice for other women ready to leap into filmmaking?

“Be bold. Ask for the thing. DM the person. Learn as you go. And plan your budget as tightly as your script.”

At HerVoice Media, we’re proud to spotlight creators whose work amplifies voices, bridges cultures, and invites us into quiet, powerful stories. If you want your work to be featured, please fill in this registration form.