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Kate Kaminski

I make films

Job Independent Filmmaker / Gitgo Productions

Lives In Willard Beach

I've been making films in Maine since 1990. With partner Betsy Carson, I'm half of the creative team Gitgo Productions. Since 1994, we've produced more than a score of films, including four features and numerous short narrative and documentary films. In 2009, Gitgo produced the 53-episode comedy web series Willard Beach. Our latest feature is The Crew, a comedy about filmmaking. I'm also the founder/organizer of the Bluestocking Film Series, a biannual (spring/fall) screening series for women directors dedicated to bringing great films to the cinema-loving city of Portland.

Besides making films, I teach film production and film studies part-time at the University of Southern Maine and Maine College of Art. I've also copyedited several manuscripts for publication by authors from Maine and beyond.

I came to Maine over 30 years ago and even though I'm not a native, I'm proud to call myself a Mainer.

Why did you choose Portland? I moved here from Austin, TX literally on a whim. I've never regretted it.

Who are Portlanders you admire and why? I'm continually impressed by the incredible pool of acting and production talent in Portland and there are way too many to list.

What do you like to do with out-of-towners? Drop them off downtown. (Kidding.)

Where's your "happy place" on the peninsula? The East End greenbelt and the West End Cemetery. And, of course, chatting it up with the fine folks at Videoport.

What's the most surprising thing about this city? In such a food-obsessed town, it always surprises me that there are so few dedicated vegetarian/vegan restaurants.

What's your favorite indulgence and where do you find it? The brussels sprouts at The Green Elephant, hands down.

What's the most under-appreciated place or thing in town? Congress Street. It has it all.

Describe your perfect night—and the following morning—in Portland. Dinner at The Green Elephant with friends and a walk along the East End greenbelt the next morning with my partner Betsy and my dog Truman.

Do you have a serendipity spot? Where do you always bump into good people? Can I pick two? Crema and Local Sprouts Cooperative.