Michelle Davidson Bratcher is the fusion of Hollywood glamor and Midwest spunk. She’s a lovely face that is comfortable in front of a camera as well as sitting in front of a computer screen, crafting a savvy short film.
For those in Kansas City, Bratcher is seen on the small screen five days a week as the co-host of Kansas City Live on KSHB. This job gives her the opportunity to interview local stars and national celebrities such as Sally Field, Harrison Ford and Jon Hamm. She’s also a co-host and produces CinemaKC on KCPT with fellow actress and friend Erin McGrane. However, her other significant roles come in local films and writing with her co-writer Patrick Rea.
“I have always loved going to the movies,” she says. “It’s all about storytelling. That led me to the a degree in journalism and a stint as a reporter.” The lure of movies still sways her. “I love it all.. the writing, the producing and this thriving community has embraced me.”
As a pre-teen, the movie Flashdance, the story of a fearless woman dancer, still holds up for her. “I was living in the St. Louis suburbs and studying dance, it was just a great story. My goal is to do a dance film. I have written a screenplay and I have taught dance. I know I could tell a story on film. It would be a coming-of-age film. I would love to make it here in Kansas City.”
While there is sentiment to this film, Bratcher is not limited to realistic fiction. She likes a good dramatic piece and some horror comedy, especially from partner Rea. “Then I also enjoy a sweet, uplifting film. It’s just being a storyteller.”
She has been the president of Kansas City Women in Film and Television. Now she is the director of the short screenplay writing contest. “It’s great to help support new writers. When I was president, we saw an upswing.” She is now the treasurer for the Film Commission and on the board of the Kansas City Film Fest. She is even serving on the board of the Missouri Motion Media Association. “This group is seeking to reinstate film tax credits. The film Gone Girl was the last film credits to be used. We need to see these credits renewed so that films can be made here. Those in New York and California need to see that we have a growing film community here and we can be employed.” Movie production incentives encourage in-stage film production.
Over the summer, Bratcher learned she is a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting with the screenplay No Man’s Land, co-written with Jeffrey Field. The script is also a finalist in the 2014 Showtime Tony Cox Screenplay Contest at the Nantucket Film Festival. They were also a finalist in the Austin Film Festival pitch contest for the film. Bratcher’s screenplay, Badass Betty, won Best Comedy Screenplay at the Action on Film Festival in Monrovia, Calif. “The work with Jeffrey has been so rewarding,” she says. “My writing process for No Man’s Land came with a notebook next to my bed. I put my ideas there and this one stayed with me. For Patrick, we keep a file of ideas and the idea calls to you. That’s what he tells me. We are as original as we can be.”
Rea calls Bratcher “talented in multiple ways.” “She’s a talented on-camera host and actress. She’s also an extremely talented writer, director and producer. But most importantly she’s a great person with a terrific sense of humor. The Kansas City film scene is lucky to have her! I am proud of Good Conduct and The Hourglass Figure with her. She wrote the script for Good Conduct and I directed. In Hourglass, I directed her as an actor.”
Bratcher says she and Rea found a friendship in film while her husband Rob supports her in her endeavors. “I like to surround myself with people who are more talented than me. My kids are 4 and 8 and their activities come first. I do my writing at night. All of it brings me happiness. Writing provides me flexibility. No matter what, I am passionate about my family, the show, the film business … it is a gift from my parents … to be a hard worker.” Bratcher, whether she is hosting a show, acting, writing or producing, has a goal to connect with her audiences. “It can be a challenge, but I like to rise to the challenge.”
Recently, she also made a short film with Bruce Branit titled Gõtcher. Bratcher calls him another brilliant mind to learn from and she expects the film to be chosen for film festivals. Branit says of Bratcher, “She is tireless. Somehow she manages to be an on-air personality, write two or three feature scripts a year, act in any number of projects, direct and produce her own projects and still be willing to offer help and shepherd other projects. She is a talented and creative writer, who understands the craft and what makes a good story, as her many screenplay awards prove. I have collaborated with Michelle on a number of film projects from beginning to end. In an age where people are too busy to answer emails, this person who should be too busy, is quick to reply with fresh ideas, critiques and enthusiasm. The entertainment world is a loud and crowded place where it is difficult to see who’s got it and who doesn’t. Michelle has talent on many levels. She’s going to break through.”
While Bratcher has many plates spinning, she has never forgotten her mother’s advice. “She was a special education teacher and her advice is to be kind, follow your dreams, lift people up and be the positive person in the room. I know that if I merge all this with creativity, everything ends better. I also remember to be grateful for the chances I have been given.”
If all this isn’t enough, Bratcher is also submitting her short film, The Girls to festivals too. “It’s colorful, funny and celebrates women. I like to celebrate talented people.”
