Actress Brittany Batchelder Talks Her Recurring Role on TNT’s The Alienist: Angel of Darkness and More

Back Story: TNT recently held the season premiere of The Alienist: Angel of Darkness and featured recurring character Joanna Crawford portrayed by Brittany Batchelder: actress, model, entrepreneur, and star on the rise. A prominent character for this season, Brittany joins the cast alongside Dakota Fanning, Luke Evans and Daniel Bruhl as Joanna Crawford. Joanna is best described as an aspiring journalist who becomes an apprentice to character John Moore (Luke Evans) at The New York Times. As an actress, Brittany can also be seen in Comedy Central’s “Drunk History”, ABC’s “Suburgatory”, and MTV’s “Awkward” amongst other features.

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Born in Detroit, Michigan Brittany began her career in front of the camera modeling at the very young age of three. During this time, she landed national and local print campaigns alongside her mother & older sister. Equipped with her experience in modeling and a very vivid imagination, Brittany knew early on she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. This led her to eventually move to Los Angeles where she continued to develop her craft by studying at Margie Haber Studios, Stan Kirsch Studios, BGB Studios and The New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts.

Brittany firmly believes in the power of giving back and adding value to her fellow artists and wanted to create a movement that would marry her passion and her purpose. In 2016, she created M.P.A.C.T (an acronym for More Positive Artists Coming Together). With the help of her business partner, they have created and produced over 15 successful events. Their short film showcase highlights the work of women filmmakers has become their most celebrated event. M.P.A.C.T has also created jobs for artists as well as awarded female filmmakers with production grants. Influential celebrities such as Regina King, Tina Knowles, Lil Rel Howery, Richard Lawson, & Robi Reed to name a few have supported M.P.A.C.T Events.

The Hype Magazine got Brittany to weigh in on a few things…

From the outside looking in who is Brittany Batchelder?

Brittany Batchelder is a go getter! Most people who know me know my passion is to be an entertainer. I’ve always been very driven and known from a very young age what I wanted to do. No matter the hardship or obstacle I’ve always stayed on my course and never stopped believing.

What made you decide on entertainment as a career?

My mother got me into print modeling at the tender age of three. I modeled alongside her and my older sister in local fashion shows and campaigns. Equipped with my experience in modeling and a very vivid imagination I knew early on I wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

You currently appear in the TNT series The Alienist: Angel of Darkness tell us about your character Joanna Crawford

Joanna Crawford is a strong young journalist who just recently graduated college. She was employed at the Philadelphia Tribune and now living back in NY helping her Uncle manage his Oyster Saloon. She has very strong views and is passionate about her beliefs. She gets an opportunity to work at the NY Times this season and finally finds her voice.

How does this character work differ from your previous work?

The show takes place in the late 1800’s. Joanna and her uncle Cyrus are the only African American characters throughout the series. I did a lot of research and development with her back story and how she came to be such a progressive black women at that time.

Any highlights from the series that stand out for you?

This season highlights a lot of relevant issues in society that were happening back then but still happening now in modern day. It’s crazy to think we’re not that far off of issues that were happening almost 100 years ago. I also love that this season includes a lot more strong female characters.

You also have a passion for helping fellow artists via your company M.P.A.C.T will you give us a bit of insight on the mission?

M.P.A.C.T stands for More Positive Artists Coming Together. The mission and vision is to create a positive space for artists to connect and celebrate. My business partner and I are both from Houston, TX. and wanted to bring the southern hospitality to LA. We wanted to create a platform for artists to showcase their work amongst likeminded individuals.

How has M.P.A.C.T. been received by the industry?

We have received an outpouring of love from the industry. With Regina King being one of our first supporters and helping bring the vision to life. The movement took off in a way we didn’t expect. We have produced over 15 successful events with our Women’s Short-Film Showcase being the most celebrated event. Partnered with Richard Lawson Studios and Tina Knowles-Lawson we have presented production grants to our top rated filmmakers.

It’s difficult for women to gain the traction they deserve in the industry, how does your company help?

Our Women Empowerment Short-Film Showcase has been so powerful and needed in our community. We’ve been able to award female film-makers with production grants. In addition, our celebrity panel is always so motivating and inspiring. We continue to create a space to celebrate female creators and give them a platform. The bigger goal is to create a festival on the level of Tribeca for women by women.

Do you have a key moment from your work with M.P.A.C.T. that let you know this was something there was a hunger for?

Yes, I’ll never forget it was at our very first short-film showcase. That first panel was so empowering and it was also the first time we sat people down for a discussion. Once the panel finished it was like an ambush of people approaching me and wanting to meet me. I had never experienced that response at our event. I knew then it was out of our hands and it was our duty to keep it going.

Where can artists find out more?

Follow us on all social platforms at @MpactEvents, our website is MpactEnt.com and email us with questions or how to get involved at [email protected]

Any thoughts you’d like to share on the current climate of our country’s justice or political system?

I think it’s important that everyone gets out and votes not only for presidential elections but local elections too. If we want to be the change we want to see it starts with going out to the polls consistently. It’s also imperative that we support black businesses and put the dollar back into our communities. We have to unify within our own culture and build from within.

What’s next for you in 2020?

2020 has been one crazy year so far but I’m not slowing down a bit. I’m always auditioning and currently working on developing my own projects. One of my dreams is to direct someday so why not write, direct and star in it.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.