This Is The Story of How Brittany Franklin Turned Hearing Loss Into Her Superpower in Brand-Funded Hollywood Gold
At 14, Brittany Franklin thought her life was over. Born hearing, she began losing her hearing in her early teens—a devastating blow for someone who loved music, storytelling, and connection. For a while, it felt like her world had crumbled, leaving her stuck between two identities: neither fully hearing nor fully deaf. But instead of letting this challenge define her, Brittany transformed it into her superpower.
Today, Brittany Franklin is a filmmaker, a visionary, and an independent trailblazing Director. As a hard-of-hearing Black woman, she’s not just navigating the industry—she’s revolutionizing it.
She’s partnering with brands to fund her films and is encouraging every filmmaker to do the same.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or doubted your ability to achieve your dreams, Brittany’s story will light a fire within you.
You describe yourself as a storyteller who is hard of hearing. What does that identity mean to you?
Being hard of hearing is an integral part of who I am, but it doesn’t define me entirely. I was born hearing and started losing my hearing around age 12 or 14. Since then, I’ve adapted with technology, like cochlear implants and hearing aids, which have dramatically improved my hearing. This experience gave me a unique perspective on navigating the world and telling stories. I’m always bridging two worlds—the hearing and the hard-of-hearing—which influences my storytelling in profound ways.
What’s your take on how people with hearing loss are portrayed in media, and how are you working to change that?
When I was younger, I found shows like Switched at Birth groundbreaking because they showcased characters from both the hearing and deaf worlds. But even then, there was no representation of the in-between—people like me who are neither fully deaf nor fully hearing. I aim to fill that gap by telling stories that reflect my experiences, focusing on how people with hearing loss live dynamic, nuanced lives. I don’t position myself as a poster child for hearing loss, but I use my unique lens to create stories that challenge stereotypes and celebrate individuality.
What was your perspective on hearing loss before you began losing your hearing?
Before my own hearing loss, I didn’t think much about it. But I was fortunate to have role models around me, like a confident, stylish girl in my elementary school and a cousin with hearing aids. They taught me that hearing loss didn’t define them—it was just one part of who they were. When I started losing my hearing, I thought about them and realized I could still be myself and pursue my dreams.
How has your hearing loss influenced your storytelling style?
My hearing loss has sharpened my ability to focus on the nonverbal: body language, atmosphere, and the emotions that linger in silences. It’s made me a better observer of the unspoken and ephemeral details of human interaction. That sensitivity translates into my films, where I often tell stories with minimal dialogue. Visual storytelling is my strength, and it’s rooted in how I experience the world—through observation, feeling, and connection.
You’ve successfully partnered with brands to fund your projects. How did that journey begin?
It started organically, pitching ideas and asking for support—sometimes boldly, like when I approached a store selling Rihanna’s Fenty products and ended up with free samples for a project. Over time, I realized the power of aligning my stories with a brand’s mission. It’s about finding synergy: their product fits naturally within the story I’m telling, and I show them how that story aligns with their audience and values.
What’s your process for pitching brands?
It starts with thorough research. I craft a proposal that includes a clear alignment between the brand’s mission and the story I’m telling. I outline specific actions in the script—how their product will be integrated—and offer options like creating ancillary content for their marketing use. The key is to tell a compelling story in the pitch itself, showing the brand that this partnership benefits them while staying authentic to the narrative.
What mistakes do you see other creators make when pitching brands?
The biggest mistake is being vague. I’ve seen creators send long-winded emails or only pitch through DMs without a clear plan. Your first contact should be concise, telling a story that connects the brand’s mission to your project. Brands need to see the value you bring and how your story aligns with their audience. Doing the work for them—identifying the target audience and crafting a narrative around it—makes a huge difference.
As a filmmaker and hard-of-hearing storyteller, what excites you about the future of representation in media?
I’m excited to see more stories that reflect the diversity within the hard-of-hearing and deaf communities. For too long, we’ve only seen binary portrayals—either fully deaf or fully hearing. There’s so much richness in the in-between, and I’m proud to contribute to that representation. It’s also thrilling to see more Black creators and women of color breaking into the industry, telling authentic stories that resonate with audiences globally.
What advice do you have for other creators trying to fund their projects through brand partnerships?
Don’t be afraid to ask. Be specific, tell a story, and show how your project aligns with their mission. Brands are looking for authentic connections with audiences, and as a creator, you have the power to bring that authenticity. The right partnerships happen when your vision and their goals align seamlessly.
