Hilarie Burton started her career as a college student discovered in New York City to become one of MTV’s most popular VJ’s. Burton spent five years as a staple on the network, hosting a variety of productions, including MTV’s flagship show “Total Request Live” as well as numerous specials. She earned her footing as a producer when she was granted her own show, “MTV Hits.” From there, Burton got back in touch with her acting roots when she was cast as the lead, Peyton Sawyer, in the CW hit series “One Tree Hill,” which she starred for six years.
During her breaks from the show, Burton gained significant experience in the world of independent film, starring in “Our Very Own” alongside Allison Janney and Jason Ritter, “The List” with Malcolm McDowell, “Normal Adolescent Behavior” which was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival and “Solstice” directed by Dan Myrick of “Blair Witch Project” fame. Most recently Burton played Dakota Fanning’s mother in the award winning “Secret Life of Bees” and starred alongside Kris Kristofferson, Val Kilmer and Dwight Yoakam in “Provinces of Night.”
Throughout the course of her experiences, Burton has studied the art of independent filmmaking and her travels have reinforced her belief that Wilmington, North Carolina is an extremely valuable community in the film industry. The development of her production company, Southern Gothic Productions, is a testament to her commitment to the region. Current Governor, Bev Perdue, enlisted her to a 3-year appointment to the North Carolina Film Commission.
