New York Painter Edward Brezinski is the subject matter for the doc, "Make Me Famous."
Some stories are born of luck, others from sheer perseverance. Heather Spore, an accomplished actress turned producer, knows both sides of the coin. Hailing from Keller, just north of Fort Worth proper, and now living in New York City, Heather’s journey has taken her from stage lights to the silver screen. Her latest project, a documentary titled “Make Me Famous,” brings viewers into the colorful and chaotic 1980s New York City art scene — a world where creativity collides with fame and where one artist’s struggle for recognition unfolds through a lens that’s both intimate and expansive.
This doc has been making the rounds in theaters for over two years, garnering critical acclaim and building momentum as it shines a spotlight on the forgotten and overlooked artists of the era. With a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “Make Me Famous” is not your average indie documentary. It's not just about art, fame, or the people who made it big — it’s about the unsung, the striving artists who never quite reached the level of success their talent deserves. The film spotlights Edward Brezinski, a painter whose work shared space with the likes of Keith Haring, David Wojnarowicz, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Yet despite his proximity to some of the greatest names of the era, Brezinski’s quest for recognition remained unfulfilled.
What makes the story even more compelling is the personal connection Heather has to the project. Raised in Keller, and a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University, Heather’s early career was shaped on the stages of Fort Worth at venues like Casa Mañana, Stage West, and Circle Theater.
“The opportunities in Fort Worth were rich,” she recalls. “It was the perfect place to spark that creative fire.”
Chasing her dreams, Heather moved to New York City where she snagged roles in “The Fantasticks” off-Broadway and later on Broadway in the cast of “Wicked,” serving as the understudy for Glinda. Yet the transition from stage to screen was not accidental — it was a deliberate leap into a new creative frontier. Her husband, Brian Vincent, not only directed the documentary but also shot the movie, capturing the raw and kinetic energy of 1980s NYC through a dynamic, immersive lens.
“It was a labor of love,” Heather explains. The project began with a chance encounter when Brian met Lenny Kisco, an art collector obsessive about Brezinski’s work. “Brian went to see the art, and I tagged along,” she reminisces. “We were blown away — not just by the artwork but by the fascinating story of an artist who, despite every connection, never broke through.”
“Make Me Famous” dives deep into the chaos of NYC’s downtown art scene in the 1980s. The documentary pairs vibrant archival footage with insightful modern-day interviews, weaving a narrative that is as witty and sharp as it is revealing. Through conversations with gallery owners, fellow artists, and those who lived through the era, the film examines the elusive pursuit of fame and probes the heart of what it means to be a striving artist in a world defined by its relentless hunger for success.
Heather’s journey from stage actress to film producer demanded that she wear many hats. “It takes a Herculean effort not just to make a film but to bring it out into the world,” she admits. Without the backing of big names or major distributors, Heather and Brian took matters into their own hands —learning new roles, overseeing social media campaigns, and relentlessly championing their work in a digital age where self-promotion is as vital as the art itself.
Despite the challenges, “Make Me Famous” stands as a testament to the power of persistence. "There’s heroism in the striving itself," Heather reflects. “Not everyone makes it to the pinnacle of fame, but the fight to create something worthwhile is what truly matters.”
For those lucky enough to be in Fort Worth on May 1st, there’s an invitation to reconnect with local art and culture. “Make Me Famous” will be screened at the Modern at 6:30 p.m., followed by a post-screening Q&A with the filmmakers. For Heather, it’s not just a film premiere; it’s a homecoming — a reminder of the rich creative legacy of Fort Worth and a call to support the local arts community.
Whether it’s through nurturing local theaters or catching a screening of an indie documentary, Heather urges audiences to celebrate the art of striving. “Without our creative spaces, the vibrant culture we all love starts to fade,” she notes. “The arts are not just for the famous — they’re for everyone.”
This doc isn’t just a look back at a storied era; it’s a snapshot of the eternal struggle that defines every artist. Through Brian’s evocative direction and cinematography, along with Heather’s unwavering determination, the film captures an undeniable truth: sometimes, the journey is more meaningful than the destination.
As Heather sums it up: "The world is full of artists who never got their due. ‘Make Me Famous’ is for them — the ones who keep creating, even when the world isn’t watching."
