My name is Jennifer Cotto and I am the founder of SunnyHouse Production Company LLC. The name SunnyHouse is derived from two extremely important concepts in my life, gratitude and family. From the moment I was born, my parents deemed me their Sunshine. As I've grown it is a nickname that keeps me grounded and reminds me to be present in every experience. I often traveled as a military child, which is why my family is so extremely important to me. Home has always been my parents and three siblings. Our traditions and experiences make up the structure of my heart. With SunnyHouse I strive to make the world around me brighter by capturing the structure of other hearts. It brings me great joy to sit and listen to the lives of people I'd never thought I'd meet. It is in those moments that God breaths such purpose and hope into my own life.
Movies have always been a love of mine. They inspire my journey, allow me to travel throughout time, and introduce me to incredible characters. Watching, rating, and debating the quality of a film or tv show is a famous Cotto family pass time and honestly one of my favorites. Faced with the decision to choose a college major, I struggled to commit to majors that seemed to suite me really well. I wanted to be practical, but my passion for film was so firmly rooted. In an effort to give my mind a rest from research and prayers, I rallied around my favorite family pass time. Dec 25, 2013, we went to see The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Walter's meek nature, incredible imagination, and desire for adventure really spoke to me. His gumption dared me to go after my own dreams. In the middle of that movie theatre I decided to pursue film school. I continue to be in awe by how God has used that small decision to greatly enrich my life.
"To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.”
― James Thurber
I graduated with a BA in Film and Video Studies from George Mason University. SunnyHouse Productions was first inspired by my senior thesis project Cameron's Contribution. During my time at GMU I was part of the Community Engagement Living Learning Community. We focused on and prioritized sustainable change beyond a temporary presence. As a research intern for National Geographic, I worked to support Nat Geo Explorers and was enlightened by their incredible projects. While those experiences exposed me to various ways to use my passion to serve others, it was my time traveling alongside missionaries that truly paved a way for me to do so. SunnyHouse was born in October 2017, which lead me to pursue a Masters of Business Administration degree in leadership from Liberty University. In May 2020 I completed my degree and began working with the National Museum of the Marine corps as a part of their public affairs team. For me personally, I want to look back on my life and know that I put forth the most kindness I possess, empathy I can offer, and effort I have toward creating a meaningful impact.
