The Creative Outsiders: Recent Episodes
thecreativeoutsiders
We connect the dots for storytellers in media and entertainment. We show you it's possible to live your filmmaking dreams.
Erica Williams Simon is an award-winning strategist, author, creative and entrepreneur. As the founder and former Head of Snapchat’s Creator’s Lab, Erica creates conversations that help a diverse, digital native generation tell new stories about “who we are and how we want to live”. Her work incorporates elements of her multi-industry career to surface countercultural wisdom for work, life and social impact.
Through her company Sage House, a strategic content, experience and consulting firm Erica works with clients like Spotify, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and countless creative partners to bring big ideas to life. She is also host of the popular podcast The Call with Erica.
Previously, Simon worked as Senior Editor and Creative Director of Upworthy.com and as a columnist for TIME.com.
On This Episode:
- Do you think our identity being rooted in what we do prevents us from moving and showing up in spaces that we are needed in?
- We see people on social media and compare not know the process…give us perspective you were the founding Creative Director of Upworthy.com – what does it look like to build // what skills do we need to build especially a media presence?
- Narrative intelligence what is it and why is it important to storytellers in media?
- How can someone gain opportunities to show up in their new space if they are “starting late”. Example you left and went into Snapchat
Connect with us:
Shivawn Mitchell (host) www.shivawnmitchell.com
Erica Williams Simon (guest) https://www.ericawilliams.com/
Letisha Bereola is an Emmy nominated TV News Anchor in Jacksonville, Florida. With 10+ experience in the news industry, Letisha has covered everything from national championships and hurricanes as an MMJ to the anchor seat. Letisha is the host and producer of the podcast AUDACITY: Unlocking the secrets of the Bold where she interviews entrepreneurs, creatives, thought leaders and artists about how they cultivated the audacity to go after their dreams. Her faith in Jesus is the center of her life and helps her show up everyday as a mom of two, wife and news anchor who is determined to use her platform to inspire people to live a life purpose.
On This Episode We Cover:
- Finding our voice in a noisy space how do you show up as your authentic self as a storyteller.
- How does your faith define what stories you share?
- How does your faith shows up in your creativity?
- Representation in the media …why News? How did you get started?
- What does it look like for you going after your dreams?
- What have you learned as wearing the producers hat going into the podcast?
- What do you say to the people who say I don’t want to start because the market is Oversaturated?
- Measuring Success….what does that look like for you and defining what it is?
Connect with Us:
Host: Shivawn Mitchell www.shivawnmitchell.com
Guest Latisha Bereola https://www.instagram.com/letishatv/
Christina Jones is a creative director and producer with a strong background in graphic design & branding, film production and marketing. She has traveled nationally and internationally, collaborating with brands such as Showtime Sports, TOGETHXR and House of Athlete to direct and produce creative content. She's recently founded a brand titled "Creatives Are Essential" which showcases the importance of individuals in creative fields and creates resources for people to grow by developing ideas, collaborating with others and learning to rest.
On This Episode We Discuss :
- Why Creatives are Essential
- How she put herself out there to work with House of Athlete
- Working with a team
- What it looks like to produce
Connect with us:
www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
https://www.strytlrs-creative.com/
Avril Z. Speaks is a producer, director and film educator based in Los Angeles. She produced the critically-acclaimed feature film Jinn, which won the Special Jury Prize for Writing at SXSW and was acquired by MGM/Orion Classics for theatrical and VOD release. Since then she has produced several films including Hosea, and African America, which will premiere this year at the Pan African Film Festival, and the upcoming Dotty & Soul, starring Leslie Uggams, Gary Owens and Margot Bingham. She was an associate producer on the TNT docu-series “American Race,” and has helped produce content for BET, Coca-Cola, Essence, and others.
What we discussed on this episode?
How did you pursue film? What were your actionable steps?
Why do you think we don’t see more women in the space of producing and what skills do you need to wear that hat? How do we show up better?
Faith and Creativity. I saw that you studied, Theology and Film, why was this important for you to study the two together and how has it shaped your creativity?
Is it important for us to apply for producer labs or fellowships? What does this do for our careers?
Do you have to move to LA to be successful in film as a producer/or director?
What stories are important for you to tell now and why?
Connect with us
Avril Speaks
Shivawn Mitchell - Host & The Creative Outsiders
SHANNAN E. JOHNSON is the ultimate accountability partner. After grad school she became a junior creative executive at NBCUniversal at the Syfy Channel. I was there for the rebrand. Remember Sci Fi? Yeah, not really. Anywho, it was her job to help writers and producers take their ideas from pitch to production. She co-exec'd on Alphas, Being Human, Haven, Sanctuary, Warehouse 13, and more Syfy dramedies. This is how she honed my skill in all stages of the screenwriting process. She started her own script consulting company, The Professional Pen. Her clients include emerging screenwriters to established actors, directors, showrunners and producers. She's judged screenplay competitions and sat on festival panels, consulted on a plethora of scripts, and garnered several editing credits.
Our Host for this Episode is Brittany White a modern-day visionary. Using a unique brand of faith, funny and down to earth realness, Brittany aspires to show women that you can have it all without sacrificing your faith, family or career.
On This Episode We Cover:
- Your career path defines versatility…you’ve worked in education, tv/film and as an actress/singer/dancer. How did you decide it was time for a career switch and were you ever fearful of taking the leap from one career path to another?
- What exactly is a script consultant and what type of services do you offer to writers?
- Why is it important as a writer to invest in these types of services?
Let's get social
www.awriterforyourwriter.com IG: @theprofessionalpen www.thecreativeoutsiders.com IG: @thecreativeoutsiders
Myah Naomi Lipscomb was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Adelphi, Maryland as the only child of Sylvester and Chandra Lipscomb. She was taught at the early age of three to be an individual and it eventually became apart of her identity to whole-heartedly and unapologetically be herself. After graduating from Eleanor Roosevelt high school in Greenbelt, Maryland, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Tennessee State University. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science/ Pre-Veterinary Medicine. After working as a veterinary assistant for a year and half, she realized that her passion lied elsewhere and that life was too short not to fulfill her dreams. She has always had a strong creative side that she’s expressed through dance, writing, acting, videography, and editing. In December of 2014, she took a leap of faith toward her passion and decided to pursue a career in television and film. She attended Lipscomb University and graduated with her Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in Film & Creative Media in December 2017.
Myah’s passion for television and film comes from the desire to create content that positively represents people of color, especially women of color, in a respectable manner. She is the creator of an award winning scripted television comedy series, #WeirdMYAH, and is currently in the process of getting it picked up by a television network or streaming platform. She currently works as a freelance director, cinematographer, and editor for individuals, artists, musicians, events, businesses, and local television stations.
Podcast Guest Host: Brittany White is a modern-day visionary. Using a unique brand of faith, funny and down to earth realness, Brittany aspires to show women that you can have it all without sacrificing your faith, family or career.
Nicknamed “Every girl’s best friend”, Brittany’s humor and realness has allowed her to connect to women all over the country through an active and engaging social media presence. She understands that social media can be used as a source to bring women together and uses it to inspire and encourage women around the world.
The vision of Brittany J. White Inc. is to spread the love of Christ through both her media company “Pretty Funny Ent.” and her non-profit organization “The Leah Project Inc.”
Get Social with The Creative Outsiders
or visit our Instagram / YouTube Channel
K. Elle Jones is an Amazon Bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, Personal Brand Consultant, filmmaker, and media-savvy expert, with more than 25+ years experience in media, entertainment, branding, marketing & advertising, working with top brands including Victoria’s Secret, Bath + Body Works, and Cigna Healthcare.
Her brand positioning, presence (on-and-offline), and messaging has helped her land lucrative brand partnership deals, and garnered her both local and national media attention, including CBS, The Tamron Hall Show, VoyageLA, LA Talk Radio, and more.
She’s currently in production on her live Docuseries, “The Beauty Behind The Brand Live,” a 12-episode, original television series produced by, ELLEvate NOW Creative Media, her production company, and LMK Entertainment.
Elle consults with entrepreneurs, business owners, female founders and community leaders on how to build a powerful, legacy-driven personal brand, share their message with more people, and elevate their credibility, impact and profitability, leveraging the power of storytelling, video, brand marketing + distribution.
On This Episode We Cover:
- Navigating the middle of the journey
- Losing a job and pivoting careers
- Branding & PR with Creatives - What that looks like
- Next Steps when you don't know what to do
Get Social with Us
You can learn more about Elle and her creative agency + video production company at www.ellevatenow.com or on Instagram
You can learn more about TCO and their production company at www.thecreativeoutsiders.com or on Instagram
Lamide Akintobi is an award winning journalist and television personality with several years of experience in front of and behind the camera. She has a B.A in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish from Texas A&M University – Commerce, and an M.A in International Journalism from City University, London, where she was a British Council Chevening Scholar.
She has worked as a news anchor, producer and reporter at Channels TV and TVC News and as a Presenter/Producer with Ebonylife TV, which broadcasts across Africa and in the UK. She also worked with Red Media as a host on the show "Church Culture" and has worked as a freelance producer for CNN International since 2018. Lamide has also served as a producer/coordinator on independent documentaries and as a project/content acquisition manager.
She has moderated panels at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference, Ake Festival, Union Bank Annual Education Conference, & She Leads Africa Festival, among many others. In addition, she is an event host, working with clients such as Union Bank and Google Nigeria, a content consultant, and documentary maker.
On This Episode:
Finding your Footing as a Storyteller
Networking & Connections
Producing out of Necessity
Freelance Production
Your Responsibility as a Storyteller
Get Social with Us:
Lamide Akintobi : Instagram Website
The Creative Outsiders : Instagram Website
Charlotte Betts Lomé Togo, raised in Canada’s capital , Ottawa and currently call a quiet suburb outside of Chicago home.
If there is only one thing you need to know about her, it is this — She's a storyteller through and through. and passionate about helping people and businesses make an impact through digital storytelling.
Her creative (writing) journey began in 1990 thanks to a book by La Comptesse de Ségur entitled “ Après la pluie le beau temps” she fell in love with Ségur’s ability to transport me to France through words and vowed one day to do the same.
Today, that vow has helped her serve individuals by bridging the gap between their stories and their audience, through the use of effective and impactful storytelling.
Get Social With Us
Charlotte Betts - www.instagram.com/pintsizefaithmedia or Website or www.instagram.com/charlotteabetts
Shivawn Mitchell - www.thecreativeoutsiders.com or www.shivawnmitchell.com & IG
During our Creative Chat we tackle the topic of the Broke Creative and how Creatives can change their mindset to be in position to build as well as create. The Creative Outsiders host monthly Chat with out Community about issues that creatives go through.
On the Call this Week we invited Bri Smith who helps businesses and individuals implement the best use financial strategies for their finances.
Get Social With Us.
Website - www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders
Show Notes:
What does doing the work look like financially as a creative?
Do you Value Align with where you are headed?
Where did we get our money mindset from?
What is the starving artist?
This Episode is a Special Edition with Just Shivawn Mitchell chatting with you about the perspective of being a Christian Creative and what that looks like. Tune in as she breaks down how she see's her faith in the movie Home Alone 2.
Shivawn's Bio - & Get Social with here HERE or HERE
At just 8 years old I took my first step at writing, submitting a personal essay into a contest at my Elementary School. This was major considering I was the girl who hardly spoke in class. But, I pushed past my fears and laid my words on the line.
To my surprise I won.
After winning the contest I tucked my award into my scrapbook and didn’t formally write for another 20 years. I kept writing but my words were hidden in my journal. I grew up believing that I could be a teacher, doctor or even a lawyer. I didn’t see creativity as a career especially for Christians unless you were creating a church play on Easter.
My perspective stayed limited and I didn’t believe there was space for me as a creative until I had a mini meltdown at my 9 to 5 which sent me on a journey of obtaining my MFA in Screenwriting.
On today's episode we hang out during our Creative Community Chat where we discuss navigating during Covid-19 we had the pleasure of having Marlena Banks who I like to think of the mindset queen.
She's also known as a Christian Startup Coach | Author of Big Idea Food: A Weekly Devotional for Entrepreneurs, Side Hustlers & Dreamers. Big Idea Food™ started in 2018 as a paperback devotional for entrepreneurs that serves up dope biblical nuggets to energize your hustle. Since then it’s grown into a lifestyle brand for dope Christian entrepreneurs that features a private online community, a YouTube channel, a weekly devotional email & inspirational social media content. Together, all these resources work to feed your spirit with God’s word in a voice you can relate to so that you are empowered to execute all the world-changing ideas God has given you.
On This Episode we Discuss
- How do you deal with fear? What does that look like practically.
- Why are we not doing what we're supposed to do?
- What mindset work do we need to do to get rid of our excuses and produce?
- Wanting to collaborate but I’m full of comparison how do I handle that space
Let's Get Social
Marlena Banks Big Idea Food Instagram
Shivawn Mitchell Website Instagram
Mercedes Brazier-Thurman is a screenwriter and content creator. Her writing explores the comedic curiosity and complex vulnerability within our relationships.
She is currently a staff writer for the streaming site, Black and Sexy TV. She was a co-writer for Black and Sexy TV’s Hello Cupid: Season 3 Reboot.
She is the creator of the quirky comedic web series, All My Friends Are Married. Season 1 is distributed by The Black TV & Film Collective. In addition, she is the co-creator of MomStorie, a millennial blog that encourages creativity in parenting.
An alumna of Tisch School of the Arts for Film and Dramatic Writing, she has a MA in Educational Theatre from NYU Steinhart’s School of Education. Mercedes has taught screenwriting to NYC teens, women of color and Indigenous Americans and. She is currently a script writing professor at The City University of New York.
Show Notes:
Getting started in Screenwriting. Common pitfalls with those who are new to screenwriting? Tips for the established screenwriter? How should you get feedback as a screenwriter? Crowdfunding as a Screenwriter. Navigating the middle as a Screenwriter. Let’s get Social –
mercedes brazier-thurman // instagram
shivawnmitchell // thecreativeoutsiders
Shivawn Mitchell is the founder of The Creative Outsiders where we connect the dots for storytellers and show them it's possible to create in various spaces in media. Once a week The Creative Outsiders has been sitting down to provide a safe space for creatives to express their thoughts and concerns while COVID-19 is happening.
On This Episode we Cover:
Does community really work?
What do you need in community?
Does Community need to be give and take?
How to deal with comparison as a Creative?
Creatives Present.
Fann Sanders A Philadelphia PA native, she started in the arts as a child and has explored various creative lanes from being talent to technical staff. A graduate of The Community College of Philadelphia, Fann earned her degree in digital video production. Fann not only has a passion but a flare for providing exceptional production support through strategic planning, logistics organization, and personable liaising across the aisles of talent and tech. Credited as writer, director, producer and lead actor, Fann completed her first short film in 2018.
Anita Ham Ms. Ham is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Currently, she serves as a field instructor for Bachelor and Master’s level social work students at local universities. She mentors youth at Six Points Innovation Center and other local community organizations. Ms. Ham is also the Founder of RibFit and will be coming out with several creative projects in 2020.
Brittany J. White is the founder of a nonprofit, The Leah Project and mentor to young girls. She's a writer specializing in comedy. YouTube holds all of her skits.
Kristin Winchester is a Licensed Therapist and Mindset Coach, speaker, host of the DFBG Mindset Podcast and founder of Her Therapy Space, a mental health private practice in Washington, DC.
She partners with ambitious WOC entrepreneurs and professionals to break the negative thought patterns keeping them from success so they can live out their purpose with excitement and confidence. She believes that we have the power to choose and create the life we desire and it all starts with our thinking. With over 8 years experience in the wellness field, Kristin has helped many people shift their ways of thinking in order to live a life they once didn’t think was a possibility.
Kristin has been featured in Essence, Cosmopolitan, CNN Money, Rolling Out, Huff Post and a number of other platforms.
Show Notes * How do we Navigate our Mental Health During This Time * What is Depression & managing our Emotional health * Identifying Anxiety * Why we still need Routine during this time * Checking in with yourself and what that looks like * Imposter Syndrome * Limiting our Consumption as Creatives during this time
Let's get Social -
kristinsuttonlpc // hertherapyspace
shivawnmitchell // thecreativeoutsiders
Visit us Online HERE
Mentioned on the show The 5 Minute Journal
Thank you to our Sponsors Salon Noa & Yendidi Restaurant
Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for a relationship with a licensed mental health professional. If you need immediate assistance please contact:
Suicide Prevention 800-273-8255Mental Health Hotline 866-677-5924Center Against Sexual Assault 866-373-8300National Alliance on Mental Health 800-656-4673National Sexual Assault 800-656-4673
Alesia Etinoff is an LA-based creator and comedian just wrapped principle on her short film 19 WEEKS that Zoe Saldana’s Cinestar Executive Produced; Alesia stars opposite Sherri Shepherd, Lamorne Morris and Marque Richardson. Alesia’s 2017 web series Avant-Guardians won Best Short Form Dramedy at the prestigious NYTVF, was nominated for best websereis at ABFF, and is an official selection for the LA Film Festival. It’s received rave reviews from Essence, Bust Magazine, Decider and TubeFilter. The pilot she wrote, inspired by the series, made it to the second round of the Sundance Episodic Story Lab and the second round of the MACRO Episodic Story Lab. Alesia has showcased at the Hollywood Improv, Nerdmelt and Zanies Chicago and can be seen regularly at UCB and Flappers. She is a UCB Diversity Scholar and a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. Alesia most recently partnered with the Television Academy to create a diversity writing intensive called ‘Young Writers to Watch.’
On This Episode We Cover:
Producing her own Project & Funding
How Comedy has shaped her writing
Her short film 19 WEEKS
Script Coverage
Pitfalls Screenwriters Make
The Importance of Community For Filmmakers
Connect With Us
Alesia Etinoff - Instagram, Website
Shivawn Mitchell - Instagram, Website
Rani brings 16+ years experience in the digital media space. Her work has taken her from Washington, DC, to Los Angeles and to Singapore, producing, directing digital content in support of Travel Channel, TLC, HGTV, DIYNetwork and more.
Throughout her career she’s produced many digital series including HGTV’s House Tours with host of Flipping Virgins, Egypt Sherrod, and Flip or Flop Atlanta’s Anita and Ken Corsini. Additional series she produced include My Hometown and Day in the Life with actor Brian Unger (Travel Channel). Rani has also produced the digital series for Travel Channel, Man v. NYC, featuring Man v. Food’s Casey Webb and Food Network’s Vivian Chan.
Rani is also an avid world-traveler. In an effort to share her experience and passion for travel, her love for photography and her local experiences with her 3 children, she created a lifestyle blog called Triplicity by Craft. The blog showcases her travels to such places as Paris, Italy, and Senegal. Additionally, she has used her passion as a platform to tell others about the importance of travel for young kids and adults.
In 2017, Rani was invited to speak at Good Travels’ inaugural event in San Francisco on the importance of travel, especially for the next generation.
Rani also serves on the Board of Creatives team for 100cameras, a non-profit organization that works with young children in marginalized regions throughout the world, teaching them photojournalism.
Rani currently residing in Knoxville, TN, by way of Washington, DC.
In 2017 Rani, started working alongside her good friend Latasha Kennedy at LMK Entertainment Group to produce scripted and unscripted content. Rani executive produced ‘One Last Goodbye’ with Latasha Kennedy in April 2018.
On This Episode We Cover:
The Pitching Process
How Rani's career landed her in producing
Skills that will benefit you as a producer
How travel has helped her as a storyteller
Connect With Us:
Rani Craft Robinson - www.instagram.com/ranicraft or https://www.lmkentertainmentgrp.com/our-team
Shivawn Mitchell - www.thecreativeoutsiders.com or www.shivawnmitchell.com
Gynai Kristol was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. As a child she would constantly watch and critique music videos while contemplating ways to form concepts in her head for them. Her Grandfather was a photographer and inadvertently had quite the influence on her at young age. The camera and film world had always been intriguing for her and a constant creative motivator since she was a little girl, which in later years, caused her to purchase her first camera, a Canon t3i. After Graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2013, Gynai began working with The West Angeles Church Of God In Christ as a videographer. Not content with juggling only one gig she continued to pursue working with various creatives in and around LA and began working with and documenting artists’ processes as they created their albums, prepared for their first shows, and went through life. In 2015 she decided to move to New York to further pursue her passion in film and attended New York Film Academy for their one year documentary program. The want to tell stories of people's lives, giving them a relatable appeal, is what kept Gynai doing documentary based videos and short films. With her documentary films, Gynai’s goal is to inspire and entertain her audience. She is now a freelance filmmaker and editor based in Brooklyn, NY.
Connect with Gynai Kristol - Website
Connect with Shivawn Mitchell - Website
Denise Purkett is a writer who creates original content for the internet. She enjoys telling stories visually, touching on topics including relationships, self-care, and grief. She works alongside her husband in their company, Vision Suite Media, where they specialize in creating digital videos and photos for businesses, creatives and artists. Denise has a MA in Strategic Communication. Denise lives in Norfolk, Virginia with her husband, her bonus daughter, and her 8 month old daughter.
@denniinop Instagram @thecreativeoutsiders or @shivawn_adrienne SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you like this episode, share it + subscribe + leave a review (or do both) The more reviews, the greater chance someone else will hear these episodes. iTunes Stitcher iHeartRadio Podomatic
Alana Marie is a storyteller and digital content creator. Alana’s passion stems from her belief in everyone having a story, everything having a meaning, and every experience serving a purpose. Alana recently completed her first short, The Kinloch Doc, which screened in the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and the St. Louis International Film Festival. She is currently producing and directing the feature length of the Kinloch Doc, the first documentary about the rise and demise of Missouri’s First Black City - Kinloch, MO. In addition to filmmaking: (1) Alana is a college access advocate exposing first-gen and underrepresented youth to college, (2) a community organizer in overlooked and neglected neighborhoods in St. Louis, and (3) a freelance writer whose work has been published on several known online publications including Blavity, xoNecole, The Root & Delux Mag.
Sponsor : Location Locked is a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit locationlocked.com to register your space and find what you need for your next project today! Visit locationlocked.com today and get started today!
Website: www.thekinlochdoc.com
www.thecreativeoutsiders.com & www.shivawnmitchell.com
Dana & Sarah Films LLC is owned by two women filmmakers, Dana Richardson and Sarah Zentz, who have been passionately directing and producing independent documentary films since 2008. They are the Producers, Directors, and Editors of the award winning documentary films GOSHEN (2015) and BACK TO EDEN (2011). Their documentary features have broadcast on PBS, FNX, and Amazing Discoveries and were selected by several On Demand channels including Amazon Video, Telus, Steep Edge TV, Grind TV, Eco Streamz, and FMTV. Their films are concerned with social and environmental issues, covering stories such as sustainable food systems and the impact of climate change on indigenous cultures. They have a unique way of storytelling that is entertaining, educational, and inspires change.
Powered by Location Locked. Location Locked is a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit locationlocked.com to register your space and find what you need for your next project today!
Connect With Us:
https://www.facebook.com/DanaSarahFilms/
https://vimeo.com/danasarahfilms
www.shivawnmitchell.com
www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
Jillian Bullock is the CEO/President of Jillian Bullock Enterprises, LLC, an empowerment and entertainment production company based in Pennsylvania. After graduation with a degree in Communications from La Salle University, Jillian got her start in filmmaking as an intern on Spike Lee’s movie “Malcolm X.” From there, she has worked on her own, and other people’s movies as an actor, writer, producer, director, and fight choreographer. As an award winning filmmaker, Jillian wrote and directed the documentary “A Filmmaker’s Personal Journey.” She went on to write, direct and produce the drama “Spirit.” Jillian recently completed “A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives,” a feature film that focuses on veterans, PTSD and military sexual assault.Currently, Jillian is in pre-production on the movie “A Cup Full of Crazy,” a psychological thriller. Since 2007, Jillian has been a screenwriting judge for the Set In Philadelphia Screenwriting Contest, which is sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office.
This Episode is Powered by Location Locked is a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit location locked to register your space and find what you need for your next project today!
Connect:
Jillian Bullock https://www.jbullockspeaker.com/
Shivawn Mitchell www.shivawnmitchell.com www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
Janine Sherman Barrois is an award-winning writer/producer who is currently the showrunner/executive producer on the TNT hit dramedy Claws, starring Niecy Nash. She has been writer/executive producer on such shows as ER and Criminal Minds and has won numerous awards including a Humanitas and several NAACP Image Awards. Barrois graduated from Howard University. French Fries marks her directorial debut.
On This Episode We Cover:
What it takes to be a Screenwriter
Wearing the hat as a Showrunner
French Fries - Short Film
Finding balance as a filmmaker
Working in the industry
Connect
Janine Sherman Barrois https://www.frenchfriesshortfilm.com/
The Creative Outsiders http://www.thecreativeoutsiders.com http://www.shivawnmitchell.com
This Episode is Powered by Location Locked is a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit locationlocked.com to register your space and find what you need for your next project today!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you like this episode, share it + subscribe + leave a review (or do both) The more reviews, the greater chance someone else will hear these episodes and decide it’s possible to be a filmmakers. iTunes Podbean
From grassroots community projects & podcasts to awardwinning network TV films & documentaries, Carolyn McDonald generates & facilitates provocative content for a variety of creative platforms.
Fresh out of New York University’s Dramatic Writing/Film Program, Carolyn joined the East Coast advertising/publicity division of Warner Bros. Television in New York. There she ran buyer screenings and developed network publicity campaigns for such films as THE ROAD WARRIOR, CHARIOTS OF FIRE and BLADE RUNNER, and conceived marketing campaigns for the Warner Bros. cartoon catalogue.
Carolyn also served as a Creative Executive at Cinecom Entertainment Group, where she was involved in various stages of development & production on such films as THE HANDMAID’S TALE, ONCE AROUND, MISSISSIPPI MASALA and TUNE IN TOMORROW.
As Executive Vice President of Danny Glover’s Carrie Productions, she executive produced TNT’s Emmy & Image Award-nominated civil rights saga, FREEDOM SONG, written and directed by Oscar® nominee Phil Alden Robinson. Carolyn also coproduced the critically acclaimed Western BUFFALO SOLDIERS, and executive produced AMERICA’S DREAM for HBO, which featured Wesley Snipes, and won 4 Cable Aces and an NAACP Image Award for Best Made-for-TV Movie.
She recently launched DigMeVision, a professional development consulting service to help content creators enhance their entrepreneurial skills + implement effective marketing strategies in the ever-changing digital media landscape. She’s conducted workshops in New York at the Made in NY Media Center at IFP, Raw Space, and at Women in Film’s ScriptDC in Washington. She was one of 20 participants in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media + Entertainment’s inaugural Podcasting Certificate Program, and will be launching her first podcast “The Is” early 2019.
This Episode is powered by Location Locked, a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit locationlocked.com to register your space and find what you need for your next project today!
Connect:
Host: Shivawn Mitchell www.shivawnmitchell.com
www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
Guest: Carolyn McDonald
https://www.linkedin.com/in/CarolynMcDonald
https://digmevision.com/about
Maya Table is the owner of Sam Frank Productions. Sam Frank Productions’ approach is to build rich digital experiences for our clients that authentically resonates with their brand and a global audience. We work with a talented group of creatives to produce visually stimulating work. And we pride ourselves on providing compelling work within a highly collaborative, creative workflow. Maya graduated from Georgia State University as a Film and Video major. During her college years, she interned for Radio One, BET’s 106 & Park, BET’s RapCity, Atlanta Ballet and on various movies and music video sets.The first music video that she interned on was T.I.’s “24s” video. For years she worked as a digital branding specialist for artists like Trey Songz & Jeezy and companies like TiVo, Coca Cola and Raymond Weil. Maya recently finished a documentary entitled "Reclaiming Nappy."
On This Episode We Cover:
Juicy Crab - Just Listen you'll understand
Starting her production company Sam Frank Productions
Wearing the hat of Producer
What did Interning teach her
Music Videos
The Documentary Reclaiming Nappy
Creative Process
Marketing your Film
Connect
Maya Table www.mayatable.com/credits www.samfrankproductions.com
The Creative Outsiders www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.shivawnmitchell.com
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Meet Natina Marie Co-founder & CEO of Blossom. Blossom is a lifestyle and media network. They produce and curate branded content and events focused on highlighting the culture of minority women in the film, TV, and digital media industries. Through their own OTT platform and third-party content partners, they distribute award-winning short films, web series, talk shows, independent feature films, and docu-series that are focused on telling stories about Black, Latinx, Asian, African, and multi-racial women. By elevating their audience, and providing relatable content, they vindicate every experience for every woman. Through strength and sisterhood, they inspire and unite; pushing through the cracks of mainstream media, they are blossom.
This episode is powered by Location Locked is a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit locationlocked.com to register your space and find what you need for your next project today! Visit locationlocked.com today and get started today!
Contact Info: Website: https://watchblossom.com Email: hi@watchblossom.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchblossom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watchblossom/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/watchblossom Other: https://linktr.ee/watchblossom
www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
www.shivawnmitchell.com
Marti King Young is an award winning filmmaker and author of the book "Help! I Have An Audition! Now What?" Known for her writing, directing, and producing skills, Marti's work has been seen on HBO, Showtime, television, film festivals, and on the internet. She has been featured in the German publication Cinewomen for her contributions to women in film, and was the 2015 recipient of the Women in Film and Television Finishing Grant. She currently works on the ABC show Kevin (Probably) Saves The World and is in pre-production on several different projects, both for film and television.
Her short film, STOLEN, won her the Best Director award at the Miami Beach Film Festival 2018. She's a proud member of the Alliance of Women Directors.
Listen and learn as we chat about:
How Screenwriters can become better, pitfalls in writing that she sees
Winning Best Director at the Miami Beach Film Festival
How to pitch as a screenwriter
Episode Powered by Location Locked. Location Locked is for filmmakers who hate spending hours searching for locations and crewing up. With our review system in place, you’re able to learn more about your potential hire before you ever reach out. Also, the opportunity to book locations and production staff from the site means you spend less time searching for the right people and more time developing the work. It’s a win-win. locationlocked.com
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With nearly twenty producing credits under her belt, Emelyn Stuart is widely recognized by filmmakers as a go-to producer whose projects have won awards, gone viral and aired on network TV. After a decade in show business, her knowledge and contributions will forever have an indelible mark in the world of independent entertainment.
Back in 2009 Emelyn got a unique opportunity to use both her strong business acumen along with her love for problem solving. A friend had a script and wanted help with turning it into a film. Emelyn not only fulfilled her friend’s wish, but the film WINGS AND BEER went on to win numerous festival awards and provide high visibility for all involved.
During her journey as a filmmaker, Emelyn regularly left film festivals feeling like the experiences raised more questions than answers. In 2012 she decided to create a festival to address the nagging concerns she felt throughout her producing experiences.
The Ocktober Film Festival (OFF) made its debut in 2013 and was an immediate crowd favorite. Bursting with passionate filmmakers, enthusiastic movie goers, workshops, community initiatives, celebrities and press – this festival became a New York gem through which serious content creators could feel safe premiering their work. The festival maintains that reputation today. Being the owner of both a film production company, and a thriving film festival presented Emelyn with yet more challenges. Staying true to her style, she combined her business knowledge with another one of her interests, community.
In September of 2018, Emelyn Stuart made history when she opened STUART CINEMA & CAFÉ in trendy Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It is the culmination of all the knowledge Emelyn has acquired from working closely with filmmakers over the last ten years. Besides the major accomplishment of owning the movie theater outright, with no loans – Emelyn did it without any financial partners or investors. She is the first Afro Latina to accomplish this feat in the entire borough of Brooklyn.
Emelyn Stuart continues to demonstrate the importance of shattering glass ceilings in entertainment. Her example is one to which many young girls can look to for inspiration and encouragement.
Listen HERE and learn as we chat about: Starting where you are aa a filmmaker What do you bring to the table as a filmmaker Producing Starting the Stuart Cinema
Episode Powered by Location Locked. Location Locked is for filmmakers who hate spending hours searching for locations and crewing up. With our review system in place, you’re able to learn more about your potential hire before you ever reach out. Also, the opportunity to book locations and production staff from the site means you spend less time searching for the right people and more time developing the work. It’s a win-win. locationlocked.com
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Director and writer, Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, a native of England, began her career in theatre. She soon developed into director striving to solidify her mark amongst the film industry’s finest.
Kelly has directed many music videos, web series, documentaries and narrative shorts and as an assistant director she has worked on several television series, feature films and music videos. With her expanse and unique experience Kelly was asked to be a juror for the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television as well as the jury head for Yorkton Film Festival.
She was most recently invited to speak at TEDx Youth Toronto. Her speech “Make Ripples Where You Are” is about creating change in the world, no matter what you do.
Her most current work includes an award-winning short film Haven (17), which premiered at SXSW as well as screening at BAFTA. Kelly’s love for film mixed with her passion for community development, leaves every project she touches impactful. She uses film to change perspectives, share love and powerful stories.
In addition to her written work Kelly directed Black White Blue (18) and Lockhart(19) for the Canadian Film Centre, she co-directed four music videos for Our Lady Peace (17), the pilot for the series virgins! (18) an episode of popular web series Friends with Benefits (17) as well as being honorably accepted into the Directors Guild of Canada as an Assistant Director.
Kelly’s promising career is steadily on the rise. She is currently in post production for her two-part short film Black Bodies (18), Marathon (18). As well as in development for feature Summer Of The Gun. Kelly Fyffe-Marshall is more than ready to make waves upon the shores of the film industry’s continuously evolving landscape.
Episode Powered by Location Locked. Location Locked is for filmmakers who hate spending hours searching for locations and crewing up. With our review system in place, you're able to learn more about your potential hire before you ever reach out. Also, the opportunity to book locations and production staff from the site means you spend less time searching for the right people and more time developing the work. It's a win-win. locationlocked.com
Listen in and learn as we chat about: Activism through Filmmaking Bridging the gap between Indie Filmmaking and the Union Her Short Film "Haven" Developing Her Voice as a Director
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Jazmine Henley-Brown is a Creative Risk-Taker from Milwaukee, WI, currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. In 2017, she launched Henley Brown Media Group with the Milwaukee Podcast Festival, a festival in her hometown to showcase local, independent podcasts featuring the Brilliant Idiots with Charlamange Tha God and Andrew Schulz as the headliner.
Her current projects include, writing the script for the short comedy film, Black Girl Training and 2 episodes of the second season of the District Queen podcast. She is also currently co-creating and will executive produce NightView Live. All premiering in 2019.
Acclaimed for her work as the Host and Producer of the #20SomethingSeries podcast, Executive Producer of the #1 Digital Morning Radio Show in Atlanta, The ShakeUP, and quirky lifestyle writing, Jazmine is no stranger to creating relatable and easy to digest digital content.
This episode is powered by Location Locked.
Location Locked is a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit locationlocked.com to register your space and find what you need for your next project today!
Show Notes:
Listen in and learn as we chat about:
her upcoming show NightView Live
Funding & Taking Risk
her process as a Screenwriter
writing for the short film Black Girl Training
SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you like this episode, share it + subscribe + leave a review (or do both) The more reviews, the greater chance someone else will hear these episodes and decide it's possible to be a filmmakers.
Latasha Kennedy is a screenwriter, producer, actress, and director. Currently through her production company, LMK Entertainment Group, Latasha creates family-oriented content that esteems young women of color on the rise and young families raising next generation leaders.
Latasha is extremely interested in telling stories that highlight African American culture in a way that is authentic, enriching, empowering and entertaining. Her short film, One Last Goodbye, a story that explores the impact that suicide has on families left behind, is currently in post and expected to begin screening publicly in November 2018. In 2015, she produced a short film called, Meltdown, a comedic tale about a young, quirky new mom struggling to find her waistline after giving birth. Latasha went on to write the spin-off series called She's Such a Mom. The semi-autobiographical, comedic series explores a young woman's journey while living in Brooklyn, NY and struggling to balance marriage, motherhood, and her career. The series explores what it means to "have it all", women in the workplace, and the superwoman complex. In 2016, the pilot became a semi-finalist in the Sundance | YouTube Episodic Lab and will begin production in early 2019.
Show Notes www.thecreativeoutsiders.com https://www.lmkentertainmentgrp.com/
Marissa has cumulatively over 7 years of experience working in the business and legal fields of the entertainment industry, including working for SAG-AFTRA, one of the largest entertainment unions. She has assisted clients in negotiating co-production agreements with major networks, and assisted clients in the areas of trademark prosecution, copyright registration and enforcement, IP licensing deals, incorporation of production companies, talent management firms, and agencies. She has represented screenwriters, production companies, and management firms in a myriad of commercial deals, and has provided General Counsel services to several start-up companies.
On This Episode Black-ish Case: A lesson in protecting your rights under a writer collaboration agreement Where filmmakers are blowing it with contracts. Agents verses Attorney Can I afford a lawyer? Immigration & Entertainment The Union side of entertainment Registering through the WGA what does that mean for my rights.
Book she is reading? Hollywood Reporter, Variety
What is she watching? This is Us
Let’s Get Social
@Crespolawoffice Instagram @thecreativeoutsiders or @shivawn_adrienne SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you like this episode, share it + subscribe + leave a review (or do both) The more reviews, the greater chance someone else will hear these episodes.
After graduating Chapman University, Paulina moved to Los Angeles to pursue her filmmaking endeavors. Aware of the extremely small percentage of female filmmakers working in Hollywood, Paulina decided this was the perfect opportunity to create her own films. She’s always felt comfortable being the underdog. Paulina launched her production company Jax Productions, named after her first rescue dog, in 2015 when she was directing branded content and commercial spots for startup food brands and 5 star resorts.
In 2017, Paulina wrote and directed her first feature film “Mail Order Monster”, a female driven, blended family positive, bully sympathetic, sci-fi / family drama. Frustrated by the current, liveaction family films being made that painted life in black and what, Paulina sought to make a film about the gray, something today’ families can relate to. Due to the dark, mature content of her short films, Paulina never thought her directorial feature film debut would be one involving kids and a monster, but the universe has a sense of humor.
On This Episode: Why filmmaking? Proof of Concept. Be strategic, working backwards. Tax incentives Creative process as a director? Juggling the producer and director role. Filming her first narratives, and mishaps.
Connect with Us: www.mailordermonstermovie.com www.jaxmakesmovies.com https://www.instagram.com/mailordermonster/ www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders
Sadé Clacken Joseph is a Caribbean-American filmmaker, photographer and singer-songwriter from the Bronx, NY. Sadé began making short films and writing songs on piano in high school, and has been in love with telling stories ever since. After graduating with a degree in Anthropology from Columbia University in 2011, she joined the production team for the ABC talkshow The View. After four years on the show, and freelancing as a documentarian, she decided to fully pursue her dreams of being a filmmaker and recently received her MFA in Film Production from USC's prestigious School of Cinematic Arts. From the Hebron Hills of Palestine, to the streets of South Central, the content she creates showcases diverse voices from all reaches of the globe. Through directing, writing, shooting, editing and producing, her portfolio extends across multiple forms of media. Whether it is music videos, documentaries, narrative films or promotional content, her vision, voice and sensitivity to socially conscious filmmaking shines brightly in her work .
On This Episode we Cover: Going from a Degree in Anthropology to working at the View How is she getting hired? Her project HATS Her Creative Process
Connect: www.thecreativeoutsiders.com http://www.sadecjoseph.com
Kristina Thomas is full force directing machine. She started filmmaking in college and mentored under Haile Gerima; learning the ins-and-outs of the film business. It later helped her show her potential in the documentary side of filmmaking by winning awards that led her to an opportunity to direct a pilot show in New Orleans, Louisiana. The pilot centered on three young people, between the ages of 19-24, making a difference to help rebuild New Orleans. Kristina has worked as a Script Coordinator on Being Mary Jane, New Edition Story, Greenleaf and currently Lovecraft Country. Kristina hopes to one day become an influential and acclaimed filmmaker/writer in history.
Connect with Kristina Thomas www.instagram.com/introducextina
Connect with Us www.thecreativeoutsiders.com (show notes) www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders
Arkeisha Roberts graduated in 2004 from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts with a focus in acting, directing, and playwriting. After graduation, Arkeisha immediately went to Los Angeles where she remained for three years screenwriting and acting. She moved to New York where she wrote screenplays for Lance Rivera aka “UN” who is the main director for Queen Latifah’s company. He connected her with many celebrities to write for including Irv Gotti, Katt Williams, Charlie Murphy, Faizon Love, Wendy Williams, Russell Simmons adopted son (Cavalli), and many more. While in New York, Arkeisha also continued to act in independent films. In 2014 Michael Copon contacted her to write Worth the Price. Then in 2015, Copon asked her to write the TV series Dystopia and to be script supervisor for the filming of all ten episodes. It was then, she decided to move from New York to her hometown Virginia to continue her dreams writing screenplays for Michael Copon as well as helping build up his film company.
Since settling in Virginia Beach, she has worked on several feature films in the area with million dollar budgets and independent films/tv production with positions such as 2nd Assistant Director, production assistant, script supervisor, and art director. She produced a play she wrote and showed it at the Sandler Center that included opera singing, puppets, and salsa dancing. She is working on converting a N.Y. times best seller into a screenplay, that she intends to produce along with another original screenplay.
On This Episode: Finding your voice as a writer, director. Life lessons as a creative. Charging your worth. Creating in Virginia and finding your community wherever you live. Finding your agent. Balancing so many hats as a creative.
Show Notes www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.instagram.com/keish777 www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders The Promise https://amzn.to/2nEOkFc
Jalena Keane-Lee is a co-founder of Breaktide Productions an all women of color production team. Her first documentary short, The Construct: Female Laborers and the Fight for Equality follows Burmese female laborers as they physically develop a country that is rapidly changing. The short was selected for streaming on Seed&Spark’s “Fight for Your Rights” playlist, and has begun its festival run at the Portland Film Festival, and Seattle Asian American Film Festival. Additionally, Jalena has Directed a short Czech language film on 16mm, a spec pilot with an all woman of color cast and crew, and partnered with non-profits to amplify their work. Jalena is currently a 2018 Sally Burns Shenkman Woman Filmmaker Fellow at the Jacob Burns Film Center, which has supported shorts that have premiered at SXSW, HotDocs, and Sundance. Her writing has been featured in Seventeen Magazine, The Tempest and NBC.com, and she has made films that highlight the importance of campus activism, a woman of color running for office, and destigmatizing menstruation.
On This Episode We Cover: Why it's important to her to tell stories that spark social change? Her Project Standing Above The Clouds First Piece of Equipment she invested in as a filmmaker verses what she would invest in now? Who is the priority in your story, who wants to see what you are doing? Being a one woman band, teaching her about her voice and perspective Finding her voice as a filmmaker. Funding
Connect https://www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
http://www.jalenakeanelee.com/
As a director and photographer, Toni has worked with talents such as Taraji P. Henson, Rob Lowe, Fab 5 Freddy and Ava Duvernay. It was Ava who named Toni Vibe’s Next Female Filmmaker. As a commercial and content director, her clients have included AOL, Barnes & Noble, Kmart, AT&T, The Nicki Minaj Collection, Clinique, A&E television, Tyra Banks' Type F, and Wacoal.
Recently, she was selected by the NYC Mayor's office for their MOME film finance lab. Through the lab, she's developing a narrative feature film project. Currently, Toni is in Post Production on a fun and raw webseries she wrote and directed called "Potty Break".
Toni co-produced and co-starred in the Gotham Award nominated film, "August The First".
Also, Toni is in production on a feature length Documentary about a recently released former Pennsylvania Drug Kingpin, who is simultaneously fighting to save his community and his life as he battles cancer.
On This Episode Her Documentary Unapologetic Her upcoming Web Series Potty Break How she was able to work with clients like; AOL, Barnes & Noble, Kmart, AT&T, The Nicki Minaj Collection, Clinique, A&E television, Tyra Banks' Type F, and Wacoal Why traveling is important for filmmakers.
What is she reading? The Last Black Unicorn https://amzn.to/2LoEIZs , The Miracle Morning https://amzn.to/2NjqeL0
Connect www.thecreativeoutsiders.com https://www.tonithai.com/
Sarah Moshman is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and TEDx speaker whose work has been featured on Upworthy, Marie Claire, CNN, and Good Morning America. After directing two short documentaries about female empowerment in young women, (Girls Rock! Chicago (2010) and Growing up Strong: Girls on the Run (2012)) she set out to direct her first feature doc The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things (2014) which has been screened over 700 times around the US and around the world in schools, groups, organizations and corporations starting conversations about gender equality. With Indieflix as the distributor, the film has been sponsored by major brands like Nordstrom, American Girl and Microsoft to spread this message far and wide. Sarah's second feature doc, Losing Sight of Shore follows the incredible journey of four women who rowed across the Pacific Ocean. The film was released globally in 190 countries on Netflix in May 2017.
On This Episode Her Documentary Losing Sight of Shore. How she ran prepared none filmmakers at sea to tell their story through film. Not having money for your project but how to get it done. Mentioned using sony fdr ax100 How to look for the deeper layers to tell a documentary story? How to get started when as a documentary storyteller? Empowerment Project.
www.thecreativeoutsiders.com (show notes) https://www.sarahmoshman.com
Georgia native, Noel Corbin, attended Davidson Fine Arts High School, where she first began her studies costume design at the age of 14. Having found her gift for bringing stories to life through textiles at a young age, she took college course work at the Savannah College of Art & Design while in high school and later obtained her Undergraduate Degree in Fashion Design from Georgia Southern University. With 10 years professional experience in costume design with Codeblack Films, the Amateur Comedy Club of New York City, and Coerlessly Ink., and fashion design in the New York fashion industry at Nicole Miller and Brooklyn Industries, Noel continued her education by enrolling in New York University in 2014. While attending NYU, she worked at a contractor with the fashion collection at the Smithsonian, broadening her knowledge in textile history, care, and research. In 2017, she completed her Masters of Arts degree in Visual Culture: Costume Studies with a focus on the 19th and early 20th dress and relocated to Los Angeles, California to continue her work in costume design. Noel specializes in period costume, design, illustration, patternmaking, and construction and is currently the costume designer for Stepford Sidechix, a new web-series by Coerlessly Ink.
Visit www.thecreativeoutsiders.com for show notes
Shameka S.L. Sawyer is the founder and Creative Director of the 5 Shorts Project. Founded in 2013, the 5 Shorts Project assists aspiring filmmakers with creating a short film. Once films are completed, the project hosts a free community screening and the films air on local television via Comcast and Verizon. All participants - actors, cast, and crew are eligible to receive IMDb credit. To date, the 5 Shorts Project has produced 20 short films in 4 years.
On This Episode We Chat About:
What is 5 shorts project? How she is building a community in film Working as a DP Avoiding the mean girl role as a director Empowering Others to use their voice in film. Biggest mistake as a newbie filmmaker.
During the show I mention the documentary http://www.pbs.org/pov/theovernighters/
What she's watching? Dear White People https://www.netflix.com/title/80095698
Connect with us both www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders
http://www.5shorts.org/ www.instagram.com/5_shorts
Sahra V. Nguyen is an award-winning filmmaker, director, writer & entrepreneur currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She has served as the Director of the Writing Success Program at the University of California, Los Angeles where she helped undergraduate students develop critical thinking skills, self-empowerment and agency through the writing process.As a keynote speaker at Universities and conferences, Sahra speaks on a range of topics including Asian American issues + identity, pursuing a non-conventional creative career, the power of media + storytelling, and expanding the human potential beyond stereotypical ideas of success. Under her own production company, One Ounce Gold LLC, in Spring 2014 Sahra created and filmed a documentary web series about NYC entrepreneurs called, "Maker's Lane," which was co-presented by the Smithsonian APAC and featured on Colorlines.com, NBCNews.com and Huffington Post. The series celebrates innovation, creativity and trailblazers in the entrepreneurial spirit of the American Dream. Sahra + Maker's Lane was selected as a Top 25 Finalist in CineCause Women's Initiative 2014 in Los Angeles, CA. In 2015, Sahra launched Season 2 of Maker's Lane. In September 2014, Sahra was honored with the May Takayanagi Making Waves Award by social justice leaders at Asian American Resource Workshop's 35th Anniversary celebration in Boston, MA. Sahra continues her passion for storytelling and giving light to underrepresented stories as a Digital Contributor for NBC News, Blogger for Huffington Post, and Contributor for Complex Media's NTRSCTN.com With a passion to constantly take on new challenges, Sahra along with three friends (all under the age of 30) opened up their first storefront business in Bushwick, NY, called "Lucy's Vietnamese Kitchen," in March 2015. She continues her love for storytelling and passion for promoting Vietnamese American culture as the company's Head Creative + Communications Manager. Mid-2016, Sahra sold her second documentary series to NBCNews.com, "Deported," which follows the grassroots fight to end deportation of Cambodian Americans from the U.S. to Cambodia. Under her own production company, One Ounce Gold, she filmed the doc in Seattle, Philadelphia, New York City, and Cambodia. "Deported" was nominated alongside CNN's Lisa Ling's "This is Life" and won the 2018 NAMIC Vision Award for Best Digital Media, Long Form.
On This Episode We Discuss: How does a day look like as a filmmaker, production company owner and a restaurant co-owner? Why it's important to her to cover underrepresented voices in media. Infusing her personal experiences in her storytelling. Her Documentary Deported. How did she get her work on NBC News The business side of filmmaking. Social Justice and Storytelling.
Connect: http://www.sahravang.com/instagram/ http://www.sahravang.com/ www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.instagra.com/thecreativeoutsiders
Metta Bastet When she was little, she dreamed of being an ice skating spy but she can't say she's disappointed with her current profession. To put it plan, she get's to be nosy for a living and she's been in the business of documenting life since 2004.
She's an Emmy-Nominated Story Producer, Video Journalist and Editor. You may have also seen her work on Richmond PBS, and apart of the team Who's Johnny Creative.
On This Episode We Cover: Being nosy for a living. How filmmaking chose her. How she Pitches her projects. Amy Black and the Pink Ink Fund https://vimeo.com/220251583 Minimalist as a Documentary Filmmaker
Connect www.instagram.com/digitalfruitsnax www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders
Myah Hollis is Head of Development and the Lead Event Planner at Pretty Thing. She is the creator and executive producer of Or Die Trying, the studio's first original series. Hollis' background in screenwriting and development has given her a fresh perspective on storytelling. She seeks to produce strong, character-driven content that illuminates underrepresented voices and represents the world as it truly is. Hollis has also worked as an event planner in LA, organizing everything from weddings to premieres. She is the founder of Holli Baker, a lifestyle and wellness site catered towards creatives.
On This Episode We Cover: What does a typical day look like for her? Shonda Rhimes is like Khaleesi How Script Coverage helped her as a screenwriter. Finding her voice as a screenwriter Her Project "Or Die Trying"
Connect with Us: WEBSITES www.prettythingstudios.com www.hollibaker.com www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
SOCIAL MEDIA @myahhollis @thecreativeoutsiders
Roxanne Avent has established herself as a leading producer and executive whose creative vision and drive has contributed to the success of many feature films, comedy shows and television series. Avent has formed a partnership with Deon Taylor and their film company, Hidden Empire Film Group (HEFG), is on fire. She heads the creative edge and business aptitude of this powerful company in the film industry.Avent has developed, packaged and produced a powerful slate of films for release in 2018, including the thriller “Traffik,” starring Paula Patton, Missi Pyle, Omar Epps, William Fichtner and Roselyn Sanchez.Avent also produced the upcoming thriller “Motivated Seller” starring Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy and Megan Good, along with the comedy feature “All-Star Weekend,” starring Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Gerard Butler, Eva Longoria, Jeremy Piven and Jessica Szohr – directed by Jamie Foxx. Avent was a driving force behind Hidden Empire’s massive success in 2016 with the studio’s horror spoof “Meet the Blacks,” starring Mike Epps, George Lopez, Mike Tyson, Zulay Henao and King Batch. Placing in the top 10 at the box office and growing its audience on streaming and VOD, Avent recently finished producing a sequel to the film for theatrical release in 2018 titled “The House Next Door,” starring comedy icons Mike Epps and Katt Williams. Prior to her work at Hidden Empire Film Group, Avent’s credits in television production include over two-dozen episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger. She also worked for the prestigious, Directors Guild of America, where she oversaw all aspects of production for movie premieres, television award programs, supervising more than fifty employees.
On This Episode we Cover: Why she choose the filmmaking industry? Starting as a PA and working her way up. Handling failure. Being and independent filmmaker. Her Film Traffik https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz-XiYNCo7o
Connect with Roxanne Avent https://hiddenempirefilmgroup.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hiddenempirefilmgroup/
Connect with us: www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders/
Christina Raia is a New York City based Writer/Director, the Founder of CongestedCat Productions, and the Director of Crowdfunding at Seed&Spark. She won Best Director for her feature film, Summit, at Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival (genre division). She co-created, directed, and produced the comedic web series 'Kelsey,' which premiered on blip.tv in September 2013 to rave reviews and consistent press coverage, including as a Critic’s Pick and named one of the 19 Best Comedy Web Series of 2013 by Indiewire.com. It has over a quarter million views online. She recently finished post-production for her second feature film, About a Donkey. She has also begun pitching what she hopes to be her third feature, Silent Night, which was a Quarter Finalist at Slamdance's 2016 Screenwriting Competition. Her other credits as Director, Producer and Writer include over a dozen narrative short films that have made official selection at film festivals across the country. In addition to Indiewire, her projects and approach as a filmmaker have been covered by AfterEllen, BuzzFeed, and various other media outlets. Her work can be viewed on Amazon Prime, Vimeo, VHX, and Youtube. She also turned her desire to foster collaboration and engagement in the local film community into IndieWorks, a monthly film screening series showcasing and supporting the work of other independent filmmakers in New York; currently in its 5th year. http://christinaraia.com/ @craia9 on Twitter and Instagram
On This Episode we Cover:
How does she stay creative and inspired as a filmmaker? Why writing groups are important for screenwriters? Where filmmakers go wrong with crowdfunding? How can horror films have a message? Identifying who you are as a filmmaker?
Show notes: www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
With an obsessed love for writing and storytelling in multiple capacities the pr professional turned writer/producer Akiya Mcknight is embarking on her first short film. Akiya has worked on multiple indie projects as well as well as TV shows such as Survivors Remorse, The Have &Have Nots and ATL. The Connecticut born and Atl resident plans to tell stories of the complete woman and minority experience from all over the world.
Covered on the Podcast: Starting out as a Script Supervisor The importance of volunteering and attending Film Festivals Raising Funds for her Short Film Served Working at Tyler Perry Studios How she handles writer's block
Connect: Served Film https://www.servedfilm.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/visionarher/
The Creative Outsiders www.thecreativeoutsiders.com (show notes) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders/
Okema T. Moore is an actress and producer who also writes, sings and directs. As of Summer 2017, Okema has functioned as the production coordinator for Season 6 of Oprah's Master Class and has five different projects in which she is either an actor, producer or director in a total of more than 40 festivals across four continents. This includes a staged reading that she directed and starred in at the historic Smithsonian Anacostia Museum in DC for the DC Black Theatre Festival. She has also been commissioned to write her first TV pilot by a seven-time EMMY award winning Producer, and is a Producer on the new series, Little Apple. Okema continues to hustle and build her personal brand, MOOREthanEnuff Media, by creating new works for herself and others, in front of and behind the camera.
On This Episode we cover: How does she juggle wearing the different hats of producer, director, writer and actress Why technique and talent are both important Working as production coordinator for Season 6 of Oprah's Master Class http://www.oprah.com/own-master-class/trailer-oprahs-master-class-season-6 Starting her production company
Show Notes www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
Let’s Get Social Okema http://www.moorethanenuff.com/ https://www.instagram.com/MtEMediaLLC/
The Creative Outsiders https://www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders/
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Based out of Los Angeles, California Brittney is cinematographer, editor and still photographer. Brittney has seven years of experience in Television production, digital and commercial production, working with clients such as TV One, Motions Hair, Nike, Instyle Magazine, Creators of Color and FOX on projects ranging from BTS, to short narratives and more. Brittney is the co-founder of Lor’ene Janae where she is contributing content creator.
She also works with a lot of musicians, artist and other filmmakers on personal projects.
On This Episode We Chat About: How she originally started off studying IT but transitioned into editing. Moving from St. Louis to California, what's next after moving and how to put yourself out there. Establishing their production company and the importance of combining their talents. http://www.lorenejanae.com/ Her first job as a transcriber for the Bad Girls Club. Passion projects that helped build her portfolio. How Craig's list was a defining moment in meeting her mentor. Maintaining her faith in Hollywood. Creators of Color http://www.thecreatorsofcolor.com/ and working on Tiffany Haddish project.
For Show Notes: www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
Stay connected to Brittney Janae http://www.brittneyjanae.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brittney.janae/
Stay connected to Us: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders/ https://www.facebook.com/thecreativeoutsiders/ https://www.instagram.com/shivawn_adrienne/
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If you like this episode, share it + subscribe + leave a review (or do both)
The more reviews, the greater chance someone else will hear these episodes.
Based out of Los Angeles & Phoenix, Malakai is a director & creative vested in visual storytelling that empowers those with a voice. The goal for Malakai is to be all things fearless. As a black woman, she knows that the current industry is sparse with a lack of representation and diversity. Because of this, she forges forward by creating narratives for the bold and the brave. Her short documentary film Black Girls Code has been showcased within the Cannes Film Festival: SFC, Langston Hughes AA Fest, Miami SciFi Fest, Chelsea Fest, Focus Forward and other additional festival platforms. As well as this, the film had special screenings at some of the top tech companies: Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Salesforce. In 2014 Malakai was awarded and honored as an “Extraordinary Woman of Color”, live on (ABC 15). In 2015 she was tapped as the “filmmakers voice” to speak on a panel for SXSW Interactive on Instant Gratification, Media and technology. Her short documentary on instant gratification also screened with this panel experience. In this episode, we discuss:
Journey into Filmmaking, and how filmmaking choose her. The first time she heard the term film director. The importance of women applying for film fellowships Creating without permission How she get involved in the project Black Girls Code Tips on starting your own Production Company The Horizon Award and Lynette Howell Taylor along with Christine Vachon http://www.horizonaward.org/ How she's grown as a director in the past four years Made In Her Image Nonprofit. https://www.madeinherimage.org/
What Malakai is watching right now? She's Gotta Have it www.netflix.com What Malakai is reading right now? In Watermelon Sugar https://www.amazon.com/Watermelon-Sugar-Richard-Brautigan/dp/1504759575 You can connect with Malakai on Facebook or Instagram https://www.directedbymalakai.com/
Let’s Get Social Instagram @thecreativeoutsiders or @shivawn_adrienne
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If you like this episode, share it + subscribe + leave a review (or do both) www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
Kim Ray is a writer, producer and director. She recently produced the documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, that follows icon Lady Gaga. The film premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival and then was released worldwide on Netflix.
What Kim is watching right now? The Crown What Kim is reading right now? Altered Carbon
Show Notes www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
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Today’s guest is Lori A. Butts, of Eric O. Moody & Associates Law Firm. Ms. Butts earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, in Sociology from Fayetteville State University in 1993 and later received her Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2000. She was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 2001. Ms. Butts is an active member in good standing in the Virginia State Bar. On this episode, we discuss: Don’t be intimidated to work with a lawyer. Determining if your lawyer is a good fit for you and what you specifically need as a filmmaker. Do filmmakers depict lawyers correctly on television or the movies? Getting out of the mindset that you can’t afford a lawyer. Why you avoid sole proprietorship as a business entity. Why contracts are a absolute must and avoiding using Legal Zoom. Should you share your script, or creative idea? What Lori is watching right now? Law & Order SVU What Lori is reading right now? Safe People by Henry Cloud and John Townsend You can connect with Lori on Facebook or Eric O. Moody & Associates Legal Disclaimer: All information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Your listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship with me, Lori A. Butts, or Eric O. Moody & Associates. If you have any specific questions, please consult with an attorney authorized to practice law in your jurisdiction. Let’s Get Social Instagram @thecreativeoutsiders (www.thecreativeoutsiders.com or @shivawn_adrienne (www.instagram.com/shivawn_adrienne SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you like this episode, share it + subscribe + leave a review (or do both)
Minaa B. is an author, writer, and licensed social worker. In 2016, Minaa debuted her first book Rivers are Coming, a compilation of essays and poems on healing from emotional wounds inflicted by depression and trauma. Through art and creative writing, Minaa learned how to overcome her battle with clinical depression and she creates inspirational and uplifting messages that she shares on her platforms to remind others that hope is not lost and we all have a chance to re-write our stories. Minaa was born and raised in Queens NYC, and that is where she currently practices as a therapist and is always taking on new clients. Minaa's goal is to offer hop to those who's stories have been erased and their voices made silent. When Minaa is not writing for her website or working as a consultant doing psychotherapy, she is a freelance writer for the Huffington Post and Conscious Magazine. You can also find Minaa running her all natural skin care shop Sunday Mornings.
In this episode, we discuss: How to develop your Inner Strength Do filmmakers have a responsibility to depict therapy in the correct light? Why you should avoid the superwoman syndrome Redefining what self-care is. The importance of Creatives being apart of a community. Also mentioned in the Show: Talk Space Online Therapy What Minaa B. is watching? The Office What Minaa B. is reading? Big Little Lies Connect with Us: Minaa B. on Instagram @minaa_b Shivawn @shivawn_adrienne or @thecreativeoutsiders
Show Notes: https://thecreativeoutsiders.com/2018/01/02/ep-16-minaa-b-mental-health-maintenance-for-filmmakers-creatives/
Nikkea Sharee is the co-owner, producer, and creative director of Kweli Legacy, LLC. Essence Magazine Best Selling Author Nikkea Sharee (formerly Nikkea Smithers) has been a multimedia force for over a decade. Her award winning novels span a variety of genres from drama, romance, murder mystery, poetry and even young adult fiction. A noted spoken word artist, she has performed on stages from NY to LA.
On This Episode We Chat About: How Nikkea handles being an extreme artist. Why turning down an opportunity from a producer of a major network was a power move. Conducting business as a new producer and being able to handle herself in meetings with networks. Money not being a factor because relationships matter. Platform rundown. Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Direct https://videodirect.amazon.com/ YouTube, Vimeo and Gum Road https://gumroad.com/ What is Kweli Legacy looking for in projects. https://www.kwelilegacy.com/
KitSplit is making gear rentals more enjoyable and affordable for a huge community of artists and filmmakers. Called “the Airbnb of cameras” by Forbes , No Film School , and Fast Company , our community marketplace connects creative professionals with owners of top notch equipment, including production companies, individuals, and rental houses. KitSplit saves time and money with a streamlined rental process. Renters can search across thousands of vendors at once, buy shoot insurance on the spot, and order on-demand delivery and pickup. Equipment owners can safely make money renting gear out to vetted and fully insured professionals.
Previously, Kristinia was a video and multimedia producer at The New Yorker. As the second full-time member of the video department, she helped build the then-young department, worked on hundreds of video and multimedia stories from start to finish, and managed the relaunch of a new video hub at video.newyorker.com. She got to direct, product and edit video and multimedia packages on a wide range of subjects, from Strandbeests to a Webby-nominated project on human rights in Egypt...and got to work with luminaries like Gay Talese, Joyce Carol Oates, and Woody Allen. She's also done freelance photography and video work for clients including Vogue, The Guardian, JP Morgan, and Makerbot. Some of the Projects that she's worked on have been featured in Slate, NewYorker.com, and GQ, and honored by The Webbys, Picture of the Year International, FotoWeek DC, PIEA, and more; and in 2017 I was named a Forbes "30 Under 30" in media.
On This Episode we Cover: Kitsplit started off with a different company name. Why Kitsplit was formed? What makes Kitsplit different from other rental companies? The process of renting from Kitsplit. Why community is an important piece of the Kitsplit model. The importance of building storytellers. Launching in Hollywood. Managing their growth and success. Utilizing Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator https://www.eranyc.com/
Kitsplit Website - www.kitsplit.com Social - @kitsplit on twitter and Instagram The Creative Outsiders www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders
Jennifer has 20 + years of project management experience in the arts, media and entertainment and has worked, partnered and collaborated with several organizations including Museum of Impact, Susan Batson Studios, UrbanErotika, MTV, VH1, WBLS/WLIB Radio Stations, Make Up For Ever, S.O.B's World Music Club, Reel Sisters Film Festival to name a few. She is currently in her third year as Film Coordinator for the Reel Sisters Film Festival. She is an arts consultant to new and transitioning entrepreneurs about business development, brand identity and action strategies. Jennifer also presents the motivateArt Lecture Series, an informational series educating artists and creatives on effective business practices. “Jennifer's agency and her work ethic epitomize the adage that "it is no longer 'Show Business' when an artist chooses to make a living with his/her gifts. It is now 'Business, Show.'
On This Episode we Cover: Why she choose the entertainment industry? How working for PR landed her at MTV/VH1 Starting as a PA and working her way up. Why being a creative doesn't mean you have to be a starving artist. The importance of being strategic in the industry. Deciding your value as a creative. All creative industries have a basic business structure and why you shouldn't forget that.
Jennifer Heslop www.instagram.com/motivateart/ http://www.motivateart.com/
Shivawn Hill www.shivawnhill.com www.thecreativeoutsiders.com
From a young age, LaKesha knew she loved performing, yet had no idea how much the arts would become a part of her life as destiny continued to reveal her life's purpose. From off-broadway beginnings as a spirited 8-year old in the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, LaKesha would go on to continue diversifying her entertainment career as a young adult. The actress/singer is the proud CEO of entertainment production company Loving Life Productions LLC. Through the company she not only continues to serve the entertainment world with quality, Christ centered entertainment, but enjoys giving other talented actors the opportunity to shine.
On This Episode we Covered: Why Filmmaking? How Being an Actress positioned her to be a better director. And she suggests every director to take an acting class Juggling the roles of an actress, director and running her production company. Why she started a production company? How did she get people to take her serious as a new production company? Dispelling the myth that there are only filmmakers in Hollywood. How did she gain commercial clients? The key to getting into producing Completing the film Lost.
LaKesha Lorene https://www.lakeshalorene.com/ Loving Life Productions https://www.lovinglifeproductions.com/ Instagram www.instagram.com/lakeshalorene/
Shivawn Hill www.shivawnhil.com www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders/ www.instagram.com/shivawnhill/
Fanny Véliz is an award-winning filmmaker, actor, and director with more than 14 years experience in the business. Véliz has worked in both traditional and digital media for a vast array of brands, including Ford and Nissan. She also produced two seasons of the TV show “Doctor Vet” for National Geographic which aired in the U.S. and all over Latin America. One of her latest projects is her award-winning feature film HOMEBOUND which received a theatrical release and numerous awards and traveled the country as well as abroad. Throughout the years, she has learned the ins and outs of creating a project from scratch and using non-traditional methods to fund, produce, and distribute. She's bringing that knowledge to her clients at Avenida Productions.
On This Episode we Cover: Her reason for starting film was to help end stereotypes. Establishing a Production Company, www.avenida.tv Teaching her self to produce. Why representation matters. How distribution works in the indie world. Using the platform Tugg www.tugg.com Crowd Funding and working with her client John Leguizamo "Latin History for Morons. Raising over 700,000 in a year for crowd funding projects.
Fanny Veliz www.fannyveliz.com Instagram www.instagram.com/fannyveliz/ Facebook www.facebook.com/avenidaproductions/?fref=ts
Shivawn Hill www.shivawnhill.com www.thecreativeoutsiders.com www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders/
In 2014, Winborne developed Lavender Reel Media Group, LLC /Lavender Reel Publishing, a production and media services company, producing commercials, documentaries and other film projects of commercial clients as well as her own. That same year, Tomeka was commissioned to co-produce a documentary entitled, “IN PLAIN SIGHT: HUMAN TRAFFICKING” for Cox Creative. To date she has written and produced five and directed four short films. She would later serve on the board of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Virginia Production Alliance in 2015. Most recently, Tomeka became a founding board member of the Alliance of Women Directors – Atlanta Chapter.
On This Episode we Cover: Transitioning from an Author to a filmmaker.
Investing her money into film projects rather than film school.
Tips on building your skills as a screenwriter.
How working with Monty Ross assisted in developing her skills on how to look a films
How to find your filmmaking crew.
Moving to Atlanta the New Hollywood.
Balancing a 9 to 5 and filmmaking
www.tomekawinborne.com Instagram www.instagram.com/tomekawinborne/ Facebook www.facebook.com/AgedOutTheMovie/
www.shivawnhill.com Instagram www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders/
Denise is the Founder and CEO of Scriptd, a script database equalizing the entertainment industry. Previously Director of Sales and Marketing at famed nightclub, The Box. Seasoned television and digital producer who has worked on Ugly Betty, Sex and the City 2, with tenures at MTV and Endemol (Executive Producer). Bachelor's Degree from Gallatin at NYU.
Site is Scriptd.com Social Handles are @scriptdinc for twitter and instagram. My personal is @deniselovehewett for instagram and @deniselovehewtt for twitter
One This Episode We Cover: How she was able to get her foot in the door and work on Ugly Betty.
Getting a Job in the industry without having resources.
Why you need to read scripts.
How Scriptd benefits the indie world and screenwriters.
How Scriptd connects screenwriters to producers.
Alicia Rollins is a scientist, creative director, and author. Aliicia first nurtered her creativity through a 12-year matriculation through dance education which culminated as a competitive dancer at Southern University. After graduating with a degree in Biology and subsequently Clinical Lab Sciences, her work as a scientist began and her creative work continued. She began teaching dance and creating projects for authors and artists alike. Her specialties include choreography, development of creative content, photography, creative direction, video direction, and script development Company's site is rsgmediaco.com
Oliver Tides is a Cinematographer from Southern California. She has a passion for helping others to become inspired by their own lives, and for working with a diverse client base. She often shoots with a Super 8M Film for her shorts to create a vintage feel, but is equally comfortable with modern equipment.
On This Episode: How Oliver started making movies at the age of 13.
Originally from the Bay Area, Zoë Salnave has worked in film and creative writing since she was 15 years old. Her passion for filmmaking grew as a young documentarian discovering narratives rooted in issues of diversity, community, sustainable living, and urban rehabilitation. Her work has been recognized at film festivals across the world and she has won numerous awards for her documentary work with urban development, community gardening programs, and bringing awareness to youth initiatives in Berkeley and Oakland, California. In 2010 she received a Resolution Award from the State of California by Senators Loni Hancock and Nancy Skinner for her work in film.
In 2015 she graduated from Mills College, a historic all-women’s college in Oakland with a B.A. in Creative Storytelling and Cultural Perspectives with an emphasis in Poetry and Afro-Caribbean Studies.
She was accepted to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts in 2016 and has since been honing her craft in Writing, Directing, and Producing narrative film. Zoë explores the genres of drama, comedy, and the combination of the two. Find Zoë's documentary work at www.zoealycesalnave.com
On this episode we cover: Do you need a filmmaking niche
Born Christina Faith in Atlantic City, New Jersey to a casino executive and drug-dealing hustler, Christina Faith’s life journey is the kind of school of hard knocks story that’s filled with all the complexities and nuances of a woman bound for greatness. After losing her father to an overdose at nine years old, Faith’s mother worked hard to provide the best education possible to her children. That single-minded agenda led to—a student with a deeply creative mind and compassionate, justice-oriented heart—graduating from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Africana studies. She was the first and only college graduate of her mother’s children.
After a decade of developing her craft through production projects such as Nickey’s Flesh, Grind House, and Haunted, Faith and her husband, photographer Allen Johnson, formed Creative Thought Media (CTM), a full service media company and artist collective. In December 2016, CTM is releasing its first Internet web series, Single and Anxious, a captivating and entertaining journey through the relational tensions of crime and love surrounding urban millennials who are struggling with complicated life decisions. A skilled director, producer, and writer, Christina Faith is a powerful voice; a visionary bringing to life stories that have been lost or marginalized in today’s culture.
On This Episode We Cover - working for free as a filmmaker - getting her MFA from YouTube and Google University - how she was able to film her project Single and anxious with no money
LeeAnn is a writer, director, and artist reared in Germany now residing in Atlanta, GA. Before the age of 18, she successfully amassed a handful of awards for her directorial presentations. She received her BA in television production from Clark Atlanta University. Aside from filmmaking, LeeAnn is also a photographer, a contributing writer for Blavity + Black Girl In Om, and brews a bombass kombucha.
On This Episode: What film equipment does she use? Why did food dairies choose you? How do I get started as a filmmaker? Chasing the stories she wanted to tell.