Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Hayes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alicia, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From a young age, I knew my true calling was to be a storyteller. It all began in 5th grade when I wrote and designed my first bound book titled “The Pencil”, igniting my love for crafting and sharing stories. Embracing my penchant for drama, I gladly capitalized on being accused of being too dramatic! In high school, I became a Thespian, further honing my storytelling skills through participation in theater drama, where the thrill of performing became the ultimate form of pure expression.

My journey as a voice artist unfolded after high school, elevating my storytelling abilities to new heights. In major radio markets like Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles, I immersed myself in the world of radio work, cultivating a rich library of character voices and accents. This experience added a new dimension to my narrative skills, further shaping my identity as a versatile and compelling storyteller.

During my time in Los Angeles, I worked behind the scenes in makeup and wardrobe. Over time, I realized my aspirations were to become a filmmaker, but achieving that dream seemed next to impossible. However, in 2012, the opportunity arose when I looked at my iPhone and realized I could shoot and edit a short film with a small device from my pocket, granting me full creative control. My first award-winning short film “Chasm”marked a pivotal moment in my journey and set me on the path to becoming the filmmaker and storyteller I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Alicia Hayes—a self-taught creative artist exploring various forms of expression, from voice-over and acting to writing, photography, makeup artistry, and painting. Initially, I began my journey as an on-air radio personality in Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles. While pursuing acting in Los Angeles, I ended up working behind-the-scenes in makeup and wardrobe, where I cultivated valuable contacts and friendships in Hollywood that would become beneficial later on.

Observing the intricacies of filmmaking on set, I developed a deep appreciation for the craft, eventually evolving into roles as a director, writer, editor, and producer. My latest creation, the screenplay “Pripyat,” has garnered surprising recognition, earning over 40 awards for best short screenplay.

Driven by the transformative power of visual storytelling, I established my film production company, Vero 8 Pictures, in 2015. “Vero,” meaning ‘truth’ in Latin, and ‘8’ symbolizing eternity, embodies my commitment to authenticity and enduring impact in storytelling. My screenplay “Pripyat,” inspired by true events, depicts the Russian government’s decision to send a Ballet dance troop from Moscow to perform in the exclusion zone of Pripyat, Ukraine, following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Starring Malcolm McDowell, Elina Golde, and Andrew Gray, I’m producing this project with Birgit Muller and Co-Producer Maria Elena Infantino, with filming scheduled in Bulgaria at the end of Summer 2024. This endeavor represents the culmination of my creative journey and commitment to excellence.

Vero 8 Pictures, is a platform to share films that resonate deeply. This company is my contribution to the storytelling world, driven by a genuine commitment to truth and lasting impact. Each cinematic endeavor reflects not just my creativity but the collaborative effort of a dedicated team bringing authentic stories to life.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The ultimate reward as an artist/creative lies in the profound realization that I have been entrusted with a talent beyond mere acquisition. While the technicalities of filmmaking and performance art can indeed be learned, the transformative and emotive elements that captivate hearts and shape thoughts are bestowed as divine gifts from the Ultimate Creator – God. The awareness that I possess a minuscule fraction of this extraordinary gift is a deeply humbling experience.

The inability to envision a life without expressing myself through the various forms of creative arts, be it the strokes of a paintbrush, the lens capturing moments in photography, or the poignant narratives in my filmmaking, underscores the intrinsic value of these gifts. I have always maintained that “Imagination is the language of creation,” and this sentiment resonates profoundly. While accolades and awards bring external validation, the true reward stems from the profound understanding that I am the custodian of a unique and special gift, an acknowledgment that surpasses the tangible recognition of any accolade.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey unfolds as a perpetual odyssey, with the allure lying not in reaching a destination but in the transformative encounters and life-changing events experienced along the way. However, in response to your question, my current goal is securing financing for my screenplay, “Pripyat.” This project holds a special place in my heart, and I’ve meticulously crafted and refined the script through numerous revisions for the best possible outcome.

“Pripyat” narrates a tragic love story set against the backdrop of the devastating aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. The story is a vessel to shed light on the barbaric utilization and perilous implications of nuclear devices. Unlike any screenplay I’ve written before, this project holds a profound personal investment.

My mission is to get the necessary capital to bring this extraordinary film to life. The endeavor is not merely a financial pursuit; it’s a passionate mission to raise awareness about the profound consequences of nuclear events. If you or an investor is interested in this project, please reach out to me. The hope is that through this cinematic narrative, the world can be moved to recognize the gravity of these issues. Please check out the teaser and more information on vero8pictures.com

Contact Info:

• Website: www.aliciahayes.com
• Instagram: @realaliciahayes
• Facebook: @realaliciahayes
• Other: www.vero8pictures.com