We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dashawna Wright. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dashawna below.

Hi Dashawna, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’ve learned what to do—and what *not* to do—through lots of mistakes. I’ve always been eager to learn, but just as eager to apply what I’ve learned. You can show me a million ways to do something, but it won’t feel right until I put my own spin on it. That approach has led to plenty of roadblocks, but failure has sharpened my skills and helped me hone my creative voice. I had to learn to trust my creative instincts and not be afraid of speaking up, even when I wasn’t sure I had all the answers.

Mistakes and setbacks have given me the opportunity to take chances—on myself and on others. I know it sounds cliché, but I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. The reasons aren’t always clear in the moment, but the lessons always come later.

One of my biggest early obstacles was **funding and resources**—many of my first projects were completely self-funded, which meant I had to get creative with what I had. While it was frustrating at times, it also pushed me to become more resourceful and strategic. Through those challenges, I also developed my leadership skills. As a filmmaker, and founder of Choppe Productions, I had to learn how to guide a team, make tough decisions, and create an environment where everyone felt valued and motivated. I had to learn that leadership wasn’t just about having a vision—it’s about bringing people together to execute that vision, even when resources are limited.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge shaped the filmmaker I am today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Dashawna Wright, an award-winning independent film producer, director, and writer based in Chicago. I specialize in bringing bold, imaginative, and emotionally resonant stories to life, particularly in the realms of sci-fi, thriller, and socially conscious storytelling. My production company, Choppe Productions, is dedicated to crafting compelling independent films that not only entertain but also challenge perspectives and ignite meaningful conversations.

How I Got Into the Industry:
My journey into filmmaking wasn’t linear—I’ve always been a storyteller, but I had to find my own way into the industry. I started by creating my own projects from the ground up, often self-funding them and learning every aspect of production firsthand. I earned my Master’s in Creative Producing from Columbia College Chicago, which helped me develop a strong foundation in both the business and creative sides of filmmaking. Over the years, I’ve worked as a producer and line producer on multiple independent feature films, learning how to manage tight budgets, assemble talented teams, and execute ambitious ideas with limited resources.

What I Offer & The Problems I Solve:
As a filmmaker and producer, I offer full-service production support—everything from development, budgeting, casting, and directing to post-production and distribution strategies. I help filmmakers bring their visions to life by finding creative solutions to logistical and financial challenges. My strength lies in problem-solving under pressure, making high-quality films on indie budgets, and building diverse, collaborative teams.

I also teach and mentor aspiring filmmakers, providing guidance on both the business and creative sides of filmmaking. Through my initiative Students of Cinema, I work with young creatives—especially those from underserved communities—to help them gain hands-on experience in film production.

What Sets Me Apart:
What sets me apart is my ability to blend artistry with strategy. I don’t just create films—I build opportunities, foster community, and push boundaries in storytelling. I’m known for my ability to stretch a budget without sacrificing quality and for my deep commitment to highlighting underrepresented voices in film.

I also bring a producer’s precision and a director’s vision—meaning I know how to balance creativity with logistics, ensuring a project gets completed on time, on budget, and at the highest possible quality. My background in **both independent filmmaking and live multi-camera productions** has given me a unique skill set that allows me to adapt to different production styles and challenges.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
One of my proudest achievements was working as a creative producer on Departing Seniors, a horror-comedy that became the #4 independent film on Apple TV. Seeing an indie film reach that level of success reinforced the power of smart producing, strong storytelling, and resourceful filmmaking.

I’m also incredibly proud of directing and producing my own short films, such as Store Run, which I independently funded and brought to life from start to finish. Taking creative control of a project and seeing it resonate with audiences is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

What I Want People to Know About Me & My Work:
At the core of everything I do is a love for storytelling and a commitment to uplifting diverse voices. I want my work to inspire, challenge, and connect with audiences on a deep level. I’m always looking for opportunities to collaborate with like minded creatives who are passionate about pushing boundaries in film and media.

For anyone looking to work with me, whether you’re a fellow filmmaker, an investor, or an aspiring creative. I want you to know that I bring passion, precision, and innovation to every project. I believe in making the impossible happen, and I thrive in environments where creativity meets strategy.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

A thriving creative ecosystem isn’t just about individual success—it’s about building a world where artists can create without constantly stressing over rent, resources, or whether their work will ever see the light of day. Imagine if we backed artists like we do tech startups or sports teams—investing in their ideas, giving them real opportunities, and actually paying them what they deserve. We’d see a creative explosion that benefits everyone! But it’s not just about money—community is everything. Artists need spaces to collaborate, audiences who champion their work, and a network that supports them through the highs and lows. That means making arts education a priority, giving indie creators the tools to thrive, and ensuring creative careers aren’t just “passion projects” but sustainable paths. When we truly invest in artists—not just as entertainers, but as the innovators who shape culture and push boundaries—we get a world that’s richer, bolder, and way more interesting.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was thinking I needed permission to create. I used to believe I had to wait for the perfect budget, the right connections, or someone to “greenlight” my ideas before I could make something meaningful. I’d look at big-name filmmakers with studio backing and think, *Well, of course, they can do it—they have all the resources.* That mindset kept me stuck, waiting for the “right time” instead of just making it happen with what I had.

That all changed when I decided to self-fund and produce my short film, Store Run. I didn’t have a massive budget, but I had a story I believed in, a community of talented people, and the drive to bring it to life. Instead of waiting for a invitation, I hosted my own party—and invited others to party with me. That experience taught me that creativity, resourcefulness, and a little bit of boldness will take you further than waiting around for someone else’s approval. Now, my mindset is simple: If the door isn’t open, I’ll find a window.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choppeproductions/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dashawna-wright-638408a5?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

Image Credits

Golden Lyte Photography

Q Worthy Photos