We recently connected with Shawn Pipkin-West and have shared our conversation below.
Shawn , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
As long as I can remember, I always watched the Oscars and tallied up the wins for every film. I believe it started at 8 years old. After viewing a film, I stayed to watch the end credits when no one else I knew did not do that! I didn’t know what anyone did besides the cast, but all I knew was I wanted to see my name scroll after a film.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
After college, I lived on the East Coast and worked for a Network in the Sports Publicity Department. When the Entertainment Division had a large event, I would volunteer to assist.
On the weekends, I took tv/film classes to expand my knowledge of the industry and learn how to make art. I made 2 short films during this time and the one thing I learned that stayed with me to this day; when you have a well feed crew, you have a happy crew!
After my position was eliminated, I moved back home to Texas and decided to pursue film and television seriously and not as a side gig/hobby.
I am most proud that after I moved to LA in 2002 to be in the Directors Guild-Producer Program to be an Assistant Director, I am still here. I have worked consistently throughout the years except during the industry strikes and the global pandemic. I have transitioned to Directing. I am surviving, striving and thriving.
My greatest accomplishment is being chosen to be in the 2024-2025 DISNEY DIRECTING Program. Genres I really enjoy directing are Drama, Romantic Comedy and Action/adventure.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to tell stories and work with storytellers and crew that reflects the people of our country. I want to give a voice to the voiceless and reflect on what makes our country so amazing- inclusion and diversity. We need to see everyone portrayed on the big and small screen. If you are exposed to and watch art depicting people that look differently than you, speak differently, live differently, worship differently, love differently, I believe it truly makes you a better and empathetic human.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Shonda Rhimes book – “THE YEAR OF YES.” Saying yes to events and projects that scare you, opens your eyes and lets you experience what the Universe is trying to show you. I have said yes to so many things that scared the crap out of me. Moving to LA by myself scared me, but it was the best decision I have ever made!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ShawnPipkinWest
- Instagram: @pippiphooray12
