Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sia Stewart-Massey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I served as the Showrunner/Director of “Why Not Us- Southern Dance” airing on ESPN+ and Hulu. This show allowed me to tell the stories of the Southern University Dancing Dolls (2021 Team). This project was meaningful to me because we were able to showcase the hard work and athleticism of these talented young women. There are many people that do not see dancers as athletes and too often they are not given the respect they deserve for the immense technique and dedication that is required to dance on an elite collegiate team. I believe giving our viewers an opportunity to watch the process from audition to the completion of a full season will offer an inside look into the sweat, tears and joys these ladies endure.
As a black woman in film and television it is important to me to tell stories that give a voice to women everywhere but especially young women of color that have been marginalized and often muted. Telling these young ladies’ stories of struggle, triumph and excellence meant the world to me!
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?
My name is Sia Stewart-Massey aka “Sia Savvy” I am an accomplished Television Producer, and Showrunner from Oakland, CA. After completing a bachelor’s degree in Arts, Media Management from Columbia College Chicago, I went on to earn an MBA in Finance from Morehead State University. I then began a successful career as a corporate accountant and later became a Sr. Project Manager for several Fortune 500 companies. I enjoyed many years filled with promotions and accolades, but after 10 years in the corporate world, I decided to pursue my true passion of television production.
I began my career in the Reality-TV genre working on popular shows like VH1’s Love & Hip Hop, Black Ink Crew and The Tax Game. I went on to work as a producer for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XVII, and multiple true crime series, such as Oxygen’s Snapped Behind Bars, Florida Man Murders, TVOne’s Fatal Attraction, For My Man, Sins of the City and many more. Most recently I served as the showrunner for ESPN+’s Why Not US (Season 3 & 4).
In 2020, I founded Savvy Media Group as a full-scale production company, staffing writers, producers, directors and videographers, building a collective of talented industry professionals committed to excellence. I am passionate about creating, writing and producing quality content and opening doors for many like myself.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to see my ideas come to life on screen. It is a blessing to be able to make a living doing something that I love. I have finally turned my passion into a profitable business.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
“Save The Cat” by Blake Snyder.
If you are interested in writing for television “Save the Cat” by Blake Snyder is an amazing resource. The author is an accomplished writer and industry professional. Snyder outlines the fundamental elements of a television scripts, what networks executives are looking for when purchasing scripts and teaches the reader most used industry vocabulary.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.savvymediagrp.com
- Instagram: @siasavvy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Savvymediacom/about
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/savvy-media-group/
- Twitter: @SavvyMediaGrou1