We recently connected with Andrea Walker-Williamson and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea , appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Although I graduated and earned my film degree it was the on the job training that made a difference for me. Actually doing the job and learning through experiences. I’ve always learned by watching and applying what I see. To shoot films and guide the storytelling. I love to leave clues behind, I like to educate and allow you to escape in a story. This year I was able to direct three features as well as produce three features and it was phenomenal. The level of creativity and the different teams that I was allowed to work with. I could have never imagined that I could do this but being on so many different projects allowed me to be confident and comfortable enough to make it happen.

I wish I would have put myself out there sooner to speed up the learning process. The most essential skills were to invest in myself, stay consistent and walk away from the distractions that weren’t serving me. The most essential skills are to keep learning, always study my shots, do my best to master the craft and always be open to new concepts, ideas and techniques. The obstacles that stood in the way of learning more have been the current strikes, prior to that it was working with certain individuals who are greedy and didn’t allow the project to reach its capacity because they were constantly hurting the team. Other than that it has been a beautiful experience working in my field.

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.

My career in entertainment started with me interning as a radio researcher for an NPR station during my college years and today I am a director, writer, and producer. My path has been shaped by a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to promoting diversity and accurate representation in the industry.

My journey began in radio, where I had the privilege of working as a researcher for an NPR station while pursuing my education. During this time, I also actively contributed to WSTU, a student-run radio station at Clark Atlanta University. As opportunities in the print media field dwindled, I ventured into the realm of creative writing and screenwriting, which led to the creation of a play and a short film shortly after graduating. The highlight of this period was the selection of my play for the NAACP theater festival, where I had the incredible opportunity to witness my characters come to life on stage.

Eager to explore the world of production, I immersed myself in various roles within the industry. From production assistant to grip, audio technician to interviewer, and assistant director to numerous other positions, I embraced every chance to contribute to the creative process. Through these experiences, I discovered my true passion for directing, writing, and producing. The art of storytelling became my superpower, driving me to strive for excellence in every project.

However, life presented me with an unexpected challenge when my husband tragically passed away months after founding my production company. In the face of this profound loss, I found the strength to regroup and involve my children in the family business. Together, we have built Create Noise, a full-service production company dedicated to family entertainment. Our mission is twofold: to bring diversity to the forefront of the entertainment industry and to provide representation that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.

Through Create Noise, we strive to create a platform where underrepresented voices can be heard and celebrated. We believe that storytelling has the power to bridge divides, foster understanding, and inspire change. By curating engaging and inclusive content, we aim to revolutionize the entertainment landscape and pave the way for a more representative industry.

I am excited to connect with fellow professionals who share our vision and passion for authentic storytelling. Together, we can make a lasting impact and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive entertainment industry.

Dear esteemed colleagues and industry professionals,

I am thrilled to announce the upcoming release of groundbreaking historical documentary features that I had the privilege of directing. These films delve deep into untold stories and shed light on significant aspects of American history, showcasing the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and promote understanding.

The first documentary, “Dear Morris Brown,” is a cinematic love letter to the esteemed institution. Through a visually stunning and emotionally powerful narrative, we explore the rich heritage and profound impact of Morris Brown College. This film aims to honor the institution and its contributions, reminding audiences of its historical significance and the importance of preserving its legacy.

In “We Are America,” we embark on a captivating journey that uncovers the remarkable stories of African American descendants who are directly linked to former U.S. Presidents as their blood relatives. This thought-provoking documentary amplifies the voices of these individuals, sharing their personal experiences and shedding light on their often overlooked contributions to American history. By highlighting these untold stories, we strive to challenge the traditional narrative and foster a deeper understanding of our shared past.

Additionally, our documentary “Allensworth Reimagined” takes audiences on an extraordinary exploration of the only all-black town in America that was funded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Through immersive storytelling and in-depth research, we bring to life the history, struggles, and triumphs of the residents of Allensworth. This film serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the African American community, while also shedding light on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

As a full-service production company committed to diversity and accurate representation, these documentaries are a true reflection of our mission. By showcasing the stories that have been overlooked or marginalized, we aim to bring a fresh perspective to industry and the contribute to a more inclusive and representative landscape.

I invite you to join us on this remarkable journey as we unveil these powerful documentaries to the world. Together, let us celebrate the untold stories and embrace the transformative power of film to educate, inspire, and foster meaningful change.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and the mission of Create Noise.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Early this year I started working with a business coach and a business consultant. Having someone schedule time with me, create a plan alongside me and hold me accountable helped me to scale my business and get more things done. There were so many books that helped me to generate a mindset of motivation and discipline. “The twelve week year” was really amazing. “How to survive and prosper as an artist” and “Getting to yes” we’re all powerful. However the most transformative book has been “You can’t hurt me” by David Goggins. The shaping of how we think, how we approach challenges and how we respond during conflict. All of these titles deal with those challenges.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My last day at my regular 9 to 5 job coincided with the heartbreaking loss of my beloved husband. This deeply profound experience served as a catalyst for a significant shift in my perspective on life and work.

In the wake of this tragedy, I realized that I could no longer afford to invest my time and energy in endeavors that did not serve me or bring me a sense of fulfillment. I came to understand the importance of prioritizing my own well-being and finding spaces where I am truly appreciated and valued.

Since then, I have dedicated myself to pursuing various creative endeavors, working in different fields that align with my passions and provide me with a sense of purpose. This deliberate choice has allowed me to flourish both personally and professionally, as I am now able to channel my talents and energy into areas that truly resonate with me.

I believe this is a valuable reminder for us all. We should never settle for spaces that make us feel undervalued or unappreciated. Life is too short to spend our precious time in environments that do not nourish our spirits and allow us to thrive.

I have received support from many beautiful people throughout this journey. The countless unwavering support has been instrumental in my growth and success. I am truly fortunate to have such a remarkable network of colleagues and friends.

Moving forward, I am excited to continue exploring new opportunities and collaborations that align with my values and aspirations. I am confident that this path will lead to even greater achievements and personal fulfillment.

Let us all remember to prioritize our well-being and seek out spaces where we are appreciated and valued. Together, we can create a more nurturing and empowering professional landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.createnoise.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createnoise1/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createnoise/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-walker-williamson-mba-00857524/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreateNoiseTV
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/create-noise-los-angeles