We recently connected with Braelen Washington and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Braelen, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

The biggest trend I’m noticing is the evolution of A.I., especially in the independent film space. On one hand, I’m amazed at the maximum efficiency it provides when it comes to producing a film project; on the other, I find myself conflicted because it definitely takes away jobs from those in certain creative departments. That’s a huge concern—along with copyright issues, ethical concerns related to a person’s name and likeness, and many other factors.

Just recently, a relative of mine who also dabbles in indie filmmaking showed me a video of a 20 minute short film on YouTube that was single-handedly produced. When I say it looked like Batman meets Dune, I was in shock. The person literally created a film project that would’ve cost millions of dollars to make.

And with platforms like YouTube or Tubi now available, indie artists no longer have to depend on studios to make their movies—which could be a good thing, depending on who you ask.

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 was born at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles on June 3, 1992, and spent my early years in South Central LA. Eventually, my mom moved my brother and me out to Upland in the Inland Empire for safety concerns. My grandparents had retired out there, so I spent a lot of time with them, especially while my mom commuted to work in Orange County. That’s where I really fell in love with film—watching old VHS tapes from the ’80s and ’90s over and over again. Something about those stories just clicked for me. I became drawn to writing and acting, and I was especially inspired by stories told by people who looked like me, and also those who didn’t. That diversity of voices really opened my mind and made me want to tell my own stories.

After graduating from Cal State Monterey Bay with a concentration in Cinematic Arts & Technology, I went straight into the entertainment industry and started working as a Production Assistant. That experience taught me so much, and it also led me to one of my writing partners. Together, we created a limited television series called “FIRE” that’s currently on a streaming app called In The Black Network. It’s definitely my proudest achievement so far. What I want people to know is that if I can do this, so can you. I’m passionate about creating authentic, relatable content and showing others—especially folks from underrepresented communities—that there’s space for their voices too. I’m proud of the work I’ve done, but even more excited about what’s coming next.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Yes, actually. I had to pivot in 2023 when the WGA & SAG strikes hit Los Angeles, CA, and shut the entire industry down. I worked my last production job until
May 12, 2023 and had no other job opportunities lined up at that point — until March of 2025 this year. I worked as a temporary hire on a couple of television sets, but the lack of consistency was very real and stressful. Ultimately, this caused my fiancée and I to vacate our apartment and move in with my mom as a result. I couldn’t see it at first, but this became a huge blessing for us in our time of need, and I thank her for it every day.

When we moved out, I set out to apply for anything I could get my hands on — data entry clerk, Amazon driver, Instacart shopper, etc. The problem was, the employment and hiring process — both inside and outside of entertainment — had changed. Employers had become more selective with who they hired, more than I had ever experienced. I was encountering interviews that didn’t progress to the next stage, was waitlisted to do Instacart, and upon starting at Amazon, my shift was pulled last minute before I could even begin my first day. Needless to say, I continued to pivot in any direction I could — and received nothing in return. The only thing that kept me motivated was my urge to keep writing scripts, and hoping things would get better along the way.

Now, I’d say we’re scratching the surface a little bit. More things are starting to open up in entertainment, simultaneously as I’m working on securing funding for my screenplay about these Black soldiers from World War I called “The Harlem Hellfighters.” With the help of an indie producer and friend of mine, we’ve now mapped out a plan to finance and produce our own independent feature film.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that Hollywood—and everyone in it—doesn’t want to make your movie. That belief partially came from some realistic advice I received from my college professor, who had his own experiences in the industry.

When I first entered the field, as a Production Assistant, I had a deep urge to learn the blueprint of how films and shows are actually made. I got the chance to experience how scripted television operates, which was great—but I grew up geeking out over filmmakers. Spike, Tarantino, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay—visionaries who blazed their own paths without needing Hollywood’s approval.

Some industry folks wished me luck, even though they didn’t truly mean it. And that’s completely understandable. I just have this mentality of “I will not be denied.” Especially now, as more avenues are opening up through companies and individuals who are tired of seeing the same recycled content Hollywood keeps trying to shove down everyone’s throat. It feels like the industry is afraid to take the kind of creative risks they once did—even though taking chances is exactly what launched the careers of so many iconic writers, directors, actors, and producers.

So with all that said, I don’t buy into the notion that no one in Hollywood wants to make a film about Black war heroes. I’ve already done it, and came across people who want to be involved—and now, we’re moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bwfilms_22/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braelen-washington-918664ab/