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

June Marie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve undertaken is creating my web series, “The GO TO.” At the start of my career in the film industry, I never considered taking on the role of a showrunner—whether out of fear or self-doubt. But I felt the urge to dive in, and I’m so grateful that I did.

While I’ve had the privilege of producing other people’s work, I realized I also had my own voice and ideas to share. Although I love bringing others’ visions to life, I couldn’t keep neglecting my own creative needs. After the pandemic, I knew it was time to start creating my own content. With the encouragement of a fellow actor, I wrote the first episode of “The GO TO” web series, “Covid Buddies.” Armed with nothing but my iPhone, a small team of talented creatives, and sheer determination, we shot the first episode, created graphics, trailers, edited the footage, and wrote the second episode—all in the span of two weeks. We kept the momentum going, releasing six episodes for season one on “The GO TO” web series YouTube channel.

Along the way, I became a community producer at BRIC Media House, and I submitted “The GO TO” season one to air on BRIC’s Free Speech Channel, Brooklyn’s public access cable network. This opened the door to entering “The GO TO” into the 2023 B Free Awards, where it won in the B Hilarious category—presented by the Executive Director of the New York Emmys.

The drive to prove to myself that I could do this, and to see everyone involved recognized for their hard work, remains one of the most fulfilling achievements of my career. It’s a reminder that everything we poured into this project was worth it, and it has forever shaped my path moving forward.

June Marie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a writer, creator, and founder of June Marie Productions, a company I like to describe as “where creativity meets passion.” I started the company to produce my own work, with the long-term vision of branching out to support other artists and their projects. I’ve been writing since I was 16, when I published my first poem, and have continued to write ever since.

While in college, I was still figuring out my major when someone told me about a friend in need of extras for their independent film. That moment sparked a realization: I wanted to work in the film industry in some capacity. From there, I went from being an extra to an associate producer, and eventually earned a BA in Film Studies from Brooklyn College. I also had the opportunity to work as an in-house producer for a fashion designer, wildlife photographer, and indie film director. During that time, I learned a lot by observing, listening, and building connections in the industry.

Though my passion for entertainment never wavered, life and financial realities led me into the medical field for a period, where I dabbled in film on the side. My work in healthcare taught me a lot about myself and the importance of service. Helping others in their times of need or struggle gives me purpose. Balancing this with producing my own creative work has allowed me to create a platform for others, and that’s something I’m truly proud of. I believe my contribution to this ever-evolving world lies in merging my passion for creativity with my drive to serve others. That balance is what sets me apart and drives everything I do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a desire to produce my own work and have it brought to life by talented artists across various mediums. I want my words and stories to showcase the talents of performers, allowing them to shine. My goal is to leave behind a body of work that serves as my legacy, and to see people who look like me represented both in front of and behind the camera. Ultimately, I aim to take a seat at the table and create space for others to do the same.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most impactful stories from my journey is the one involving my relationship with my grandmother. During my time working in the medical field, she began showing signs of dementia, shortly after being diagnosed with high-grade carcinoma of the kidney. I became her primary caregiver, and by extension, I also took on the responsibility of caring for my uncle, who had also been diagnosed with dementia, as my grandmother could no longer manage his care.

Balancing 12-hour workdays in a managerial role, caring for myself, and tending to two elderly loved ones took a significant toll on both my mental and physical well-being. In the last five years before my grandmother’s passing, I began writing a screenplay in her honor as a way to cope. However, the emotions were too raw to capture, so I shifted gears and started developing a comedy web series, “The GO TO.”

In March 2022, my grandmother passed away while I was by her side, holding her hand. Just four months later, my uncle passed as well. To say this chapter of my life forever changed me is an understatement. However, I knew there was purpose in the pain. To honor my grandmother and uncle, the only way I knew how was to write. And so, “The Pub,” my debut stage play, was born. After workshopping it with fellow creatives, I was encouraged to submit it to theater festivals. The play was accepted into the 2024 New York Theater Festival, where it went on to earn a nomination for Best Production. This journey, though incredibly challenging, became a testament to my resilience and my dedication to honoring those I love through my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.junemarieproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junemarie_d/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/june-marie-davis-784774105/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuneMarieProductions , https://www.youtube.com/@thegotowebseries

Image Credits

B Free Awards acceptance speech image courtesy of Maria Narvaez
B Free Awards carpet image courtesy of BRIC
The GO TO images & graphics courtesy of Jesse Lebon
Trapped movie theater image courtesy of Ejaz Khan Cinema
The Pub rehearsal courtesy of Uno Duo Inc.
The Pub finale bow image courtesy of Veronica Davis