We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kameishia Wooten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kameishia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?

In the early stages of my career, I attended a networking event where filmmakers engaged in rapid-fire 5-minute meetings with creative executives. Generally, these events didn’t involve pitching, so my expectations were modest; I saw them as general introductions. However, to my surprise, one executive asked me about my ongoing projects, prompting me to pitch a script that wasn’t yet polished. To my astonishment, the executive expressed interest in reading the script and requested it for the next day. Overwhelmed by fear, I hesitated and ultimately failed to send the script. At that time, my writing skills were not as strong either. This experience taught me the importance of having prepared materials on hand and being transparent about the status of a project when questioned. Moreover, it highlighted that networking for career advancement is pointless if you do not have substantive work to validate your talents. This episode prompted me to temporarily step back from networking and concentrate on honing my craft and assembling a robust portfolio, which ultimately proved to be fruitful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m proud to introduce myself as an emerging director with a unique storytelling approach deeply rooted in my North Carolina upbringing. My creative journey is driven by a passion for crafting narratives that evoke laughter, tears, and empathy, especially through a female perspective. I have a special affinity for triumphant stories of underdogs and a penchant for dramatic YA narratives infused with adventure.

My path to filmmaking was an unconventional one, as I initially planned to attend law school. However, my destiny took a turn when I discovered my love for filmmaking while creating my first short film in a production class. This newfound passion became my canvas for political and creative expression, allowing me to embrace my upbringing and infuse it into my work.

I pursued this passion wholeheartedly, earning my B.A. and later attending film school at Columbia College Chicago, where I directed two award-winning short films. My thesis film, “Southern Cross,” even reached the finalist round of prestigious programs and film festivals, instilling in me the confidence to pursue a career as a director and a growing interest in creating YA content.

Upon obtaining my M.F.A., I made the leap to Los Angeles to follow my dream of directing, despite lacking trust funds, influential connections, or A-list credentials. My journey led me to the doors of business and legal affairs within the entertainment industry. While not on set, I honed my skills by tirelessly applying to fellowships, using vacation time for creative workshops, and directing short films. This unconventional path shaped me as a filmmaker, with each project refining my abilities.

In 2021, I participated in AWD’s Black Director Initiative and later joined Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative Directing Shadowing Program. A major turning point came when I was awarded the WIF/Google Shorts Lab fellowship, which included a grant from Google and sponsorship from Warner Chappell Music, Pictureshop, and Cinelease. With their support, I wrote and directed “Choices,” a coming-of-age comedy/drama that explores themes of reproductive freedom, friendship, and Black girl joy. The film is currently making waves on the festival circuit, having garnered three awards and screenings at several film festivals, including two Oscar-qualifying festivals.

Recently, I established my production company, Kamrock Entertainment, where I am not only developing content to direct but also actively seeking projects to produce. My journey as a filmmaker is a testament to perseverance, creative passion, and a dedication to bringing unique stories to life. I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries and sharing my distinctive voice with the world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, is having an outlet for my artistic passions and voice. It’s a therapeutic and joyous experience. Additionally, I cherish the opportunity to both entertain and inspire others.

What truly resonates with me is when people watch my films and feel compelled to approach me for discussions about topics they wouldn’t typically openly discuss. The subject matter of my films creates a safe and comfortable space for these conversations. As an artist, I have the power to influence opinions on important issues, and that, to me, is incredibly rewarding.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There is no one-size-fits-all path to success in the entertainment industry. I spent years pursuing the perfect entry-level creative role, hoping it would bring me closer to my aspirations as a writer/director. Regrettably, those opportunities never materialized, pushing me to carve out a distinctive and unconventional path that suited my needs.

As I navigated this journey, it became increasingly clear that creating content was the driving force behind my career progress. In hindsight, I wish I had realized this sooner. I could have spent those earlier years producing more content instead of fixating so much on finding the perfect job.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kameishiawooten.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamrock06/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kameishia.wooten
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KameishiaWooten