We were lucky to catch up with Katisha Shaw recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Katisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Taking risks has been a defining aspect of my journey, especially as a woman entering the acting profession in my 30s. Hollywood can be unkind to women in this age group, with the industry often overlooking the incredible talent and experiences that come with maturity. Despite the challenges, I decided to embrace this as an opportunity rather than a setback.

Launching into professional acting at this stage of my life was a bold move, and it came with its fair share of skepticism. Many questioned the practicality of starting a career in an industry that tends to favor youth. However, I was determined to challenge these stereotypes and prove that age is not a limitation but an asset.

In addition to my acting pursuits, the decision to co-found a production company, DTRM Inc, with my business partner John J.C. Davidson, was another significant risk. Venturing into the world of film production is known for its uncertainties and high stakes, but we believed in our vision and the stories we wanted to tell. Together, we faced the challenges head-on, navigating the complexities of the industry with resilience and determination.

These risks, both in my acting career and the establishment of DTRM Inc, have been transformative. They’ve taught me the power of perseverance, the importance of challenging societal norms, and the fulfillment that comes from creating opportunities where none seemed to exist. Today, as I reflect on the journey, I see that taking these risks has not only shaped my career but has also contributed to reshaping industry perceptions.

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.

I’m Katisha Shaw, my friends call me Kat. I’m a queer actress, writer, and film producer with roots in both Canada and Costa Rica. My journey into the entertainment industry has been nothing short of a daring adventure, especially considering that I embraced professional acting “late” in life, a time when the industry tends to overlook the talents of women. Yet, I saw it as an opportunity to challenge norms and bring a fresh perspective to storytelling.

Co-founding DTRM Inc, a production company, alongside my business partner J.C. Davidson, marked another significant chapter. Our mission at DTRM Inc is to create impactful and diverse cinematic experiences. We’ve got a thrilling lineup of films we had a hand in over 2023 including executive producing (alongside other key players in the industry) the much-anticipated “Backspot” starring Evan Rachel Wood and Devery Jacobs that premiered at TIFF 2023 with a theatrical run later this spring, and “Sunset Superman” with Michael Jai White, and Billy Zane that will be available on Tubi. We also associate produced Martini Shot, starring Mathew Modine, Derek Jacobi and John Cleese that has its premier at the esteemed Galway Film Festival .

Our storytelling slate moving forward spans genres, from a gripping thriller centered around a female journalist chasing a serial killer to a hilarious ensemble cast rom-com set in the Caribbean.

As an artist, I believe in the power of storytelling to preserve our legacy and teach valuable lessons for the future. I draw inspiration from my upbringing surrounded by artists and musicians, fostering a profound empathy for humanity. My coach (who I will leave nameless or she’ll kill me) once told me, “You are magic,” and it’s a mantra I carry with me, infusing every project with creativity and authenticity.

What sets me apart is not just my dedication to the craft but the willingness to take risks and push boundaries. I’ve learned that failure is not an option, and the path to success involves commitment, resilience, and a willingness to knock on doors or kick them down if needed.

I take pride in the diversity of our projects, knowing that representation on screen is a powerful tool for change. Through my work and the projects DTRM Inc undertakes, I aim to inspire, challenge perceptions, and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Whether you’re a potential client, follower, or fan, I want you to know that my journey is a testament to the belief that age, gender, or industry norms should never hinder one’s pursuit of passion. Together, let’s break barriers and create art that resonates with the heart and soul.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society plays a crucial role in nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem, and there are several ways we can provide meaningful support to artists and creatives:

Promote Arts Education: Integrate comprehensive arts education into school curriculums to foster creativity from a young age. This not only develops artistic skills but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. Our school systems keep cutting arts at every breath and its so disheartening. We teach kids that art has no value, in yet we as a society thrive on the consumption of art. So lets nurture the future creators by giving them to tools!

Financial Support and Fair Compensation: Recognize the value of creative work by offering fair compensation. Establishing grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities can alleviate financial pressures on artists, allowing them to focus on their craft without compromising their livelihood. As mentioned above, we as a society love to consume art, but we have this weird idea that artists deserve to starve. That’s gross! lets get rid of the stereotype “Starving artists” and treat it like it is a viable option for work and play!

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Embrace diversity in all its forms within the creative industry. Support initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices, ensuring a broad spectrum of perspectives is reflected in artistic endeavors. Statistics recently announced during the Berlin Film Festival in a study called “re-Framing the Picture” stated that gender equity in film would only be reached in Canada in the year 2215. How bleak is that?! Those numbers only get more dismal as we look at BIPOC and Queer access too. There’s no need for that, we need more initiatives to lift up these underrepresented communities.

Accessible Spaces and Resources: Create affordable and accessible spaces for artists to work, collaborate, and showcase their creations. Offering resources such as studios, equipment, and exhibition spaces can empower artists to bring their visions to life.

Public Appreciation and Recognition: Cultivate a culture of appreciation for the arts. Encourage attendance at exhibitions, performances, and film screenings. Public recognition and acknowledgment contribute to the overall morale of creatives and the perceived value of their work. I keep saying this – we are ravenous to consume the art, but are slow to acknowledge and appreciate it.

Streamlined Bureaucracy for Artistic Ventures: Simplify bureaucratic processes for artists to obtain permits, licenses, and grants. Reducing administrative hurdles enables creatives to focus on their craft rather than navigating complex administrative procedures. I understand why some aspects of these submissions are so task heavy, they are trying to stay in budget and weed out the non viable projects, but perhaps expanding the offering, funding it better and having more available resources to help bridge the gap for the artist to the bureaucrat. The legalese language is really overwhelming and sometimes instruction are not clear. Making this an almost impossible mountain to climb.

Collaboration between Industries: Foster collaboration between the arts and other industries. Cross-industry partnerships can lead to innovative projects, providing new platforms for artists and expanding the impact of their work.
Mental Health Support: Recognize the unique challenges creatives face and provide mental health resources and support systems. Acknowledging the emotional aspects of the creative process can contribute to a healthier and more resilient creative community. Protecting Intellectual Property: Strengthen and enforce laws protecting intellectual property rights. This ensures that artists are rightfully credited and compensated for their work, encouraging continued innovation and creativity.

Encourage Risk-Taking: Celebrate experimentation and risk-taking in the creative process. A supportive environment that values innovation over perfection encourages artists to push boundaries and explore new territories.

By actively incorporating these elements into societal structures, we can create an environment where creatives not only survive but thrive, contributing to a richer and more vibrant cultural landscape.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

It might seem whimsical, but behind the scenes, it’s a purposeful dance of passion, emotion, and imagination.

Side note – There’s nothing wrong with being a “non-creative”; we all bring something unique and powerful to the table.

Now, let’s dive into the magic of embracing the unknown.

Creatives thrive in uncertainty—it’s like our secret playground. We don’t always have a clear roadmap, and that’s where the real magic happens; letting creativity take the wheel. I mean, I thrive in chaos, and it’s in those unpredictable moments that the most unexpected ideas sprout.

The creative journey is an emotional rollercoaster without seatbelts. You might wonder why we willingly subject ourselves to the highs, the challenging lows, and oh, the rejection (trust me, there’s a lot of rejection). But those wins, whether big or small, make it all worthwhile. For me, if my art moves you, makes you think, or stirs emotions, that’s the sweet spot where success resides.

Our minds are like kaleidoscopes, in constant motion with swirling visions. Non-creatives might raise an eyebrow at the hours we spend daydreaming or just staring into space. It might seem like procrastination, but in reality, it’s about birthing ideas and finding play in every corner of life. Trust me, it goes deep.

Each piece we create is an unveiling of our soul. Critiques hit hard because it’s not just a painting, a song, script, or film; it’s a part of who we are. Every stroke carries a piece of our story, laid bare for everyone to see.

. You might be wondering why we don’t always choose the stable path. It’s not recklessness; it’s about chasing a life where passion and purpose not only meet but share a hearty handshake. Balancing passion and practicality is a tightrope walk.

Thick skin and a sprinkle of living life delulu (delusional) are essential. It’s navigating the uncharted waters with resilience and a touch of the unconventional that keeps the creative spirit alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dtrm.ca
• Instagram: @katatonic_Kat

Image Credits
John Bregar Jessica Chin King Tim Leyes Self