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

Shanelle, appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I am often misunderstood, especially when I speak about mental health projects that I’m working on. I desire to help bring more awareness to this topic, even though it comes with so many stigmas.

Shanelle, 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 storyteller, writer, videographer, and talent manager. I got into the industry when I was attending Wiley College back in 2018 and ended up being selected to participate as a creative with the Nate Parker Film Institute, where I was able to connect with actor Nate Parker. Within that process, we took courses with leading professionals in the industry on acting, writing, directing, and cinematography. Although my passion was cinematography, I somehow ended up in the acting group, auditioned for a role, and got the lead in the short Black Bones. Within the Nate Parker Foundation, they give us the tools and resources we need to continue to pursue storytelling, and they give us that support. In February 2023, I was able to attend the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, CA. While I was there, I worked on my first music video shoot for Quincy’s Faceoff on the Q Side B Side Album. I was the set production design assistant to Siri Borgen, and I honestly enjoyed connecting with everyone on the production. I am now working on my feature film ‘Cam Strong’, which I wrote and will be directing, about a 16-year-old football player named Cam’Ron Matthews who helped bring a small town together in Alto, TX. I am also managing an artist by the name of Muddbaby Rkade, and he’s been doing really well with his hit song ETX Baby and was one of the few artists to open up for Comedian and creator of trashh Jerry Morgan, better known as Bubba Dub, along with Jive and FSG Peezy. I am now a mental health advocate after experiencing challenges of my own. I recently started telling my story and speaking out on mental health through the Gift of a Life Foundation, based in Austin, TX. A nonprofit tech company founded by Nikhil Zen. We have a podcast called Zen Unfiltered, where we break the silence while encouraging others to do the same.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, I wish I had known more about different communities, especially film groups on social media. When I found my community, it was really a game changer. Sometimes you really do have to seek information and actually put in the work to receive better results.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Honestly, mental health right now is the new focus because, had I not survived suicide, I wouldn’t be here to tell my story now as well as create stories. I remember struggling to finish my script after years, and finally, after cleansing and doing a lot of self-reflection, I’m able to create the way I want to and not just talk about creating. I’m living out my goals, and I don’t plan on ever stopping. I have projects to look forward to and I’m elated to be on this new journey as a storyteller and writer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goalfoundation.us/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shanellegaddis?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/_X34RRmIQEQ