By Danielle Earle
Photo by Kelly Fournier on Unsplash.
Finding my voice as a Black woman in the film industry was a challenge for me. Experiencing prejudgement in a sea of white creatives was the last thing I expected, but that was the reality.
Trust Your Vision and Create Your Own Opportunities
I continue to strive for a seat at the table. At times, the sea of white creatives assumes that having a seat at the table for a person of color means serving, volunteering without a sense of self-worth. So, what do we do? What do we do as black actresses, directors, and writers? How do we find acceptance? We form our own opportunities. We learn to value self-worth and continue to fight back with a shield placed against our hearts. That shield is a vision that holds clear in our minds which is our superpower.
In 2010, at the age of 26, was when I finally found a sense of self-value. I knew I wasn’t meant for corporate America, and the Arts were the only place that I could call home.
For years I never felt my voice was worthy for art, for love, or anything for that matter. Films were my escape, my adventure to the unknown. Ten years later my voice became stronger and I created my film production company PL Entertainment LLC.
There were not many filmmakers that looked like me, nor were they the same gender. The majority of them were white males who were getting the financing and support. For Black women, finding the resources back then was slim to none.
Don’t Let Yourself Be Stereotyped
I remember going out to events and explaining about my little, no budget series, Brooklyn Is In Love and having a response from a white creative who said, “This series will never get noticed. This is not what people are looking for.” A Black male creative said, “You need more diversity.”
When I produced my first LGBTQ Feature film, I got criticism from several members of the white LGBTQ community who said that it was ironic I had white actors in my film. I felt judged rather than celebrated as if it was taboo as a Black writer to write white characters. As if women of color (WOC) within the LGBTQ community are not equipped to create queer content for white America. Or there’s a sense of surprise that my work doesn’t fit under the landscape of the general stereotype for Black women in the gay community. That there’s no way I’ve lived similar experiences as them.
When I produced Brooklyn Is In Love in 2011, New York was a dead town. Post Grads were sleeping on the streets of Manhattan with no job and no security blanket. Artists were struggling to save enough for rent the next month. In the midst of it all, I was in the center. Watching it unfold, behind a lens.
So I decided to make art from crisis to give us a sense of hope. Since the launch of episode 1, the view count exploded. I was getting emails and comments online, praising the show. At first, it was like lighting a match in the dark and waiting for a spark. The spark happened and that’s when it became real.
You’re in a position as a woman of color producer, whether you are queer or straight. You have to continue to prove yourself. When I entered the doors and signed my first contract at the Guild after the success of the series, it made me realize that this was my new journey.
Collaboration is Key
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash.
The best way I found to do it is by creating the platform yourself, and navigating a maze of possibilities. Yes, there are roadblocks, but there are ways around it. Collaborating is the answer.
At 26, I was a very stubborn late bloomer. Over the years, I learned to find my community of people that valued my self-worth through financing, support, guidance, and collaboration. Collaboration and networking are key to a continuous road of achievement.
Another tip for finding your voice is to always keep an open mind when collaborating. There will be times when the idea may change or shift. Don’t be afraid to speak up to your team. Yes, as Producers we strive to stay relevant. We need it. We crave it, and it’s totally natural, but don’t let it take you over. Invite people into your heart and creative world, because that is the only way you will grow.
Remember there are so many writers looking for an opportunity, and they need a good producer like you to help them get their work seen. It’s about passing the torch. Once you reach a level of acceptance, it’s the greatest gift in the world as a creative.
Know Your Worth In Dollar Signs!
When you are negotiating a contract, whether it is as a producer, director, or writer, don’t be afraid to tell them your self-worth in dollar signs. Black women in the industry have always had to settle for less, and in 2021, it is finally a year of celebration for Black Art. If it doesn’t go in your favor, there is always another opportunity waiting for you.
WOC Producers, continue to show your worth to the world, and never be afraid to show your bright light. It’s never too bright because you are the reason for the change, for the progress, and for the next generation of WOC Producers everywhere.
Follow Danielle Earle on Twitter, Instagram, and on her company’s website, PL Entertainment LLC.
If there are other questions you want to be answered in a blog post, let us know at info@fourwindfilms.com or visit our website at www.fourwindfilms.com. Also, we work with a large, diverse community of crew and artists working in most aspects of the filmmaking process and are always happy to help make connections. And we are always building our community! Send us your work for review or feedback.