BY: KRIS ANDERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOSHUA WALKER
If you're reading this, I just want you to know that God hasn't forgotten about you. I know things are tough right now, but things are going to get better with time. I declare that your best days are ahead. God has planted greatness in you. Let today be the beginning of a great adventure as you step into the gifts he’s given you. I declare that you are going to go further than anyone in your family ever did; that you are going to dream bigger and live higher. I declare that you are a leader, an influencer and a recipient of opportunity. Trust God’s Timing! So without further delay I present to you a young black queen that's loving, caring, kind, trustworthy and God fearing. Ladies and gents give it up for "Miah Giavonni The Creative".
The UpNext: Who is Miah Giavonni?
Miah Giavonni: "Whew. Way to drop a load lol.. Well, I am an artist by no surprise. I come from generations of storytellers and have always been extremely fascinated with black art (visual, theater, film/TV, music, dance, etc.) no matter the design. Bridging the gap and continuing my elders legacy through creative producing is my life assignment (for now, at least). My goal is to generate more opportunities to tell positive, impactful and unique stories about my history. I enjoy laughing, traveling, learning and finding ways for people to take themselves less seriously on a daily basis. With a lot a bit of hard work, I believe internal happiness can be achieved. In addition to these things, I am a proud black woman, daughter, niece, sister, cousin and friend.
The UpNext: Was there a specific moment that made you start writing and if so what was it?
Miah: "I’d always write in my journal as a young girl to clear my little head and grammar / language arts was always my favorite subject in school, but the first time I mustered up courage to write a script or tell a story on my own was in high school. We were given the opportunity to choose a “pathway” to prepare us for college/career(s). Initially, I chose Business, but halfway into the semester, the department wanted to bring a new pathway to the table: Broadcast Video/Production. Coincidentally, I was in the “ginny pig” class. My teacher (shout out to Ms. Chillis, wherever you are in the world) assigned us to complete a script by a certain deadline. When the date came to turn our scripts in, I was the only student who completed one. I actually still have it, but it’ll never be released. Lmao"
The UpNext: What is the most difficult thing about being a creative producer?
Miah: "I believe the most difficult part for any creative is figuring out what you want to say, how you want to say it and finding a tribe of people who are as committed to making sure it’s said well. But once you do, the puzzle pieces always come together. Always. Even if it doesn’t necessarily happen on the first try."
The UpNext: Who and what is the Reel Sisters?
Miah: "This question made me smile. Reel Sisters is a platform showcasing four other insanely drop dead gorgeous and incredibly talented black women. We spend our time creating all things black and do our best to publicly document our life journeys together as artists. Our goal is to encourage others to live, exist and grow in unity, educate and uplift black creatives and provide resources that help mold all of our crafts. KenBen, Bean, Brooke and Lauren-Ashli, I love you. From Hampton to Atlanta, LA, VA, “Murrrdaland” and back."
The UpNext: What makes a film great for you? Are there certain qualities that make a film better for you?
Miah: "I honestly just love when I walk out of a theater (or wherever I am) feeling something. Regardless of what that specific feeling is (joy, sadness, empowerment, reflection, etc), I adore the process of filmmaking. “Wow” “I just need to sit here for a minute....” “Somebody really wrote that, shot that and now it’s here....and I, along with so many others, got to witness it.” These are usually my first few immediate thoughts when I’ve seen a film I’ll never forget. Seriously though, imagine this: someone, somewhere in the world, with a brilliant brain took time to come up with a story / concept, wrote a script (or found someone to help them write it), pitched it and someone else liked it ($$$) and someone else made sure it was shot with a crew of many more incredibly talented artists (shout out to every film department I don’t even know about yet, but especially my favorite: crafty = the people over snacks). Now, obviously these aren’t all the steps, but when you get a chance, take some time to look at the credits of a film. No matter the budget, I promise you, it took every single name you see to make sure what needed to get done got done. You can’t tell me that’s not cool."
The UpNext: What films have been the most inspiring or influential to you and why?
Miah: "Ahhhh, this is so tough. But let’s go for three. Love Jones for it’s simplicity and unforgettable poetry (and because “I love you, and that’s urgent like a mf” will be a line that never gets old), Any Spike Lee Joint because I’m always reminded that we’ll never run out of stories to tell and our history will always be relevant, Set It Off because Jada, Vivica, Kimberly (“I need that money”) and Queen are a whole entire mood and 300 because it was my first time actually intrigued by an action/fantasy film. Super intense, but necessary. I have so many films to watch and rewatch. I’m sure this list will be revised over the years. Give me some time."
The UpNext: What should the film \ TV industry be doing for creative producers that it isn’t?
Miah: "Good question. I can always say create more opportunities behind and in front of the camera for people that actually look and move like us (which is so broad because there’s levels and layers...making us that much more valuable), but I have a strong feeling things are about to change. More. I think a beautiful thing about this industry is that we don’t have to wait on anyone to begin or finish. We can build our own platforms and tell our own stories from our own lenses. My friend, I should tell you, though. It’s surely not a skip in the park, especially when you need coins, but I’ve seen it done and I look forward to being a part of the film/entertainment industry’s continued transformation and bloom."
The UpNext: What role have film festivals played in your life so far? Why are they necessary? How do you get the most out of them?
Miah: "Film festivals open the door far beyond development and distribution (especially for us green beans just starting out). A festival’s purpose can stand for many different things for many different people. It can be a time to support a colleague, reset, dream and meet new people who are working toward something, too. My first year out of college, I saved a lil bit (and my mama and a load of other giving souls helped me out. Thanks, y’all!) and volunteered or searched for opportunities at every film festival I could (And had a plan before I touched down). I looked up who was going to be there, what panels or screenings I needed to attend and who’s contact information I needed to have before I left. I went to ABFF in Miami (shout out to the Floasy Posse) Sundance in Park City, Bronze Lens in ATL, Cannes in France and Pan African in LA. It was another stepping stone to building solid relationships, learn more about how I can win and come back to tell other people how they can, too). I promised myself I wouldn’t go back until my name or my friends names were in the credits. I am proud to say that, since then, we’ve all had films screened at a few of these festivals and more! There will always be so much to learn and do, but I’m working on celebrating where I’ve been and where I am. God is good."
The UpNext: Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either? Where does faith play apart in it all?
Miah: "Honestly, finishing can be tough for me. I’m good for a “begin and not come back to it for a minute.” But im coming up and out of that habit. As I continue, I’m learning how to write things down, speak goodness out of my mouth and bring everything to God. No matter what it is. And He’s teaching/speaking to me by sending clearly defined beings into my eye line and space to hold me accountable and love me (even when I’m being a brat). By grace and speaking on behalf of my executive accountability team: we are actively working on getting out of our own way to get the job done. Promise."
The UpNext: Do filmmakers/creative directors have any responsibility to culture? Do you feel that being a creative person requires that you give back or tell a particular story or not do something else? Why or why not?
Miah: "We absolutely have a responsibility. We are behind what everyone’s watching. Someone’s whole world or opinion can change from watching a film, TV show or documentary. If we don’t tell it how it needs to be told or put up the images we want to see, who will? I do believe everyone’s responsibility looks different, though. As long as we show up and thoroughly work on making whatever space we’re in better, we’ll always move on peacefully because we’ve done our job(s)."
The UpNext: Generally speaking, when we want to learn more about a film, we talk to the director. But those who make films know how much they are really collaborations. What makes a fruitful collaboration? What do you do to enhance the collaborative process?
Miah: "The compassion and care. Even if I’m not a big fan and could absolutely care less, I’m working through acting like I am for that moment. Let’s be real, faking it like some of us do on the jobs that pay the bills can be T O U G H, but you walk away with so much knowledge you didn’t have before. I’m still learning how to come into every room with the right attitude, but I’ve always been fascinated with understanding why someone wants to tell whatever story they’re telling. And that helps me finish strong or at all. When everyone on the team understands that and what specific role they play in producing that fruit, the lemonade will surely be sweet. I don’t care if your job is to make sure snacks are put out in small portions so everyone doesn’t eat it all (because they will), it’s important. Although this is a business, if you think about what storytelling truly is, it’s always personal."
The UpNext: We are a big believer in the importance of social media in many aspects of the film process. Are you on social media and do you use it in your work? Why or why not?
Miah: "YUP. Social media is kind of a modern day resumé. Someone once told me you should know or at least have an idea of who a person is / what a person does by going to their page. This can definitely be overrated and breaks are necessary, but if used honestly and correctly, I will agree that it can be beneficial. Especially for independent filmmakers. Rather that be funding, promotion or pure exposure."
The UpNext: What was the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on your creative directing? How did that lesson happen?
Miah: "Another wise person told me “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” I can’t pinpoint one particular incident that proves this statement as true (because there’s been so many). I’ll just say this: just like life, filmmaking is problem solving. If you take time to prepare for as much as you can with what it is you do have, a product is always live on the other side. I just make sure I walk away knowing what I can do better the next time."
The UpNext: What is the most enjoyable thing about creative producing?
Miah: "Not only finishing, but witnessing the final product with the people you produced it with. I’ve bonded with so many beautiful people these past three years and have cried many tears after wrapping films or any creative projects."
The UpNext: Where do you see yourself as a creative producer five years from now?
Miah: "Listen, I’m just working on who I’m gonna be tomorrow or in the next hour, but I definitely plan on traveling more, telling more uplifting stories (for us and by us) and building out my creative platform, Give Me A Minute, Medium. (as the young kids say, follow us on IG: @gmammedium)"
The UpNext: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to have a life creating film?
Miah: "Take it to God or whoever you serve (because that’s your business. -Auntie Tab). Figure out what it is you want to say and say it. Get around some people who are doing it well and feed your spirit for enhancement. And if they happen to come to you, welcome them with open arms. Accept challenges and attack them with solutions. Be open for valued feedback, but not too much. Trust your gut. Go for what you know, not always what you feel. Read. Study. And know that the first step is showing up. Let Him use you! "
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