Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana L. Ferrell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always knew I wanted to work in the entertainment industry as I had a few family members who were in the business. This prompted me to study entertainment in college as well as graduate school. During grad school, I took an internship with a public relations firm that introduced me to a new area of entertainment. I never thought about PR as a career path, but I was pretty good at it since writing came naturally to me. Plus, it allowed me to work on movie sets and various other projects that I was vastly interested in pursuing. I made great connections within the PR sector which allowed me to transition into other areas of entertainment such as law and production. As I worked on projects for other companies, I decided to do the same for myself which is how I decided to form a production company.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road has been pretty bumpy, but I expected that. Dealing with production costs, budgets, different personalities, talent, and other creative individuals can be challenging at times. However, it can also be very rewarding. Rejection is another hurdle as it is a big part of this industry. You have to be able to keep moving after you are told that your project is not good enough. I heard the word “no” several times as I was pitching my first stage play but ultimately got it produced. The smoothest part of the entire process is having my friend Kimberly Fletcher by my side, who brings several years of corporate and marketing experience to the table. I could not have launched my first production without her.
Writing can also be challenging. I am not able to produce content under unfavorable conditions. I can only write when my spirit is centered. Therefore I must schedule a time that is dedicated only to my craft. This allows me to silence unwanted distractions and listen to the characters I create.
Please tell us about Tiana Ferrell Productions.
Tiana Ferrell Productions (TFP) is an entertainment production company, providing services in theater, television, and film. TFP provides a wide range of services including, writing, public relations, and production. TFP strives to provide a creative outlet for artistic development. What sets us apart is we produce projects that not only entertain our audience but also educate them as well. For instance, I wrote a stage play titled, “The Ladies Car” which tells the story of my great-great-grandmother, Ida B. Wells-Barnett. After watching the show, audiences leave the play with more knowledge about Ida than when they came in. Education is key. We are also proud to hire local talent for our productions. It is very important to support the community in which you live.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory is making my sister laugh. I would put on a performance while my mother was combing her hair in order to distract her. I would, sing, dance, put on costumes, fall down, or do whatever it took to get a laugh from her. This continued into adulthood. I actually still love making her laugh today.
Contact Info:
- Website: tianaferrell.com
- Email: tfproductionscasting@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tianaferrell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tianaferrellproductions/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tianaferrell
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
