Today we’d like to introduce you to Latia Ashley.
Hi Latia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My passion for the entertainment industry formed as a child. I secured my 1st job at 14, working under the table at a local popular music store where the mainstream platinum-selling artist would conduct meet and greets with fans. After enrolling in HBCU (A&T State university), I was offered an internship at the largest radio in the city. This internship led to me working professionally in the music industry and receiving mentorship from the pioneers who started some of the biggest names in music from Sean P. diddy combs to Alessia Cara. Although music is where I started, it will not be where I end.
The elasticity of my creative mind and love for our community is one of the causes for me adding a new title to my name as “Executive Producer” in film. My passion to understand the life lesson giving to myself and others keeps me on a never-ending quest to learn more so that I may give more. One of the more recent ways I am planning to give is by the release of my first executively produced docu-film project titled “Open Diary”. The attention-grabbing informational documentary is conducted by me. This adventurous body of work displays comfortable settings for some of the most uncomfortable truths. Open diary features appearances from published authors, former grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, a grammy nominated songwriter, and more.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I believe that everything is hard before it gets easy. So it was no surprise when I felt the sweltering breath of doubt on the back of my neck from the discouraging words of those who did not initially understand my vision. Not to mention the idea for the film was Pre-covid and once covid-19 was classified as a pandemic, all filming came to a halt. We were scheduled to film an episode in Africa but was forced to cancel our flights and reservation due to the travel restrictions.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Music executive & Executive Film Producer. Discovering untapped potential with talents and addressing hard truths on camera. Being a finisher and the go-to girl for connecting dots behind the scene. I am not afraid to walk away from what most would compromise and run to. Someone once told me that I had declined more opportunities most would ever be offered.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
When you understand that taking a risk is simply betting on yourself, the focus shifts from taking a risk to taking a chance. Shooting this film was a major risk for various reasons. One I had no experience in the film industry, Two I self-funded EVERY penny spent from paying the crew, travel expense (for both domestic and international), equipment purchased, Post-production +, etc. Most people ask, “Why didn’t you seek sponsorship or private funding.” Well… to be completely transparent, This was a private project for my journal and to get answers on a self-discovery journey, That turned into a production.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@laburkeproduction.com
- Website: www.LatiaAshley.Net
- Instagram: @LatiaAshley
Image Credits:
Laburke Production LLC
V. Suero Photography
Michael Buado
