Today we’d like to introduce you to Yamoaa Gyimah.
Hi Yamoaa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I was obsessed with making videos. I got my first video camera in the 4th grade and started recording “The Yamoaa Show”, which was my own personal talk show. My interview subjects were my siblings and parents, who would put up with my relentless questions that often had little to no substance. As I got older, I began to film my travel experiences. As a high school sophomore, I went to Ghana for two months with my sister Ama. I created a video diary series that actually kind of took off. A lot of people were messaging me while I was there, telling me about how much they learned from my videos about African culture. I knew from then on that I had a passion for documenting real stories. I knew I wanted to become a filmmaker.
I decided to go to Florida State University after high school to study documentary filmmaking and while I was there I got the opportunity to pitch and direct my documentary, “Please Don’t Touch My Hair”, where I challenged my white film crew to have a sit-down conversation with black people and talk about the significance of our hair and identity. It’s the hardest I have ever worked on anything, and it was the most fulfilling project I have ever worked on. I knew from then on that I was built to be a storyteller who gives a voice to my community. I loved my time at FSU but I chose to graduate a year early to get a head start in the world of production. I graduated in May 2020 and moved to Atlanta in August. Now, I work as an Associate Producer at Third & Wonder Production House as well as a director, cinematographer, and editor. I get to wake up everyday and help black women tell their stories.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth journey. I don’t think anyone was prepared to deal with a pandemic, let alone graduate in the middle of one. I had a lot of moments where I questioned if moving to Atlanta was the right decision. I had moved away from everything and everyone I knew at 21. I had trouble finding work and networking takes on a whole new meaning when it’s through zoom.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a documentary filmmaker, producer, and director. I specialize in non-fiction storytelling such as documentaries, docuseries, and web-show content. Currently, I work at a black-owned production company, Third & Wonder Production House, as an Associate Producer. I pride myself on my ability to captivate audiences while telling black stories on screen. My work is precise, emotional, and authentic. The relationships I build with the people I work with allow me to dive into their truths.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck is always on your side when you work hard. You’re always going to have setbacks but the most important thing is to find the strength to bounce back. One thing I’ve learned in life is that you appreciate the high moments so much more when you realize how much it took for you to get there.
Pricing:
- Freelance Videography Hourly: $75
- Freelance Videography Day Rate: $125
- Photography: $75 per hour
Contact Info:
- Email: yamoaa.a.gyimah@icloud.com
- Website: www.yamoaa.com
- Instagram: @yamoaa
- Youtube: youtube.com/yamoaa
Image Credits
Alejandro Maradiaga, Devin Bittner, Zach Bernstein
