Life and Work with Nakia Stephens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakia Stephens.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a screenwriter/filmmaker born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m a graduate of Savannah State University’s Mass Communications program where my concentration was Radio/Television Broadcasting. During my undergrad tenure, I Studied writing in Shanghai, Beijing, and Ghana. After receiving my degree, I went on to work and study screenwriting in Los Angeles, California. My travel and studies helped influence my love for storytelling so much that in 2014, I decided to create Damn Write Originals, a New Media Screenwriting Label that coordinates production, branding, and marketing for our signed, in-house talent. My team and I are committed to stories with unique and underserved perspectives that elevate women & people of color. I am devoted to telling authentic and purposeful stories. Since the launch of my Label in 2014, I’ve been recognized for my work by festivals and platforms such as BLAVITY, ABFF, Rolling Out Magazine, Black Girls Rock, Bronze Lens, and Content Creators of Atlanta (just to name a few). By the grace of God, I have cultivated a tribe that is also dedicated to creating art with a purpose greater than self. It has NOT been an easy journey but with my tribe, faith in God’s plan for my career, and an incredible work ethic, I have been able to produce award-winning work.

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?
It has not been a smooth road. I’ve had to deal with many obstacles both personal and professional. Anxiety, Ageism, Mild Sporadic Depression, Low Funding, you name it. Deciding if I should pay my car note or buy sound equipment, buy groceries or buy a hardrive for new film footage, I remember selling everything I owned (down to the shoe strings) just to make my first short film Suga Water. But you have to be willing to sacrifice, you have to want it that bad.

This industry doesn’t come with an instruction manual. There is no step by step guide. You literally have to put one foot in front of the other and figure out your next move along the way. My best advice to young women pursuing filmmaking is to do your own research and create while you wait for your next big opportunity. If you stay ready and keep your arsenal full of creative work then you’ll be prepared when an opportunity arises. DO THE WORK. Nothing comes overnight so stop trying to skip the process.

Please tell us about Damn Write Originals.
I’m an award-winning filmmaker, I specialize in screenwriting and I’m also the founder of the indie writing label, Damn Write Originals. I’m known for productions that shine a unique light on marginalized groups. People probably best recognize me from my short film “Suga Water” (starring Priah Ferguson of Stranger Things), my web series “Cream x Coffee”, and my Super Short Films “Noise”, “Not Your Rib”, and “The Psychological Evolution of Fckboys, by Onyx Colbert”.

I think what sets me apart from others is my work ethic and my ability to make it happen rather than make excuses. As far as my brand with Damn Write Originals, what I’m most proud of is the Tribe we have formed. I’ve worked with some of the most incredibly talented people in the indie realm and I am
extremely honored and grateful.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
The Opportunities in Filmmaking for Women are at an all-time high! Hollywood has finally been called out on a lot of bullshit and it’s giving more women and women of color the opportunity to flex our creative muscles.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.damnwriteoriginals.com
• Instagram: @screenwriteher_ / @damnwriteoriginals
• Twitter: @screenwriteher_

Image Credit:
Cat Harper, Jordan Bradley, Richard Kyle Artis

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