Today we’d like to introduce you to De’Niaya Thomas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
De’Niaya Thomas is a Writer, Producer, Director, and Assistant Director.
My journey as storyteller began far before I even knew I wanted to pursue a career in entertainment. As child, I would write stories and make books and sell them around the neighborhood for about fifty cents. Later, I would go on to become a thespian and purse acting. It wasn’t until eighth grade when a teacher mentioned his sons worked for ESPN did I consider a career behind the camera. From that moment on, that was my goal. I was going to take on the film and entertainment industry.
Years later, I graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s in Film (Salutatorian) and a Master’s in Entertainment Business (Valedictorian). While attending Full Sail, I launched my film production company D Best Productions at the age of 20. After graduation, I moved back home to Georgia to make my mark on the growing film industry that was taking over. I got my start as a Production Assistant working on Food Network shows. Within, six months, I was able to work my way up to a Coordinating position. I spent years Coordinating shows such as the travel restaurant renovation show Restaurant Impossible and several other spin offs. While I enjoyed my time in reality TV, I did not want to be pigeonholed. There were other stories I wanted to tell and make a difference through narrative storytelling. In 2022, I made the transition from reality and started working in film, which is what I currently work on today. My goal is to work on films that inspire and change lives.
Since joining the entertainment industry, I have worked on feature films, short films, music videos, and live events. I have helped facilitate shows for networks and companies such as WWE, ESPN, Food Network, BET+, Lifetime, Hallmark, Tubi, and many more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered various obstacles. Being a young black woman running sets definitely comes with it’s challenges. Early on in my career, I felt my age played a role in the lack of respect I would sometimes experience on set. Looking back, I can understand how it could be intimidating to have a twenty-one year old boss giving instructions. I had to heavily rely on personal development and communication skill books to help navigate difficult situations.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in uplifting, faith based entertainment. I often create projects with a positive message. One that uplifts the viewers and portrays a sense of hope. One of the things I am most proud of is never losing site of my faith while navigating an industry like the one I’m in. It’s easy to lose yourself and get caught up in the fame or celebrities. If I am offered a project that does not align with my values, I will not accept it. That is what I am most proud of.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
With AI becoming more and more common, I see the film industry making a big shift. It will affect the way we write our scripts, make our movies, and eventually even watch our content. Writers are now using AI to write scripts. I feel like AI can be beneficial when it comes to helping pitch projects. For example pitch decks or other materials. While it can be a more affordable alternative, I do think using AI to write scripts, is sort of cheating. I believe it takes the natural creativity out of the process and we lose a bit of the art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dbestproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deniayat/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DBestProductions?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7710433/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr16
Image Credits
Kyla Pratt
Jasmine Guy
Buddy Lewis
