Today we’d like to introduce you to Kofi Oliver.
Hi Kofi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely. I grew up in Albany, Georgia, and discovered my talent for writing in middle school. That foundation was further developed at Florida State University, where I studied Creative Writing and began to truly understand the power of language and storytelling. It was also during that time that I became enamored with filmmaking, inspired by directors like Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino, among others. My path eventually led me to Los Angeles, where I enrolled in Loyola Marymount University’s MFA program in Film Directing and began building a career in the industry from the ground up.
I started the old-school way—working as an intern and production assistant on TV shows and films in Hollywood. I bounced between departments like transportation and art, learning every part of the process. I had the chance to work on productions at nearly every major studio, as well as with top-tier companies like HARPO Films and Paramount TV. But at heart, I was always a writer. Those early years were full of hustle and hard lessons, but my first big break came producing for BET, which led to a string of opportunities in reality television.
After several years in L.A., I moved to Atlanta, which opened new creative doors. Unlike in L.A. or New York, Atlanta’s creative community is more accessible, and that allowed me to grow as an artist and collaborate with some incredibly talented people. It was in Atlanta that I began pursuing true-life stories—something that has become a hallmark of my work. The first was the story of an international fugitive living in Portugal, who had escaped from prison and hijacked a plane in the late ’60s and early ’70s. I traveled to Europe several times to meet with him and eventually wrote a screenplay based on his remarkable life. What drew me in was not just the drama, but the fact that he had reformed—becoming a humanitarian and devoted family man before he was finally tracked down by the FBI and international police, launching the fight of his life to maintain his freedom. Since then, I’ve worked on several other compelling projects, including *Skin in the Game*, a TV series based on the true story of a Black attorney who outmaneuvered mobsters, corporate titans, and political sharks to earn the first casino license in New Orleans. My dream project is the 2 Live Crew story—and if the producers ever need a script, well, I just happen to have one… IJS… no pressure!
While I’ve developed a reputation for crafting true-life crime stories, I also love exploring other genres—from grounded comedies to horror and suspense. I’m currently writing my first novel, a new chapter in what has been a constantly evolving journey.
Over the years, I’ve directed short films, music videos, and short-form content, and picked up photography along the way—another deep passion and creative outlet. As a writer, I’ve placed in multiple competitions, sold projects to networks, and was recently selected for The Black List’s Georgia List for 2025.
Through my production company, Akia Entertainment, I remain committed to bold, original storytelling that centers underrepresented voices. Every place I’ve lived and every project I’ve taken on has helped shape the storyteller I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Every opportunity I’ve had was earned through relentless hustle, taking big risks, and making real sacrifices. There were no shortcuts—just a lot of trial, error, mistakes, and faith. Early in my career, I spent hours writing letters to studio heads, producers, and even movie stars—cold outreach before that was even a thing—just looking for a shot. If I had a dime for every rejection letter I received, I’d be wealthy by now. But occasionally, that persistence cracked open a door, and I got to work with and learn from people I once only dreamed of meeting.
That kind of audacity led me to one of the wildest experiences of my career. I read an article in *GQ* about the international fugitive, and something about his story stuck with me. So I reached out. I didn’t have a connection or a clear plan—just a gut instinct and the willingness to follow through. That one message eventually took me all the way to Portugal, where I not only met him but also secured the rights to tell his story.
For me, that’s what this path has looked like: betting on myself when nothing is guaranteed, taking chances most people wouldn’t, and staying committed to the work even when the wins are few and far between. The road’s been anything but smooth, but it’s made me the storyteller I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a writer, director, and producer whose work spans scripted and unscripted television, film, and digital content. I specialize in character-driven stories rooted in real life—stories that reflect the world as it is, not as we often see it portrayed. While true crime has become a natural lane for me, I also explore a wide range of genres, from drama and suspense to comedy and horror.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is *Skin in the Game*. It’s a one-hour drama based on the true story of a Black attorney who becomes the unlikely winner of the first casino license in New Orleans. It’s a high-stakes tale of ambition, race, politics, and power, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most iconic and culturally rich cities. The story speaks to the resilience, strategy, and courage it takes to thrive in spaces where you’re not always welcomed.
Over the years, I’ve directed short films, music videos, and developed a diverse slate of projects through my production company, Akia Entertainment. I’ve placed in numerous competitions, sold projects to networks, and was recently honored to be selected for The Black List’s Georgia List for 2025—a full-circle moment for me as a Georgia native whose storytelling roots were planted early on.
Now, as the industry continues to change dramatically, I’m focused on building my own table—following in the footsteps of trailblazers like Spike Lee and Tyler Perry. Through Akia Entertainment, I’m developing and seeking financing for a slate of original, independently produced film and TV projects that reflect a range of voices, experiences, and genres. It’s about ownership, legacy, and telling the kinds of stories that might otherwise go unheard.
What sets me apart is the combination of grit, range, and real-world experience. I’ve worked from the ground up in this business—from intern to producer, across departments and across the country. That journey, paired with a relentless curiosity and commitment to truth, drives everything I create.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are honestly too many to name—but I owe so much to the people who’ve given me a shot, taken a chance on me, and trusted me with their stories. Whether it was a network executive, a producer, or someone who let me shadow them on set, those opportunities meant everything and helped build the foundation I stand on today.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the peers and colleagues who’ve been in the trenches with me—people who encourage me, challenge me, and pick me up when I’m struggling. It’s been a mutual support system, and I’ve tried to do the same for them whenever I can. Having that kind of creative community is invaluable, especially in an industry that can be isolating at times.
And I can’t say enough about my amazing family and friends. Their belief in me, through all the ups, downs, and detours, has been unwavering. Pursuing a dream in this business isn’t easy, but having people in your corner who remind you why you started makes all the difference.
So while I’ve worked hard and hustled to get where I am, I definitely haven’t done any of this alone. Every step of the way, someone helped open a door, hold it open, or walk beside me—and I don’t take that for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.akient.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kofioliverphoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kofiaoliver/
- Other: https://www.kofioliverphotography.com
