Today we’d like to introduce you to Tahiera Monique Brown.
Hi Tahiera Monique, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story began in 1988 when I was asked by Dee Voigt of Dee’s Casting to assist her as an assistant casting director for the film that she was expecting to come to Atlanta, called RoboCop III. My story is a bit unusual because I’d only been out of the hospital for a few weeks after being in a coma. I suffered a condition called amnesia. Dee took me under her wings as I was learning not only who I was but also I didn’t know anything about Atlanta anymore. Dee and her husband would come and pick me up and she taught me hands on how to cast for films.
I want to tell you this. I am a survivor. My children and I were held hostage for two years and I almost died trying to save my children. The perpetrator and I actually worked as extras on “Kids Like These”, featuring Tyne Daly. Dee remembered me from that film and she had been looking for me. Fortunately, I had her business card. A faithful call to her led me to an angel that said, “When you get out of the hospital. Call me.” Not only was she preparing for RoboCop III, but also “In The Heat Of The Night”. My name was Barbara Clark. Later I changed my name to Tahiera Monique.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey was very difficult. Not only was I dealing with amnesia, but my children and I were facing two years in court fighting in trial. I was blessed to have a fantastic attorney and his staff, who saw to it that my children were cared for while I was in the hospital, leaning basic living skills.
Coming out of the hospital, not only was I facing a trial, poverty and children that depended on me. I had to face a very harsh judgmental society. I lived in the projects in Edgewood in Atlanta. There was a payphone by a big oak tree near my apartment. Dee would call the number there and neighbors knew I cast for films. They would answer the phone and come get me, saying “You got another call on the payphone about that movie!” I would answer the call and Dee would tell me what she was looking for. Sometimes she would give me a list. If it was too many people, I would call them from a friend’s house. If I had to find talent I would use five quarters. I would call five people and ask them to call people and it became a chain of calls and as people called me back, I would fill my quota.
Soon talent started coming to my home and hangout and make sure I got to the sets. It was wonderful. I didn’t have “NO” in my vocabulary. Dee Voigt made me face my weaknesses and helped me navigate Atlanta and know that impossible could not stand in my way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Before I left Atlanta, my agency was “Talent X’press’. I still cast for Dee occasionally up until I left Atlanta and moved to Birmingham, Alabama. In Birmingham, the film traffic was slim compared to Atlanta. I started a publishing company after I wrote my memoir, “Annihilator of Innocence”. I traveled extensively as a professional speaker. But, my desire was film. So I started my film company under my management company which is Indian Creek Management. I talked to my team because I wanted to do film. We began to film under my brand, “Darkness To Light Films”.
I am still a professional speaker under my publishing company, “Tavine’ra Publishing”.
I began on my first film project, which is a talk show called “Living True and Truly Living: Real People … Real Stories … Real Issues (trademarked). As a survivor, I wanted to help other survivors tell their stories.
Today, along with Bruce Nix of Undercover Entertainment, we’re in production on a documentary. My goal is to tell stories in film. What sets me apart is I am an advocate for victims.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to anyone that is starting out is to do research. Go to festivals and events in your chosen field. Seek out a mentor that is willing to take you under his/her wings. Give respect to those who has paved the way for you in the industry. Create you a special place in your home that is set up as your creative place that isn’t interfered with. If you’re a student, take advantage of your libraries, even if you’re a media wizard. There is nothing like holding a book or magazine in your hand. Be able to change like the wind so you can grow. Be careful not to burn bridges. Sometimes when someone is teaching you something, they’re not saying you’re not capable. They’re preparing you for the next level in your life.
Since I started out as an empty vessel (amnesia), I wish I had access to the education and resources that talent has access to today. I didn’t have a printer or a fax machine or a computer. I didn’t have a stable environment to cling to, but I did have the library at Georgia State University, which they happily let me use and the main library downtown Atlanta. I navigated book stores and I kept up with my connections in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Email: darknesstolightfilms@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.tahieramoniquebrown.com
Image Credits
Tahiera Monique Brown, CEO Darkness To Light Films 205-218-7678 tele I own the rights and permission to use the photos presented.
