Today we’d like to introduce you to Latisha Fortune.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey began 16 years ago when I was laid off from my corporate job. Surprisingly, I felt a sense of relief because although I had risen to a mid-level management position, I knew the corporate world was not for me. My mother was a writer and was transitioning from editorial to script writing. She asked me for help writing for a younger audience. Little did I know, through this process, I would find my purpose. A fire was lit inside of me and I realized I had an untapped creative force inside. After being laid off, I took my severance and went back to school. I began taking classes to learn about writing, producing and filmmaking.
Shortly thereafter, I had an opportunity to intern on a feature film in Atlanta, GA. Living in the NY/NJ area for most of my life, I knew no one in Georgia that I could stay with. After asking around, friends, aunt’s ex-roommate from college opened up her home to me for six weeks for no charge. Ms. Kathy’s generosity gave me an opportunity to realize my dream. As I interned on the set of Madea’s Family Reunion, everything fell into perspective for me. This is what I was born to do! Over the next few years, I became an assistant to a producer. I was a sponge… learning everything I could. Because of my corporate background, move up I was also able to move up quickly to executive assistant, office manager, etc., etc. That’s when I realized that I wanted to be in the throes of physical production. As I transitioned through the production office, PA, secretary, Assistant Production Office Coordinator, I also realized that I wanted to produce my own content. I began producing short-form content for friends and then eventually my own. In that process, I won several film festivals.
Currently, I work in product management as well as my production company Great Fortune Films has several projects in various stages of development.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Pursuing my dreams as a filmmaker and producer have been extremely rocky. Over the years, I have learned to develop thick skin. Learning how to accept no responses, “No’s”, “Yes’s” with no follow-ups, and projects that seem like they are going just to fizzle away have taught me to ride the wave and be even keel in the midst of emotional ups and downs.
Additionally, as a struggling artist, you are constantly trying to make sure you have money to eat and pay your rent. So, in the pursuit of your dreams, you’re also trying to survive. Once I found my passion, there was nothing else I’d rather do.
Please tell us about Great Fortune Films Inc.
My company, Great Fortune Films is a boutique production company designed to develop projects that inspire, entertain and affect change in individuals.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wish I knew that this is what I wanted to do right after school, I would have gotten into the industry much earlier.
Contact Info:
- Website: greatfortunefilms.com
- Phone: 201-450-1050
- Email: latisha.fortune@gmail.com
- Instagram: latishafortune, greatfortunefilms
- Facebook: Latisha Fortune
- Twitter: latishafortune
- Other: latishafortune.com
Image Credit:
Donna Pernell, Andrew Clifton Thomas
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