Today we’d like to introduce you to Tahiera Monique Brown.
Hi Tahiera Monique, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started working in film in 1988 in Atlanta. I was an extra in a film when a casting director saw me. She told me to get in touch with her. Her name was Dee Voigt. Dee began to teach me how to search for untapped talent… At that time, several projects were in the works.
My journey in the industry was not an easy one. But Dee was relentless in pushing me forward. She talked honestly about the ins and out of the challenges I would face. I must tell you. I lived to see the truth of her wisdom. Today, I am living in Birmingham, Alabama, but I am doing a documentary where I will be using talent and locations in Atlanta and other cities in Georgia.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I can definitely tell you that it has not been a smooth road, as filmmaking is like a competitive sport. You have to have thick skin. You must focus on a goal. Sometimes, you might have to sit on the sidelines to figure out your next strategy. One thing I can tell you about this business. It’s the strong that survives. Although it’s stressful, it’s also exhilarating.
I came into the business after enduring a terrible time in my life. I learned to see life as worth moving forward in the creative atmosphere of film sets. Casting calls were fascinating to me. Dee would have me running around passing out sides and putting up signs to direct the huge number of talented individuals hoping to get a few roles. Some days I left home on an empty stomach because there was no food at home. I might have dressed in the dark because my lights were off and I had no phone. The struggle was real. I was a survivor of horrific abuse, and when I got out of the hospital, Dee was waiting for me with arms wide open.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Everything I am is of the arts. I love to write. Although I love film, most of my writing has been for books. My company for printing and distributing my works is “Tavine’ra Publishing”. I wanted to help others tell their stories on my talk show, which is produced by my film company “Darkness To Light Films”. Along with Bruce Nix, of Undercover Entertainment, we are in production of a documentary. I travel as a writer and a speaker. Most of my engagements has been in colleges, churches, schools, the Air Force and domestic violence awareness organizations.
I am a bit unique because of the road I traveled to be in the business. It was the belief of a casting agent who thought I was worth waiting for, helped me to realize my life had a purpose. I came into this business after being in a coma. I had amnesia, but Dee told me to learn with her. Which I did. That made me a bit unusual. I learned to be the person I am today through Dee Voigt’s tireless battle to train me. I am proud of the fact that, in Dee’s last days we were working on seeing each other again. We talked like sisters. But, within a few months, she passed away. It’s a great feeling to have that final incredible talk with your teacher and mentor.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Over the years, I stepped out on faith to fulfill my dreams. But as the caregiver of a special needs individual, many times I would have to walk away and watch someone else succeed. I would pass the torch to someone I felt deserving of the opportunity. It was hurtful to sit back and not get credit for my ideas. Years ago I started to develop a movie and once again, when my special needs loved one got very ill, I had to put my dream on hold. She passed away in 2019. On the day she went into hospice, my crew, under the direction of Director Bruce Nix filmed scenes for the trailer. I had faith that he would do a great job.
I’m living one of my greatest risks today, as I am on a long sabbatical to focus on a documentary that has been in the works for several years and I am working with Director Bruce Nix to fulfill my vision. Actually, we’ve worked long enough together on this project until I call it our vision. I cut my schedule down to focus on this more than anything else. I do have several new books written and I’m being asked to speak, but this documentary is my life right now. It’s one of my greatest risks. I have several speaking engagements to finish out this month, but they’re close to home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tahieramoniquebrown.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darknesstolightfilms/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Annihilatorofinnocence/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tahierabrown/status/630149713187074048
- Other: BOOKS: https://tahieramoniquebrown.com/shop/
