Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaire Davis.
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?
I had grown up in the Central Valley of California and was already used to being the only black girl in the room. I attended the University of Nevada, Reno for two years and due to the lack of support and resources for minority students, ended up transferring to an HBCU on the east coast, Delaware State University, where I finished my BA there. I studied Mass Communications and Theatre, fulfilled various internships and stayed busy with extracurricular activities.
After school, I moved back in with my parents and for nine months of the chaotic year of 2020, I served tables at an uppity country club. Though I struggled with imposter syndrome and was bored with lack of friends since most had moved from the area, I was motivated. I auditioned and applied to various film and performing arts programs and finally in September, I had made my goal of $10,000 from waiting tables and Door Dashing. My dad graciously partnered with me on the 38-hour drive to Georgia where I could start graduate school and a new chapter in Atlanta at Savannah College of Art & Design.
Monday through Thursday mornings were for film classes. The nights were for acting classes. The weekends were for working at Target. It was a brutal schedule but I made it work. I had only had two years to take advantage of the free equipment I had at school. The tools I was learning in my classes taught me how to make quality films with little to no means.
I landed an internship with Disney Television Animation while I finished my M.A. and it ended up being a ticket to many opportunities. What was supposed to be a three-month gig extended to a year and when my internship concluded, I landed a job as an Associate Writer on the Proud Family: Louder & Prouder and have been working professionally in the writer’s room with brilliant creatives ever since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Once on a film set, I was in a circle with four other crew members and every time I tried to speak, I was ignored. No one was interested in my opinions. In Atlanta, skin color was not a setback, but being a woman and being younger in a male-dominated industry was. Instances like this, encouraged me to make projects where I could be a decision maker.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Davis Flicks is my baby. Most nights and weekends, I adapt film projects with like-minded, talented folks to raise money, scout locations, seek crew members, and cast local actors to tell intentional stories. Pinky Promise (Dir. Omar Derby, 2021) was shown domestically and internationally and also had a television debut via Aspire TV. Lost Time (2022) will make its debut in Los Angeles this spring. Every project that I do, I act in as well. This not only keeps my acting juices going but has been a vital way to promote myself and has scored me theatrical agents and representation.
Our upcoming project will be shot in Atlanta this spring and is being produced by the ever-so talented Brian Reddy and highly-effective Amina Galiyeva. Tré Hazelwood is our skillful Cinematographer and has provided his talents to all things behind the camera. Production Design is being operated by the incomparable, artistic Claire Brady. Our new addition to the production team is the artistic Isaiah Cane, who has provided fresh insight and ideas to the mix. Pre-production was spearheaded by Hailee Williams. Brown Babies will not only be created to entertain, but also to shed a light on high black maternal mortality rates. We are doing a film fundraiser and are still seeking sponsors so for any interested, hit us up at @brownbabiesfilm and @davisflicks on Instagram.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
A favorite childhood memory was when my parents drove my brother and I to Las Vegas to see The Lion King. Not only was the show spectacular, but the music was enchanting and the performances were charismatic. I’ve had other opportunities to see my now-favorite musical on other stages since then, but I will always remember that starstruck feeling I had the first time I heard Circle of Life live. Moments like this one make me grateful to my parents for providing me with opportunities and memories where I could grow up appreciating the arts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davisflicksproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davisflicks/?r=nametag
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaire-davis-9a13b8151/
- Other: @brownbabiesfilm
Image Credits
Naijah Ashbaugh Ron Desuan Domia Edwards Tré Hazelwood
