Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Gates.
Hi Sydney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began singing when I was three years old, but my love for storytelling and film didn’t develop until middle school. I grew up in church choirs and doing pageants and talent shows. I was a chorus student for the majority of my school career which helped grow and mold my voice. I used to write books on this app, Wattpad, back in middle school with my classmates, but my love for the film industry stemmed from growing up watching Tyler Perry movies and TV shows. This drove my passion for scripts. I graduated from the Los Angeles Film School with a bachelor’s degree in Screenwriting in March 2023. While in college, I worked in the background for TV and film productions. I even got to work as a Reader at my dream company, Tyler Perry Studios in August 2022.
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?
Wanting to be in the entertainment industry is never an easy job. It’s even harder for me as a young female, black woman trying to navigate the music industry, the film industry, and the fashion industry. I’ve dealt with promoters, other artists, photographers, as well as film execs trying to obtain “favors” in exchange for connections and growth in the industry. I have also struggled with image issues. For some people, I don’t look how they think I should look. I don’t sound how they think I should sound. For a long time, I fought to prove that I’m good enough and worthy to be in this position. I’m still fighting.
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?
I’m a filmmaker, a content creator, a singer/songwriter, and an aspiring model. I’m most proud of my film career. I have shopped and sold four scripts within the past year. I’ve also had the opportunity to work under Tyler Perry and meet celebrities I could have only dreamed of being around. I’m also proud of how much my music has changed and grown over time. I’m not the same sad teenager that could only write depression music. What sets me apart is my drive and my ambition. I work overtime all the time to have the careers that I used to pray for and manifest.
What does success mean to you?
I define my success by getting up more times than I’ve been knocked down. I define my success by constantly striving to grow and improve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/theaisylaarriet
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisylaarriet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aisylaarriet/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-gates-76b295154/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRKh1RuWvra8meDSzxb0qVA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/aisylaarriet
