On this episode, host Shirley Vernae Williams talks with twin powerhouses JaSheika and JaNeika James. These television writers and producers talk about how you should “never operate from the place of the level that you’re at.” They give a wealth of information as they talk about each step of rising through the ranks in a writer's room, writing on shows like 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Dexter' to being Supervising Producers on 'Empire' and Co-Executive Producers on HBO Max’s 'Gossip Girl'. They also share the process of how they construct the pitches for their various projects as well as their book "Living Double: How Identical Twins Unlocked the Door to Success in Hollywood". 

Episode Credits

Shirley Vernae Williams

Host/Showrunner

@ShirleyVernae

Tre Simms

Associate Producer

@drowningthoughtmedia

Deven Ladson

Editor

@Deven.Alan

Dankwa Brooks

Writer

@NotherBrother

Music Provided By

@iambrandonjhon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Shirley Vernae Williams talks with celebrated voiceover artist and storyteller, Joy Ofodu, who has drawn over 12M views to her original digital comedy content and countless more to inclusion-centered marketing campaigns globally. Joy talks about how she scaled up to over 200k followers across various social media platforms and the brilliant ways she uses social media to generate larger opportunities.

Episode 6 Credits

Shirley Vernae Williams

Host/Showrunner

@ShirleyVernae

Tre Simms

Associate Producer/Editor

@drowningthoughtmedia

Dankwa Brooks

Writer

@NotherBrother

Music Provided By

@iambrandonjhon

Podcast Notes: Since our interview with Joy she's gone on to do some very amazing things. If you'd like to follow along on her feel free to do so in the following places:

Links: https://joyofodu.komi.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Shirley Vernae Williams talks with branded Executive Producer Sherilyn Baptiste about how she deals with burnout, her strategy to move into a C-Suite position and the benefit of being freelance vs. having a staff job. Bonus: Sherilyn gives the inside scoop on industry rates in branded production.

Episode Credits

Shirley Vernae Williams

Host/Showrunner

@ShirleyVernae

Tre Simms

Associate Producer

@drowningthoughtmedia

Deven Ladson

Editor

@Deven.Alan

Dankwa Brooks

Writer

@NotherBrother

Music Provided By

@iambrandonjhon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Shirley Vernae Williams talks with Debbie Douglas, a Talent Acquisition professional with over 20 years in media & entertainment. Debbie, currently Director, Recruiting Talent Acquisition at Paramount, explains how her background in social work prepared her on how to identify good talent, why we should be careful about what we’re posting on social media and what employers in the industry are looking for.

Episode Credits

Shirley Vernae Williams

Host/Showrunner

@ShirleyVernae

Tre Simms

Associate Producer/Editor

@drowningthoughtmedia

Dankwa Brooks

Writer

@NotherBrother

Music Provided By

@iambrandonjhon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Shirley Vernae Williams talks with actor and producer Julito McCullum about how he got started in acting at a young age, the joys of working with Black directors like Spike Lee and Neema Barnette, and shares his advice to young actors on how to succeed and why artists should focus more on impact. Julito also discusses stepping into producing and his love for the Knicks.

Episode Credits

Shirley Vernae Williams

Host/Showrunner

@ShirleyVernae

Tre Simms

Associate Producer

@drowningthoughtmedia

Dankwa Brooks

Writer

@NotherBrother

Deven Ladson

Editor

@Deven.Alan

Music Provided By

@iambrandonjhon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Shirley Vernae Williams talks with award winning creative and business pair Kurt Williamson and Warren Oliver, of Holland West Productions. Their company specializes in commercials, branded campaigns, social awareness spots and a vast array of content. Kurt & Warren talk about their search for Black talent across the country, how they got started and the challenges of running a full service production company. 

Episode Credits

Shirley Vernae Williams

Host/Showrunner

@ShirleyVernae

Tre Simms

Associate Producer/Editor

@drowningthoughtmedia

Dankwa Brooks

Writer

@NotherBrother

Deven Ladson

Editor

@Deven.Alan

Music Provided By

@iambrandonjhon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Shirley Vernae Williams talks with Director of Post Production, Stina Hamlin. Stina started her career over 25 years ago and has worked in many positions in the industry.  She shares creative ways to start a career in post production, why cold calling still works and what motivated her to start focusing on supporting projects that amplify Indigenous voices, in front of and behind the camera.

Episode Credits

Shirley Vernae Williams

Host/Showrunner

@ShirleyVernae

Tre Simms

Associate Producer

@drowningthoughtmedia

Dankwa Brooks

Writer

@NotherBrother

Deven Ladson

Editor

@Deven.Alan

Music Provided By

@iambrandonjhon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Shirley Vernae Williams talks with Insecure executive producer, Amy Aniobi. Amy was previously showrunner, head writer and executive producer of HBO’s 2 Dope Queens and has set up two feature films at Universal and recently directed a short film 'Honeymoon'. In 2021 she launched her own production company "SuperSpecial" and produces a podcast that she co-hosts called Antidote. On this episode Amy talks about how she deals with the pressure of writing on an iconic show, what her self care routine looks like, her overall deal with HBO and addresses some industry myths.

Episode 5 Credits

Shirley Vernae Williams

Host/Showrunner

@ShirleyVernae

Tre Simms

Associate Producer

@drowningthoughtmedia

Dankwa Brooks

Writer

@NotherBrother

Deven Ladson

Editor

@Deven.Alan

Music Provided By

@iambrandonjhon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.