How would you describe what you do?
I’m a London-based creative with a keen interest in lifting the voices of those from underrepresented groups in society. I think of stories that I would like to tell, write them and then work with a team to bring them to life visually through film.

What are the main influences and inspirations behind your work?
My introduction to filmmaking came from watching Ava DuVernay’s documentary, 13th. Witnessing how dedicated she was in addressing the injustices faced by incarcerated Black people, as well as seeing the topic being amplified through cinema, prompted me to explore how artists could utilise their work to express the voices of those from underrepresented groups in society.

Would you say you need any specific training for what you do?
I didn’t go to film school, but I studied English and Drama at university – and I didn’t know it at the time, but these two subjects would help me tremendously with what I do now. I loved my English assignments at university (love is a stretch actually… I didn’t mind them). Writing essays taught me the importance of having a beginning, middle and a conclusion in my work, which I use all the time now when thinking of stories, no matter the length of the piece.

Also, my background in theatre and drama helped me transition more easily into directing. As I had studied acting, I found it easier to communicate myself to actors when I became a director because I understood how vulnerable and exposing it could be.

What’s been your favourite project to work on from the past year, and why?
My theatre play, Galentine’s Day, was one of my favourites – it was selected for Theatre Deli’s Shift + Space programme and delivered to a sold-out audience across two nights.

I also loved working on my short film trailer for The M&M’S Short Film Festival – which is still open for public voting! It’s a competition to help emerging filmmakers and the winning trailer will receive funding to turn into a short film. Every vote counts, so check out my submission, Funke, Fatima and Madame Bunmi and give it a vote here!

These have been my favourite projects, not necessarily because of the work itself, but because of the amazing people I got to work with. It’s incredible to have met so many wonderful people through things that I wrote alone in my bedroom.

What was your journey like when you were first starting out?
I honestly don’t even have the words to describe it. I just remember there being tears, weekly – and self-doubt has definitely been my biggest challenge along the way. I think that’s something we all struggle with at some point in our lives, but it’s important to have courage and pursue opportunities anyway.

How did you land your first few jobs, clients, or commissions?
As an introverted child that wanted nice things, I would enter competitions every day to win big prizes. Back then, the most exciting thing I won was an exclusive preview of an unreleased Hannah Montana episode at my local Disney store. So, when I started to have an interest in filmmaking, I figured the same technique would work - and it did! I would search ‘film funding opportunities’ and apply to each one I saw that interested me.

What are three things that you’ve found useful to your work or career, and why?
Having mentors, whether formal or informal, has helped tremendously. A good mentor will believe in your vision just as much as you do – if not more – and push to get your foot in the door in situations where you’re unable to go at it alone.

Practise, practise, practise - I know I want to be great at what I do, and to get there, I need to learn from others and put what I learn into practice. That’s why I regularly take theatre and film courses, go to creative events and screenings, read screenplays and write when I can.

And lastly but most importantly to me - prayer!

How important are social media and self-promotion to your work?
I recently did a Young Producers course at the National Theatre and they drilled the importance of self-promotion into our heads. They said, “how are people supposed to know what you do if you don’t tell them?” This is still something I need to get better at, especially in this digital age.

Have there been any courses, programmes, initiatives or access schemes you’ve found helpful or would recommend to get into your sector?
Some helpful initiatives include the National Theatre’s Young People’s Programme, Film London’s Equal Access Network, the Sara Putt Associates Trainee Scheme and BBC Writers Room. The Kusp and Creative Mentor Network are also great places to find community and mentorship.

What have been your greatest learnings with making money and supporting yourself as a creative?
Savings! I previously worked full-time, which allowed me to save up before taking the leap into going freelance.

What’s the best career-related advice you’ve ever received?
Be the change you want to see.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into a similar role?
Use that voice inside you to create that story you’re passionate to tell. If possible, find time to get your friends and the people that believe in you together, and focus on getting that work made. Use it as your calling card for future projects.