Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Gray.
Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story honestly begins when I was about 8 or 9, watching MTV with my older sister Stacey. That’s where I saw Missy Elliot’s Get Your Freak On music video and I said, “I want to make that.”
The unique little map to how I got here…a little strategy, mixed with passion, and taking leaps of faith. It’s been an interesting journey, to say the least. I attended Hampton University (The real HU, if you know, you know!), where I was enrolled in their school of business as a five year MBA major. Around my junior year, I knew for a fact that I didn’t want to go into the traditional business world.
Honestly, I knew that before I attended Hampton. At Hampton, I just knew I wanted to go into business for myself, somehow, so I figured an MBA would be a dope start. Anyway, post-graduation, I obtained what seemed to be an ideal opportunity with one of the Big 4 accounting firms in NYC (my second love next to Chicago). It seemed ideal to the masses because it was a good-paying job with a top tier firm; I figured, I could use the job to move to NYC and network my way into a creative space and field I desired.
I hated my job, haha. I hated the work, the grey lifeless cubicles, unnecessary small talk, and fake smiles, how they treated people of color and how they treated me. So, a year and a half in (Summer 2016), I sat in my loft and made Venn Diagrams. I made a shit ton because I couldn’t put my finger on what exactly I wanted to do.
I knew for a fact that I loved music videos, commercials with a cinematic view, and coming up with and executing any form of stories/ideas. Editorial photography fell in there as well. At first, I thought I wanted to go into Marketing/Advertising, not realizing there was another side that didn’t include the agency. So with some mapping of my skills, passions, likes, and dislikes, I realized what I wanted to do was under the umbrella of the film industry. Mind you, the film industry is a big ass umbrella, so narrowing it down to what was right took some time.
So, on March 3, 2017, I quit my job and didn’t tell anyone besides my cousin, August, because I could no longer go to Coachella with her.
I didn’t comfortable telling anyone because even though I was happy and excited for myself, I knew a lot of people wouldn’t understand. Especially since I didn’t have a job and didn’t have a concrete plan.
Back then, I hadn’t seen anyone quit their job for passion…it’s more accepted to quit your job now than it was when I did it. I was the first of my friends, family, anyone I knew directly. Needless to say, I walked out that office and exit interview happy as hell; even though my team refused to speak to me. I didn’t care.
Now that I’ve quit, what’s next? Of course, I needed income, so I obtained a job as a waitress at a restaurant called Skinners Loft. Honestly, one of my most favorite jobs I’ve had. That’s another story though. Luckily, I’ve waitressed before in college, so transitioning into that world wasn’t difficult. I knew as a waitress, I could work flexible hours, make a decent amount of money and nurture my passion on the side.
Even though figuring out what to do next was tiring, I loved it because I discovered so much. I was having fun creating my blueprint. I did not know the film & media industry or what to do, so I turned to Google.
I Googled my ass off. I Googled some of my favorite music videos, commercials, films, etc., and found what awards were received and from there, who the directors were and production teams/houses that represented them. I called a million and five different production houses, asking them if they had opportunities that weren’t for college credit. I learned that was important to mention because some production houses take on interns only for University credit.
In addition to calling, I did the footwork. I found as many physical addresses to production houses as I could, woke up early, printed out resumes and personalized cover letters, and took trains all over NYC hoping someone would let me in.
After a good 5 or 6, I stopped by an office called GOODCOMPAY, rang the doorbell and they buzzed me up instantly … by accident, haha. I had to take an elevator up, which let me into their office. When I walked in, they assumed I was with a New Orleans client they were scheduled to meet. That’s why they let me in with no question. I handed them hard copies of my resume and cover letter and told them who I was and why I was there.
They were surprised because no one had ever just walked into their space before asking to assist on projects. They said they’d keep in touch. I called them every once in a while to follow up and stay at the forefront of their minds.
Some months go by, and I realize the money I saved to prepare for my corporate America departure was slowly dwindling. Since nothing was necessarily popping off in NYC, I decided to move back to Chicago, save and regroup for some time. Especially since Chicago’s film scene was growing, but not too massive. Therefore I figured I could learn and navigate simultaneously.
Around June 2017, I moved back to Chicago and hit the ground running there. After I moved, I ironically got an interview with GOODCOMPANY in New York; shortly after. I flew in to speak with one of their producers, but unfortunately, I didn’t get the internship.
While in Chicago, I interned with a West Loop production company while working at a coffee shop/delivery market on the side for income. Amid my research for opportunities, I found an organization called Free Spirit Media, a nonprofit organization that brings opportunity and education to aspiring filmmakers and creators. They have an annual Cohort Program to teach creators between the ages of 18-25, everything film and media. This program was amazing. I learned all the ins and outs of the filmmaking process, the business side, pitching, different roles of working on set, etc.
While completing the Cohort Program, I continued to make calls and send emails to production houses and directors. The majority of them were in LA, so whenever we’d speak, I would mention I was based in LA and Chicago. Anything to gain the right opportunity for my path.
One day, I noticed that GOODCOMPANY had opened an LA office, so I called and asked if they had any opportunities/internships. The operations manager held on to my resume and soon asked if I wanted to have a conversation with their producer.
Within a week or so, the producer and I had a conversation about their team, art, my interests, the evolution of film and media; everything. Towards the end of our conversation, she said, “I’ll get back to you soon on our decisions regarding the internship”.
For whatever reason, I didn’t know our conversation would be an interview. It was probably best so I wouldn’t overthink it. We spoke on a Friday, and I found out I got the opportunity on Monday. With little time, I had to move to LA in a matter of weeks. I moved Juneteenth (June 19th) 2018.
My opportunity with GOODCOMPANY was only set to last six months. Knowing that, you already know what I did; printed out more resumes and cover letters, and did my footwork. During my off day, I visited a select few of my favorite production companies. I’m very selective about who I would want to work with/learn from.
I visited PRETTYBIRD (PB), where I simply walked in ironically since the door was open due to a music video fitting, and handed them my resume and cover letter. Months later, I was contacted by PB for a job. Excited as hell, to say the least, seeing as though PB houses two of my favorite directors (Melina Matsoukas and Calmatic). I worked with PB for about a year, and now I am completely freelance.
Currently, I Direct, Photograph and sometimes Produce. Everything I do personally is self-taught and experimental. My Dad is an outstanding artist and museum exhibit developer and my Mom is an ill tastemaker. It’s no surprise that I have a unique eye and have moved into the field I’m in. It was only a matter of time. Now that I’m freelance, I have to solely rely on myself for my success, something that most people should realize. No matter who you work for or work with, you can only propel yourself forward.
This was the shortest version of my long story on how I got to where I am, but these points were necessary to share. My time here in LA has been a whirlwind. A stripping of everything I once knew, who I used to be and evolve into who I’m meant to become. I used to hate it here; HATE IT. But I knew I needed to stay. I’m glad I did, I’m loving it now.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not a smooth road at all, it’s been bumpy as hell. Potholes and all.
I like stability, and sometimes I feel the need to know what is going to happen next. With this journey, I’ve grown out of that. Yet, I love it all. Having the ability to create your blueprint, and do so with faith and confidence, is truly a blessing. It’s bittersweet, a double-edged sword if you will. But once you let go and allow yourself to enjoy the process, the beauty shines through and clarity on what moves you should make on your path develop.
Being a black woman was/is a struggle as well. I mean, I’ve been a black woman all my life and wouldn’t want to be anything else, so I understand what comes with that and have learned how to navigate it.
However, every space is different. Having to assert yourself and becoming comfortable with being yourself and beating the stereotypes over and over again can become draining. My friend/mentor Shari told me once you understand that being black is a superpower, and I exude that energy with assurance, I’ll be fine. So I try to remember that every day.
Oh yea, since I direct, and I’m still fresh on the scene, aligning myself with DP’s can be difficult for personal projects. It’s a process getting to know people but becomes easier with time. So, I do everything myself. Playing with my cameras and filming things on my own pushed the editorial photography side of me as well.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a Director and Photographer. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve successfully moved from corporate American with nothing to gaining all that I ever needed through art. I’m also proud that I’m sharing my process and what I do more since I’m still a baby in the game. I can be pretty secretive with what I’m doing until it’s come to fruition. I like to ensure my energy surrounding my projects is good before releasing it into the world. I’m working on sharing my work more this year.
However, I’m doing my best, and I make some cool shit.
There’s only one me, I’ve only had my experiences, I can only speak for me, and I think I’m pretty ill. Even at my beginning stages. I like weird and corky stuff and pushing the limits. I can draw inspiration from literally a crack in tile to how the bass in a speaker makes your body flutter to how Tinker Hatfield creates Jordan’s to Deanna Lawson’s exploration of black esthetics.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success changes as I evolve. Currently, it is being able to live in the present moment, and do so freely without self-judgment and create in that space simultaneously. Whether its creating art, experiences, new life, assets, etc.
For me to do that, I have to continue doing what I love and grow in that space, not comparing myself to others. This way, I believe I’ll have a life of purpose and joy. Joy is everlasting.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ess.geezy
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
