Rising Stars: Meet Imani Williams-Sparks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Williams-Sparks.

Hi Imani, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started at the age of seven when I realized that I love the world of arts. I actually had no idea that I wanted to be a filmmaker. I knew that I loved movies but I never wanted to be a director or writer. Being an actress was more of my speed. While I was figuring out what I loved most, I started doing magazines, commercials, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics before I started dancing. I trained at Price Performing Arts Center which led me to training with Alvin Ailey’s Summer Camp, ARTSCool Collegiate, and joining dance and performance organization in undergrad at Virginia State University. I was also given the opportunity to intern for Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s Summer Intensive back home in Atlanta as well. So being a filmmaker was not a part of the plan.

When I moved to Baltimore in 2018 for graduate school at University of Maryland Baltimore County, I also studied dance. I was happy there, but I was also losing the love I had for dance. I felt like I wanted to do something else. So, in the same year after going to the “I Used To Know H.E.R.” tour, I created my first short film. In this film I wanted to combine my passions for dance, music, and film. There was never a doubt in making this film, even though I knew nothing about casting and building a crew. I knew from internships and jobs with tv shows, commercials, and films what a working set should look like but that was it. I knew how to write a script from prior knowledge in undergrad, as well. The biggest conflict was that I didn’t have any money and I didn’t know anyone. I ending up texting my close friends, some family and used the app Tinder to get everyone I needed. That short film was called “Because of H.E.R.”, and not only was I given permission to use any song by H.E.R., but I wanted to make sure that I gave credit to the woman who inspired me to become a filmmaker so that’s why I gave it that title.

By 2019, I was able to send that project to New York Film Academy in LA which gave me the opportunity to be accepted into the Masters of Arts program for Film and Media Production. I was happy to finally be moving to LA, even though it wasn’t for dance like I planned. After I graduated from this program, I started my production company, it.SPARKS Media, during the COVID-19 pandemic. I wanted to help my friends and also begin building a company that could help others like me get work and build their reels for a career in the film industry. Now, I’m currently writing and also working on more of my own films.

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?
Life is never smooth, no matter who we are in this world. Mental health, finding my voice and losing people who were key elements in the world that was created for me produced some of the biggest struggles. The pandemic also took a really big toll on me. I was converted to online instruction for a hands-on school program, and the industry I worked so hard to get a foot in the door closed all its doors. I began doubting the decision of being a filmmaker because I honestly didn’t know what was going to happen. There were a lot of times where I just wanted to pack up and go back to Atlanta since I knew it would be easier but something told me to stay, along with my family, and just wait it out.

Losing my grandmothers in 2016 and 2019 also became a big roadblock. In 2016, I was a junior in college and to be honest, I didn’t know that when my nanny told me to go she was protecting me, and if I knew she had cancer, I wouldn’t have left. So, when she passed not only did I want to go back home, but I felt like if I had only just went to school in Georgia I could have been there for her more. It was knowing she wanted me to continue on with my education that prompted me to graduate before taking a year off to figure out who I was again. When my grandma passed in 2019, I was preparing to start my second semester of grad school. So, once again, I felt like my world had been shattered and I thought to myself, at least I was able to get more time with her, but it showed me that I was not living for me. I was living for everyone else and even though my heart was broken I knew that I had to find myself again and, in turn, it gave me a new look on the type of filmmaker I wanted to be. I wanted to make sure that I not only kept going but recognized that there would be plenty of “give up” moments that I wouldn’t allow to take me out of the game. Those challenges made me stronger. As time went on, I learned to walk by faith, move with integrity and know my power.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a freelance filmmaker and, as mentioned before, I started my production company in September of 2020 called it.SPARKS Media. I specialize in Directing and Screenwriting. My company, on the other hand, provides an array of film services including editors, writers, directors, videographers, and more.

I’m most proud of the fact that I listened to my heart and created my first short film (Because of H.E.R.) and people actually wanted to know more about that storyline. I was able to create a part two and audiovisual for that project before attending film school. My growth as a filmmaker after attending New York Film Academy’s accelerated Master’s program showed me that I could do this!

To me, the things that set me apart are the ability to be so relatable no matter the story being told and the way I incorporate music. While I was in school, I was most recognized for effortlessly blending music and dialogue together. You’ll find these skills throughout most of my films.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
If you’re anything like me and you know what drives your creativity I would say do those things. For me it’s music, so I would suggest apps like Apple Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud. As far as other content goes, I do like to watch podcasts that review films and tv shows on YouTube when I need inspiration. Last but not least, the internet!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://itsparksmedia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/it.sparks/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/itSPARKSmedia
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/itsparksmedia/