Meet Shawnette Heard of Spittn Image Production Company in Studio City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawnette Heard.

Shawnette, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started as an inspiring dancer around 13 years old. My mom wanted to keep me busy and out of trouble, and she knew since I was a little girl, I had a “love” for the arts. She enrolled me into a free drama program led by Cephius Jackson, there I found a love with dance from my first dance teacher Ruth Ashton Blake, she really trained us and reminded us to ALWAYS “tell a story” with movement. Dancing in her company “All That Dance” for several years gave me a great foundation to go after my dream of being a professional dancer. From there, I auditioned for an agent and began auditioning for professional jobs. My big job came, when I book the “Janet Tour” (Janet Jackson) led by Tina Landon, I began my career with Janet for three tours. Janet, The Velvet Rope, and All For You! All For You was when I received and opportunity to co-direct the tour alongside Janet Jackson!

I was also one of the choreographers on that tour! That was an eye-opening experience, and it gave me the confidence to move into directing, After my tour stint, I got accepted to one of the best film schools (in my opinion) NY FILM ACADEMY. Once graduating from NY FILM, I started directing odd projects and learning the film making ropes. I received an incredible opportunity to direct my 1st film John Doe, which was written by Lucia Tarantino, and Executive Produced By Melissa Ciampa, Shanya Smith and Leticia Chavez the film ended up doing very well and receiving several awards including “The Best Film Shot in Los Angeles, from there, I was asked to become the Artistic Director for the award-winning production company Spittn Image. Founded by Melissa Ciampa, Today, I continue to direct projects/music videos, along with producing for talented directors. my second film “The Witching Hour” which was written by Lucia Tarantino, Executive Produced By Melissa Ciampa and Shawnette Heard won the Award of Merit.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road as been anything but smooth. I received several disappointments in the industry as well as in life. I hit a “gutch wrenching” reality check in my early thirties, Learning that I had to work on some emotional aspects of myself and put the “career” on hold. With that being one of the hardest things I had to do, it was the best thing that has happened to me. It has given me a solid foundation to have the opportunities that I have today… About four years ago, I lost my “biggest fan” which was my mom. That was one of the most painful times in my life. But I had an incredible support group to lean on. There have been many jobs that I have wanted and didn’t get!, I have been told to my face that I would never succeed in this “line of work”. I have been told to my face that I wasn’t talented enough. I am beyond grateful for all those adversities. It has made me endure and believe in myself. The hardwork and confidence in myself continues to pay off. I am always open to learning and evolving. I stay open to the “healthy” lessons that come, and I love the healthy competition of the “game”. It keeps it interesting!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Spittn Image Production Company – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am the proud Creative Director/Director of Spittn Image. To co-head, this company is such an honor. Spittn Image is a full-service production company that was founded over a decade ago, by Melissa Ciampa. Melissa has created an incredible home for “creatives’ to build and grow in a safe space. Spittn Image was built literally from the ground up. We started in an extra room in an apt. To now having a quaint office space in Studio City. I am excited to say we are still growing at an incredible rate. We have added a few cutting edge directors to our roster. Our clients are truly special. What sets us apart from our competition is that we create a “home” like environment on our shoots, we are incredibly professional and down to earth. No matter the size of the project, it all matters. Thats what our company slogan is based on “creating what matters”. Our work can be seen all around the globe, as we are apart of creating “integrated campaigns” for high-end network. We have produced award-winning films! We continue to build and grow a company that we are extremely proud of!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I am a true Cali girl. I was raised here from the age of three years old, this is my home. I will always love Cali. and I am proud to raise my son here. But it definitely ways on my heart to see the homelessness throughout our city, I see it growing and getting worse. I am hoping there is a place for the homeless to help them, if they want. I know with the COVID Pandemic, it is a hard battle. But I do believe there is a solution, although not easy I feel it’s possible. Personally and professionally, we do all we can to advocate to help the less fortunate and help the homeless situation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.spittnimage.com
• Email: info@spittnimage.com
• Instagram: @spittnimage
• Facebook: @spittnimage

 
Image Credit:
Shawnette Heard and Melissa Ciampa headshots shot by: Mimee Photography

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