Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Anane.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m from Ghana and I was born and raised on the north side of Chicago, IL. Both of my parents are immigrants from Ghana. I originally wanted to be a gymnast like Dominique Dawes. Gymnastics is my favorite sport! When that dream didn’t happen and after watching talk shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Jenny Jones Show, Ricki Lake Show etc., I felt inspired to become a talk show host and run my own show. I love to talk so I believed that was my purpose. I also wanted to be a psychologist/therapist. I was a double major in college and graduated with a BA in psychology and mass communication (TV production). I ended up using both of my degrees. While being a producer I was also like a therapist for a lot of my guests on the various shows I produced. I knew that in order to be the best talk show host I needed to learn all aspects of the business from behind the scenes and work my way up to the top.
I started my career in television in 2000 as an intern at the Jenny Jones show in Chicago, IL. Then I became a PA until the series ended in May 2003. I went on to produce various shows that include, The Judge Mathis Court show, Judge Pirro Court Show, Steve Harvey Talk Show, Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court Show, OWN’S Where Are They Now, The Robert Irvine Show, Loveline with Amber Rose (MTV), MTV Awards, The Raw Word, BET Awards, Facebook Live with Lewis Howes, Face The Truth, The Doctors, Fox Soul, Love & Marriage Huntsville Season 2, Post Malone’s Celebrity World Pong League, The Carlos Watson Show, new project with Kingdom Reign Entertainment & OWN, Hey Buddy Media Corp & other various projects.
I worked my way up from the bottom to the top. From intern to Producer and now I’m the CEO/Owner of Anane Productions LLC. I created my production company in September 2021. I’ve always wanted my own production company to work for myself and build my own empire. I chose my last name Anane to be the name of my production company for Ghanian representation. There’s not a lot of Ghanian representation in the entertainment industry. Also, to honor my father Daniel who came to Chicago to build and provide a future for his family. He passed away when I was very young but I’m here because of him and I honor him. I got to where I am now because of my belief in myself, drive, hard work, dedication, trusting my intuition, and loving what I do!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road but I’ve had more great experiences than bad ones in my career. Some of the struggles were staying consistent with always having excellent shows. Dealing with guests that were too nervous or scared to travel and or do the show. Struggles with keeping a show on and not getting canceled. I’ve dealt with working in negative environments with negative co-workers. I had challenges hustling for the next gig. Also, I’ve had struggles within myself to continue to believe in myself and to keep going.
I overcame those struggles with positive thinking, having a positive attitude, and reminding myself I have a purpose to do what I do and I’m here for a reason.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Anane Productions LLC?
As I mentioned before, Anane productions LLC was created in September 2021. Anane Productions is here to create amazing & fun content that’ll empower and inspire you! Anane Productions provides services that include consulting and producing.
After 20 years in the industry, I’ve decided to share my passion with others. I want to infuse what I’ve learned to create a new style of producing. I also want to help others reach their full potential in TV production. My approach is to start with a consultation.
Consultation: Consultation on TV Production, how to get in the industry, networking, and obtaining connections.
Development Planning: Plan Pitches, build TV decks, build & develop shows and pitch show ideas.
Production Elements: I teach what best camera, sound and editing equipment to use that’ll make your production pop! I also show/teach how to set up social media accounts, a YouTube channel, and build a website.
Anane Productions can produce talk, court, reality, non-scripted, scripted, live, and online shows as a casting producer/booker, talent producer, audience producer, set dresser, field producer, production manager, and casting director. I love working with people!
What sets me apart from others is my personality and how I work really well with people. I’m dedicated, driven, a lot of fun and full of life! So far, I’m most proud of the knowledge, connections, and relationships I’ve gained throughout my career.
I’m currently offering all of the services I stated above.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My belief in myself, love of helping others, dedication, hard work and always staying positive is the most important to my success. My life is a blessing!
Contact Info:
- Email: sarah@ananeproductions.com
- Website: https://ananeproductions.com/
- Instagram: @ananesarah
- Twitter: @sarahanane35
Image Credits
Jenny Jones Show- PA Judge Pirro – PA Judge Mathis – Producer Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court Show – Producer OWN’S Where Are They Now – Associate Producer The Robert Irvine Show – Producer Loveline with Amber Rose – Associate Producer Video Music Awards – Associate Producer The Raw Word – Producer BET Awards – Associate Producer Facebook Live with Lewis Howes – Associate Producer Face The Truth – Producer The Doctors – Producer Fox Soul – Producer Love & Marriage Huntsville Season 2 – Talent Producer Post Malone’s Celebrity World Pong League – Producer The Carlos Watson Show – Field Producer Untitled Detroit Project – Casting Director Onyx Family Presentation – Casting Director/Production Manager
