Hidden Gems: Meet Jamila Webb of First Fifteen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamila Webb.

Hi Jamila, 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?
Of course! So, I had been living in Los Angeles for a little over six years… While I hadreadings, we were blessed to collaborate with Kimberly Hébert of Black Rebirth Collective with a theater location to host our events and open up the availability to more in the community. Finally, the spirit of community that this collaboration intended had come to fruition.

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?
Before the pandemic, we met in person. Until we collaborated with Black Rebirth Collective, finding a location was always a challenge. Also initially, everyone gave the writers feedback. At times, it was overwhelming for the writers to receive feedback from so many people.

Even though we have streamlined the feedback process and mostly hold virtual readings, we still need funding to increase the First Fifteen team.

As we grow, so does the workload and we’re looking to get more sponsorships so we can help the First Fifteen community even more.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
First Fifteen is a creatively daring vehicle for BIPOC writers and actors to tell BIPOC stories, support BIPOC artists, and create a socially safe space for artists to grow through culturally relevant, industry-specific feedback. Often, BIPOC actors and writers’ career trajectory is based on chance and networking. First Fifteen stepped in to fill that gap and create opportunities for BIPOC writers and actors. We joined forces with the incredibly talented Kemiyondo Coutinho (P-Valley) and guest writers from hit shows like Insecure, The Walking Dead, The Equalizer, The Americans, Ramy, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Power Book IV: Force, The Goldbergs, as well as producers and directors from Max, Netflix, MTV, Starz, Hulu—key decision makers who know the processes and insider tricks of the trade because they are in the industry. These key players provide valuable feedback on how to rewrite a script.

What does success mean to you?

Success is seeing our writers’ confidence soar. Seeing their scripts get tighter, clearer, funnier, and ultimately – made! Success is seeing our writers make connections with industry-working writers and seeing them produce their short films with First Fifteen actors.

Pricing:

• $15 to submit your first 15 pages

Contact Info:

• Website: https://firstfifteenla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstfifteenla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/509725596543812/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FirstfifteenLa

Image Credits
Rei Lorin (first image) and Joan Fuller (next 5 photos)