Life & Work with Aleia Kristene

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleia Kristene.

Hi Aleia, 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?
At the young age of nine years old, I found that I had a keen interest in screenwriting. This was also when I taught myself to write my very first screenplay. Even prior to this, I was the child that always wanted to make sure others were smiling, always recited the lines to my favorite films, loved the art of storytelling, and obsessed over digging deeper into the process of filmmaking.

My mom knew very early that I was different. Growing up, I put in my mind that my love for films and screenwriting was simply a hobby, and I never thought that it could be something that I would pursue full time. I then set out to look into other career paths that were more “realistic”… like something in the medical field. During my sophomore year of college, I lost a 4th family member to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). This loss took a toll on me in a different way in which I really had to step back and reevaluate my “why” and why exactly this was happening to my family. Shortly after, I came to the idea of writing my families story into a screenplay. It was then that I felt the adrenaline that I once felt as a kid when I first began writing. The pain truly brought me back to my purpose. From that point on, I set in my mind that I would seriously pursue my career in the film industry and since then I haven’t looked back. Two years later, I graduated from Florida A&M University (Spring 2017).

Shortly after, I moved to Atlanta to get my foot in the industry. My first job on set behind the scenes of a film was for Netflix’s ‘THE TRAP’ with Mike Epps and T.I. as a director assistant. It was one of the best experiences I have had. That experience set me up to be able to work on lots of shows and films as a Production Assistant. In the meantime, I continued to hone my craft, stacking up more scripts, and I even wrote, directed, and co-starred in a short film. After spending two years in Atlanta, I finally made the big move across the country to Los Angeles. I felt that this would be the best move for me as a writer and I felt that I was prepared. Since relocating, I have had a script in development at a major film company, and I recently signed with a literary manager at the reputable Bellevue Productions. Through my continued close relationship with Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit, I was blessed to have her Bodyguard contribute with writing the foreword to my debut novel, ‘LOSS & FOUND’.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of chasing your dreams is never a completely smooth road. It takes some losses to have gains. I have had to make sacrifices with choosing happiness over money. Because I am so strong-minded and focused on my goal, I’ve been very adamant about leaving a job if I feel like I am neglecting my dream too much. Not everyone can do that or has the self-discipline to do so. And I am not saying that everyone should. It’s extremely difficult. I’ve been looked at crazy. I’ve been told I was crazy. I’ve been doubted numerous times. But I am still standing. I am closer to my dreams every single day. You have to be okay with hearing “No” along the way or you will sink.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a screenwriter, author, director, and actress. I specialize specifically in creative writing and storytelling. I am known for my short film ‘72 HOURS’. I am also known for being seen in tons of shows and films as a background actor including Star (Fox), Night School, and The Hate U Give. I am most proud of my debut novel, ‘LOSS & FOUND’. This book was an idea that came to me during the pandemic and I executed it immediately. In this book, I discuss how my losses in life, the pain, and the heartbreak ultimately led me to finding my purpose in life and discovering my true self. I was extremely vulnerable in this autobiography of mine and made a point of being transparent as possible to authentically tell my story. I’ve received such great feedback since releasing my book from strangers to news reporters. I know that this book is on its way to helping millions of others. What sets me apart from the pack is my resilience. I’m extremely hungry for what I want. I know the vision that God has shown me for my life and I won’t stop until it’s in front of me.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years, I WILL be a household name in the film industry as a screenwriter, director, and actress. I will be a best-selling author with a few more books under my belt. I will be the founder of several summer camps and after-school programs for children with emphasis on the arts. I will have a film company that has all-female film crews. I will be making a difference and changing the lives of many.

Pricing:

• Loss & Found (Paperback) $19.95

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.aleiakristene.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleiakristene/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akaa12
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/aleiakristene
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDJ8aF7zFb3GGTKNOe3sdA