Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Ogunjimi.
Hi Jasmine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Yes! I’m a Nigerian American Screenwriter and Filmmaker from Chicago. Before journeying into the film industry, most people knew me as an athlete, for basketball and dance. I went on to do both throughout high school, college, and then professionally in various countries overseas.
Right before my college graduation, I was introduced to a professor that really resonated with my writing style and encouraged me to pursue Hollywood for a career. I still went on to play basketball, but the seed was definitely planted in that moment, and it came back full circle when I decided to switch careers a couple of years later. So in 2019, with the new goal of becoming a TV Writer, I made the transition from athletics to Film, and moved across the country to Los Angeles. Along the way, I’ve been blessed enough to experience learning from, and working with creatives at companies like HBO, Showtime, Netflix and many others.
In terms of writing, I’ve recently completed the 2021 cycle of the ‘TRIBE’ Writer’s program with HBO’s Amy Aniobi, and was more recently selected as a Fellow in the 2022 Circle of Confusion Writer’s Discovery Fellowship. With guidance of mentors and programs like these, I was able to successfully write, and star in my most recent film, BERMUDA which is currently traveling the 2022 festival circuit.
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?
There have been some smooth stretches, but most of the journey has been windy. Breaking into an industry in which you have no prior background or general education in is never an easy feat. Some of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered along the way include building community and landing jobs that would ultimately position me closer to the larger goal. Unfortunately, most big industries require previous experience before hiring employees, even at the entry-level stage. Early on, and even now, my biggest frustration is simply having someone take a chance on me. I always find it hilarious that companies desire candidates with years of experience, while simultaneously denying people the chance to receive any. In the grand scheme though, I’m glad I’ve experienced things like this because it only motivates me to open the floodgates wide open for those coming in behind me!
Stepping out of my comfort zone to attend networking mixers and signing up for things like webinars and creative workshops absolutely helped ease the challenge of community building along the way. I hope this serves as a PSA for my fellow introverts. I can truly say that I have an amazing TRIBE of friends and colleagues that feel like family, supporting me both creatively and personally every single day!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Absolutely. As I continue to hone my creative voice every day, I think I’m finally finding my groove as a creative multi-hyphenate. Although my current specialization is Screenwriting and Filmmaking, I also enjoy acting, directing, and novel writing! Sometimes when you have various talents and interests, the industry tries to fit you into a neat and tidy box. But as I’m still making a name for myself, I figured introducing myself to the film world in a way that shows a handful of my talents in the form of one project would be the best way to make a good first impression. Some of these skills are displayed in my most recent film ‘BERMUDA’ (2022,) in which I wrote, pitched and starred in.
The film follows the hilarious and heartfelt journey of Tomi Adebiyi, deciding to embrace her womanhood and her sexuality, finding freedom amidst her Nigerian culture on her 25th birthday. A part of what I believe sets me apart is wrapped up in the nuances of this project. Things I feel are missing from mainstream media is the authentic display of African culture, as well as the discussion of sexuality and faith, and how they all intersect. Using BERMUDA as a start, I hope to blaze the trail for more projects like this from myself and fellow creators!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Oh for sure! Filmmaking is such a collaborative sport, and there’s no way I could accomplish anything without the help of others. A very special shoutout to Karen Hall, the college professor that encouraged me to transition into film in the first place. Gregory Collins is also a name I’ll never forget. Someone who at the time was the Director at Independent Filmmakers Project Chicago – was the first person to take a chance on me and give me an internship. My first ever industry job.
Since moving to LA, industry heavy hitters like Jessie B. Evans of the company ‘Hollywood Here.’ Jessie helped bridge a major gap between other filmmakers like myself and industry Executives, by spearheading the ‘#RaiseThePercentage,’ program to illuminate emerging Black writers in Hollywood. That’s how I met my current mentors Kory Lunsford – who was a VP at Disney at the time, and Amy Aniobi, Executive at HBO – not to mention a Writer and Executive Producer of one of my FAVORITE shows to date, ‘Insecure!’
After being selected to participate in Amy’s inaugural Writer’s program ‘TRIBE,’ I not only tightened my skillset as a writer, but found my industry family along the way. I’d also like to thank the cast and crew for my film ‘BERMUDA’ as they are such an integral part of the film’s success thus far. Lastly, of course, I’m forever indebted to my family. My mom’s endless sacrifices and the tireless support of my equally as talented siblings. I love y’all!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jasmineogunjimi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizz_jazz/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_allthatjaz_
