Today we’d like to introduce you to Jermaine Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
This particular part of my journey started out as a Playwright. I wrote a stage play based on forgiveness as it was an area that I struggled with to forgive my Mother for years of substance abuse. The stage play “A Piece of Me” ran for 50 shows. In 50 shows, close to 100 individuals turned over a new spiritual leaf as mainly 75% of the shows were performed in & sponsored by churches. “A Piece of Me” stage play placed me and my Mother in a position to be filmed documentary style by TBN’s “The 700 Club” for a 7-minute feature. The play then transformed into a novel and then a feature film starring Devale Ellis of now Tyler Perry’s “Sistas & Zatima” sitcoms.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The main obstacle can be funding for indie filmmakers such as myself. I generally have to write towards the budget I set, produce with the limitations and cast appropriate. I’m a firm believer that the funds will come. The potential investors & producers are watching. The main objective remains; “If you stay ready, then you don’t have to get ready!!”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Writer, Producer, Director & Cinematographer. I work to separate myself by writing & producing projects that hit close to home. Projects that speak on Special Needs and the relationships of those affected who love with them guide them like the educators, caretakers, and the parents & grandparents of these children and adults. Films that speak to the conditions of women living & dealing with Fibroids and PCOS.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has played no part, good or bad. I work to stay prepared for the opportunities when they present themselves. I use it all as learning and growing experiences for the now and the next.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebrandytv.com
- Instagram: @the_brand_tv
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/everydaythebrandinc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCThCFAWHrWsb8lJt2VEk8Qg
Image Credits
Headshot by Tyquane Bates for Photos By Kai
