Meet Nakia Stephens of Damn Write Originals in Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakia Stephens.

Nakia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a storyteller for as long as I can remember, be it creating scenarios with my toys, playing the sims, remixing folktales, writing poetry, or crafting screenplays; I’ve always been fascinated with the art of storytelling. I wrote my very first book at eight years old, co-wrote/produced my first play at 15 and I went on to study tv and film production in the first public HBCU in GA, Savannah State University.

During my undergrad tenure, I studied writing in Shanghai, Beijing, and Ghana. After receiving my degree in 2013, I left Georgia to work and study screenwriting in Los Angeles, California. My travel and studies helped influence my love for storytelling so much that in 2014, I moved back to Atlanta and creating the Damn Write Originals screenwriting Label. While in Atlanta, I got a couple of filmmakers together and went on to film and debut my first feature film “Muse”, as the first project under my new company. “Muse” went on to sell out a theatre of 333 seats and ignited a fire in me that screamed for me to keep going, so… I did.

Since the launch of Damn Write Originals in 2014, I went on to write and produce over 20 of my screenplays to screen including my most notable projects: Suga Water, Cream x Coffee, Noise and Novella. I have always known that in order to stand out in this industry that I was going to have to make my own lane. So for me, Damn Write Originals was THAT lane. We have grown tremendously since our start. We’ve tweaked our business model throughout the years and we have learned to evolve with the times. Especially with the influx of social media and different streaming opportunities. We made sure to remain strategic and we’ve been paying attention to what works and what doesn’t and honestly just creating content our own way.

Through Innovation, Strategy, and Consistency, we have been making our stamp in the indie world and have been featured and recognized for our work by festivals and platforms such as BLAVITY, ABFF, Rolling Out Magazine, and Black Girls Rock! As founder and leader of the ship, I was also able to gain partnerships with major media outlets such as Revolt TV, Black&Sexy TV and most recently inked a development deal with Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s cable network, aspireTV.

It’s been blood, sweat, and tears trying to fight our way to the top but it’s been so rewarding to create meaningful art with the most talented people on the planet!

Has it been a smooth road?
There have been many struggles along the way, whether it be financial support for my projects, skepticism from ageist filmmakers, deciding how to brand yourself, or discerning which opportunities will lead you in the direction most aligned with your goals. Navigating this industry is tough because there is no roadmap to follow, you have to just trust your art, trust your instincts, and believe in yourself enough to create what best represents what you what to say to the world.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Damn Write Originals – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
DAMN WRITE ORIGINALS is a New Media Screenwriting label that coordinates production, branding, and marketing for our signed, in-house talent. Our writers are committed to Stories with unique and underserved perspectives that Elevate Women & people of color.

We are most known for our short film ‘Suga Water’ (starring Stranger Things actor, Priah Ferguson), our award-winning series Cream x Coffee, and our 2018 “Super Shorts” where we produced one short film a month which included fan favorites like Noise and Novella. Damn Write’s work has been featured and recognized by festivals and platforms such as BLAVITY, ABFF, Rolling Out Magazine, and Black Girls Rock! We have also garnered partnerships with major media outlets such as Revolt TV, Black&Sexy TV and most recently inked a development deal with Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s cable network, aspireTV.

What sets us apart is our work ethic, our strategy, our consistent commitment to telling authentic and culturally relevant stories.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I love about LA is that there is this “Dreamers Vibe” in the air that makes your dreams feel so accessible. I feel so close to achieving everything I’ve worked so hard for.

What I like least is the sense of exaggerated importance some people have about themselves it’s almost comedy. As soon as you meet people it becomes a “show”. Like “Hey I’m Nakia, I’m a screenwriter” and they’ll be like “Hey I’m James, My uncle is Tom Hanks’ toenail polisher and I have a matcha meeting with Gwyneth Paltrow’s accountant tomorrow at 2 pm.” *blank stare*

Luckily, I have cultivated a down to earth tribe of creatives that are genuine and hardworking. Also, I’ve met some true LA natives who are my absolute favorite people!

Pricing:

• 1 hr Script Consultation – $100

Contact Info:

• Website: www.damnwriteoriginals.com
• Email: nakiacstephens@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/screenwriteher_
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/screenwriteher_
• Other: https://www.imdb.me/nakiastephens

Image Credit:
Cat Harper, Jordan Bradley, Tre’ Hazelwood

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