Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadija Roane.
Hi Khadija, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always wanted to tell stories. As a little girl, I had a typewriter and I would write short stories and other nonsense. Growing up in Richmond, Virginia I had no knowledge of the film industry other than actresses I would see in movies. So that was my dream. I went to a performing arts high school and studied musical theatre and then went on to Howard University where I studied musical theatre as well. I had big dreams of being on Broadway, but in my senior year, something shifted.
I devised a one-woman show and knew that I wanted to do something more than just be on stage. So I shifted my plans from moving to New York after graduation and made my way to sunny Los Angeles. At this time though, I still did not know what I wanted to do. After a few minor roles and many failed auditions, I took what I call a “creative sabbatical.” During this time, I sat with myself and really considered what my interests are. What was I drawn to?Subsequently, I found myself helping a lot of friends with film projects. After reading the book “So You Want to Be A Producer” by Lawrence Truman, I had the bright idea to apply to grad school to study Film and Television Producing.
In grad school, I was really able to hone my skills as a creative and discover my voice. I learned so much. And the overachiever beaver that I am took classes in screenwriting and directing classes as well. I interned at cool companies like MACRO, Roy Lee’s Vertigo, Gamechanger with Effie Brown, and worked with Amy Lipman. It was all a great experience that taught me so much about the industry. And I did it all with a baby on my hip. Being a mother and trying to break into the industry is not for the faint of heart! But to all the parents out there, know that it can be done. You got this! Upon graduating from UCLA’s MFA Program in June of 2021, I had originally thought I wanted to be an agent. I went on to work at WME as a floating assistant before landing a desk in the Scripted TV department. But after some time, I knew my heart wasn’t in it. After just shy of a year, I had my boss’s blessing to leave and pursue my dreams.
Now, I’m working as an independent filmmaker. Of course, I have a day job – it’s LA. But I spend my nights and weekends pouring into myself and getting out my dreams. In the summer of 2022, I wrote and directed my first short and am planning a screening in the coming months. My short film script BELLA NOVA was a Finalist in the Pittsburg Shorts Screenwriting Competition and a Quarterfinalist in the Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay Competition. I’m planning to go into production in Winter 2023! I’ve produced several short films that are in various stages of post-production and I’m also a script consultant at the first Black-owned script consultancy firm, The Professional Pen. I’ve also recently started dabbling in photography.
It’s been a winding road, but I’m here. Always listen to your gut – or rather your future self. They are leading you here.
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?
It hasn’t been easy for me at all. Being so far from my family has been challenging, especially being away from my mom. Being in transplant LA will swallow you up whole if you don’t know who you are. I have been here for 7 years and didn’t feel settled until about a year ago. I’ve experienced homelessness, having absolutely no money, and more. But it was my dream of knowing I had stories inside of me that must be told that kept me going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a director, I am interested in narrative form. I am interested in exploring the darker side of human nature. What makes people tick and why? Through the lens, this is expressed by playing with shadows, lines, and angles. I also shoot in different mediums, including documentaries, interviews, and music videos.
As a screenwriter, I write female-driven narratives that center around deeply flawed characters in a stylized world that have high highs and low lows. My work explores topics such as Black girl/womanhood, sexuality, and the liberation of women’s bodies.
As a Creative Producer, I strive to take a director’s vision from idea to screen. I am hands-on with all aspects of production and ensure that the vision is being executed both creatively and practically. I have experience with crowdfunding as well as working with a variety of budgets and formats.
Although I wear many hats, it’s all centered around telling authentic, thought-provoking stories. I am most proud of my ability to tap into that place that no one wants to go to and find the beauty in it. What sets me apart from others is my sheer resilience and my motto to not just talk about it, but to be about it.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Shameless plug, but if you are an aspiring screenwriter then definitely check out my blog! www.
If you are an aspiring producer then definitely check out “So You Want to Be a Producer” by Lawrence Truman.
And if you want to be a filmmaker of any sort you should be reading screenplays! The Internet is a free resource and most produced screenplays can be found online.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.workwithkhadija.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kj.roane
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khadijaroane/
- Twitter: twitter.com/khadijaroane
Image Credits
REACH. Director: Shelby Virginia DoP: Raquel Hagman Producer: Khadija Roane Headshot: Jordan Spry
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