Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani J. Grant.
Hi Imani J., we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a little girl I can remember going through my parent’s photo albums. I was so intrigued by the number of photos and the stories behind them, that I picked up my own camera and begin recording my own stories. Life and movement have always been poetic to me; I used to drive in the car on the way to school and watch as life seemed to be speeding by going backward. I found art in everything I saw without even realizing it. At a very young age I begin writing poetry and short stories. I loved to read books that made me feel and listen to music that seemed to know how I felt in that exact moment. Each passion came at me like a ton of bricks and I tried them all. But I fell in love with film, with Spike Lee’s Skool Daze and Crooklyn, and with animations like Shrek and Finding Nemo. In 2014 I graduated High school and attended Bowling Green State University. My first major was Business and I quickly realized I didn’t have money to waste trying to navigate the complicated schedules and work loads. I knew nothing about Business, math was not my strong suit, and economics was whooping my butt everyday. My sophomore year I made the decision to follow my heart and pursue a degree in Media Production and Advertising because I knew these things, I loved everything about film, I want to creative direct a Superbowl commercial one day, and I would love to make movies out of music and poetry and that degree could get me there. In 2019 Covid began and we all rushed back home. I was fortunate enough to graduate the normal way, and when I got home, I was even more fortunate to be introduced to the people that I look up to today. Over the years people have asked me what exactly what I wanted to do in film, and I never had the clear answer they expected me to have. I pursued many roles as behind the scenes photographer, sound mixer, wardrobe, Camera Assistant, Production assistant, Production coordinator, assistant director, and script supervisor. I was sure about two things. I wanted to direct and I wanted to assume the role of director of photography, so I landed in the script supervisor role where I could be close to both while on set. Working beside the people I look up to has helped me to realize the path of creative direction. As I sat next to the DP or the Director I would notice that I would see things in ways that no one else could, I would have ideas that no one else had and ways of seeing things. As I branched out and worked with friends on their projects, I noticed I had an eye, not just a photography eye but a creative one. A few of the people I look up to in the film industry created a production company called Her Patio Production. They saw something in me that I was just starting to see for myself. I applied for the role of Director of Creativity and Vision on Her Patio’s board of directors and I got it! I was given the space to be creative and express all my idea openly and honestly, and for the first time I felt like I was doing something that I undoubtedly love to do. Now I am two quarters into my board term, I have begin writing my first poetry book, creating short stories daily that WILL see the light of day, creative directing for one of the most wonderful production companies and nothing can stop me. I am proud of myself for where I am at and where I know I will be in the future.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Along my journey I have battle some typical pushbacks, the road has not always been easy. I’ve combatted my family not understanding my career change in college and not understanding the world of indie film. I have fought to be heard as a woman in the film industry and have taught other women never to back down when they have something to say. I have even battled my own feelings of not being enough, not working hard enough, and not being clear on my vision. I have learned that each day is a step in the direction to learning more about myself and my career field and learning how to show up for myself each day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At this stage in my life, I specialize in visual creative direction and script supervising. I am mostly known for script supervision and I have been in this position for about 4 years, held a class and mentored students in that field. I am most proud of the things I accomplished last year, I hosted my first script supervising class, and I planned a fundraiser gala for families in need. With my script supervising class, I was able to give the creatives in my field an insight into what it takes to be the best script supervisor, advice for being in the film industry, and how to navigate the day to day on set. At my fundraiser gala I was able to collect over $1000 in donations through physical and monetary donations. The thing that sets me apart is my ability to make good with anything I am given. I have the superpower to turn lemons into fine wine with anything I put my mind to. I don’t make excuses for myself. With anything I put my mind to, I learn from my mistakes and apply what I’ve learned not just in that area, but in every relevant area of my life and my career.
How do you think about happiness?
Spending time with God makes me happy. When I am able to let my hair down, loosen my shoulders, and just talk to God about my day, my problems, my hopes dreams, the things I’m thankful for, I tend to feel an overwhelming since of peace and happiness. Life is so full of ups and downs, wrongs and rights, perspectives and growths that it can get overwhelming and chaotic at times. But God. Whether I’m sitting in silence or rambling about the things that have gone wrong or that I want to change, I know that God is here listening, taking notes, preparing my obstacles so I can tackle my issues and learn from them. God inspires me to write and to be creative and to keep going. I have to give Him all the glory.
Pricing:
- Demo Reels – $75
- Creative Directing – $250+
- Writing – $150+
- Script Supervision – $230+
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @manimadeproductions / @imanijuanita
- Youtube: @imanijgrant
