Meet Jamila Webb | Actress and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamila Webb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamila, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had been living in Los Angeles for a little over six years. While I had found my social group in the city, I was missing my artistic community. As a trained and working actor, I knew being able to learn and feed off the collective energy and wisdom in the room was critical to long-term success in this industry. Sadly, what was once an easy task in graduate school and New York City had become something of an odd chore in Los Angeles.

Despite knowing so many creative, wildly talented, and dope writers and actors personally, I quickly found they didn’t know each other and rarely met to collaborate, critique, and create. Everyone was operating in their silos. It was then I had the idea to launch a reading series to help change this dynamic and bring together that special synergy that sparked and developed my career early on.

Initially, I shared my reading series idea with a fellow actor friend, who was receptive to the idea; however, I knew I would need a variety of writers to participate if the real creative magic was to happen. The problem was the writers I knew were guarded about sharing their work with friends let alone strangers.

So I suggested a compromise: just present the first 15 pages of your work. This way, there would be enough material for the actors to embody and give the writers enough time to review how their work is interpreted and received.

I invited about 30 trusted actors, writers, and entertainment professionals to “an afternoon of creativity and fellowship” in my friends’ East Hollywood apartment. Fifteen people showed up to take part, learn best practices, and develop the key relationships needed in the industry. Writers were excited to have their scripts read by professionals and actors were glad to flex their acting muscles.

In that moment, I felt alive. The event was a success, a spark of something great, and I wanted to make sure others had the same opportunity to experience this feeling. Thus, First Fifteen was born!

More and more people started showing up – some to read, some to share their first 15 pages, and others simply to watch. People were connecting and First Fifteen received rave reviews from attendees. After just four readings, we were blessed to collaborate with Kimbery Hébert of Black Rebirth Collective with a theater location to host our events and open up the availability to more in the community. Finally, the spirit of community that this collaboration intended had come to fruition.

We were preparing to host our first-year anniversary in March 2020 but the pandemic helped us pivot to virtual readings. At this same time, we joined forces with the incredibly talented Kemiyondo Coutinho (P-VALLEY) who became our Resident Writing Consultant. Whether we’re in a virtual or in-person space, we’re committed to artistic collaboration, insightful critique, and invigorating our community.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Competitiveness and lack of community are frequent complaints heard from writers, actors, and artists of all stripes. As a creative and a connector, I founded First Fifteen to combat the isolation so many artists feel in their struggle to realize their goals and also facilitate collaboration, constructive critique, and celebration. Founded in 2019, First Fifteen is a creatively daring vehicle for BIPOC writers and actors to tell BIPOC stories, support BIPOC artists, and create a socially safe space for artists to grow through culturally-relevant, industry-specific feedback. Often, BIPOC actors and writers’ career trajectory is based on chance and networking. First Fifteen stepped in to fill that gap by fostering community, and creating opportunities for BIPOC writers and actors. Frequently, after a reading, I will receive an email from a new writer, a first-time First Fifteen actor, or an audience member. They consistently remark upon the joy, positivity, and artistry they participated in. The talent they witnessed. The encouragement they received. The new insights gleaned on their writing, performance, or viewing practice. It’s a reminder to focus on community. It’s a reminder to keep going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When folks plan to visit L.A. for a weekend trip, Santa Monica is usually at the top of their to-do list so we’ll start there. Friday afternoon we would head to Terrazza at Hotel Casa Del Mar for afternoon drinks. Luxurious without being too stuffy, the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the beach path make for perfect peace or people watching depending on your mood, not to mention the service is stellar. We’d then walk down the Venice Boardwalk and snake our way through the Venice Canals before grabbing dinner at the Butcher’s Daughter so I could introduce them to their excellent beet and kelp burger. On Saturday morning, we’d head out to Donut Friend in Highland Park for their scrumptious donuts. Then we’d make our way to Pasadena for a walking tour of architectural gems and historical sites, including City Hall and the Mack and Jackie Robinson monuments. While in Pasadena, we’d check out Octavia’s Butler’s archives at The Huntington Library and head over to Octavia’s Bookshelf, an independently-owned bookstore highlighting female and BIPOC authors. We’d close the evening with a mesmerizing play at The Black Creators Collective, Matrix Theatre Company, or Collaborative Arts Bloc. Carb-loading croissants at the Baker’s Bench in Chinatown is how we would kickstart our Sunday morning before catching an L.A. Sparks game to see some athletic marvels in action and revel with the devoted fanbase. The energy at Sparks’ games is unparalleled and we’d ride the high over to Gloria Molina Grand Park for their Sunday Sessions dance party, dancing to our hearts’ content to sounds by legendary selectors like Rich Medina. Now that my friend has decided to extend her trip, we’d get in plenty of steps and take in glorious views at Topanga State Park, enjoy a flavorful lunch at Stuff I Eat in Inglewood, dance the night away at The Dime on Fairfax deejayed by L.A. legend DJ R-Tistic, people watch on the Culver Steps, pick out the BEST fresh flowers at the Flower District, find one-of-a-kind gifts on Olvera Street, and enjoy a jam session at The World Stage. For our last day, we’ll enjoy breakfast at Cafe Wild in Manhattan Beach and then take in some sun and history at Bruce’s Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I’ve been wrapped in so much love from so many people. Whether it was the Black community at Stanford who nurtured my creativity or the lyrical beauty of Toni Morrison’s novels which stirred my imagination. But I must give a shout out to my family: my mom, dad, and brother have encouraged, loved, and supported me from the moment I shared my dreams.

Website: www.firstfifteenla.com

Instagram: firstfifteenla

Twitter: firstfifteenla

Facebook: First Fifteen

Image Credits
Joan Fuller