Meet Shanequa Reed | Actress & Producer

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

Hi Shanequa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
My entire life has always been about taking risks. Without risks I wouldn’t be here interviewing with VoyageLA. I’m serious…until you have a long barrel shotgun pointed at your face and later fired through your front windshield, then will you appreciate the split decisions you made to keep yourself alive; because those decisions will also make you a fighter later in life. I took a risk moving to LA with 3 other adults and only 1 of us had a promising career not related to filmmaking. I also took a risk filming my own short film that would help open doors to work with and meet other up and coming filmmakers. Without taking any of the above risks I would just be a country girl from Texas aspiring to be an actress. I became a filmmaker/actress who has had a movie in Blockbuster, at AMC Theaters, on Prime, been in several known movies and shows not to mention the iconic “General Hospital”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Nothing is ever easy…you have to earn your keep. As actress to be taken seriously you must have material but what if you don’t have material? Through friends and family having the support to create a reel helped gain the respect as a filmmaker. I’ve screened at festivals, which led to other filmmaking opportunities (paid/ non-paid). I definitely learned you have to wear multiple hats to get ahead. I don’t want to be just an actress; I want to help create by also being a producer—with that said the birth of Eccentric Rouge Production. I enjoy working with talented filmmakers and don’t mind donating my time (i.e. casting, crew, locations, etc).  It feels great to be a mentor and have mentors to help make you stronger in areas. Before COVID-19, co-hosted an event at 4 Hearts Studios (“The unEntitled Screening Alliance”) that served as a free platform allowing a positive space. Please note we did charge ($10) an admission fee with complimentary alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Hopefully we can bring it back in 2021. Let’s see…to wrap this year up I’m excited about a few things: Post-Production Webisode “Symone” (Actress/Producer), Post-Production Feature Film “Trauma” (Actress), Pre-Production for a horror film “Fait Accompli” (Producer/Actress), Pre-Production for a talk show, a New Reel and Headshots; along with booked a few projects I can’t disclose yet . To be honest I don’t think I’m busy enough…lol!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think this is so cliche, but since we’re in the middle of a pandemic, it counts as a best week ever. I would wake up early, load up bikes, and head to Pacific Palisades. Start the morning with yoga. Stretching is critically important; especially, at my age. Grab the bikes and ride alongside the beach on a designated bike path. Take a break for food and drinks is a necessity. Of course chill at the beach before leaving. We have to go on a Hollywood bus tour, see the Stars and Hollywood sign by trekking up Runyon Canyon, not forgetting to reward ourselves with Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. Katana’s is great dining…order the whole stripe (p.s. not on the menu) and you won’t be disappointed but your pocketbook might 🤣 I would also take bestie to Don Cuco’s chicken enchiladas reminds me of food back home. Hamptons818 is the best bottomless Brunch restaurant in the Valley serving a variety of mimosas and meal options—if you call and they don’t answer don’t fret because they are making improvements and tell management Shanequa sent you😉 Going to the Getty Center would be dope as well as Disney. Take her shopping around Rodeo and The Promenade. This is eventful enough and safe 🥰

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Haha…I am sending a shoutout to Ci Ci Foster. She has showed me the value of having outlets for filmmakers and not everything has to have a “$” in front. It pays to help motivate others to be successful. And of course my family and friends that keep me encouraged.

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