Meet Kristina Thomas | Writer & Director

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

Hi Kristina, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from (East) Oakland, California. I grew up in a lower middle class family. My mom was a first grade teacher for over 37 years in Oakland. My dad was a police officer, framed pictures, counselor, photographer, executive director and more. To add, he’s an Alpha Phi Alpha, Kiwanis club member and a Mason. Much of my life was influenced by their work, community and their careers. My weekends were not about sleeping in but serving the community. I learned a lot about myself through my church, my friends, family and Oakland at large. It wasn’t about being someone one day, it was about how you were going to make an impact on your community. When I went into directing and writing, it was only natural to talk about the things I experienced and the voices I felt needed to be heard and seen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It was no easy path. I knew I wanted to be a director since junior year of high school. I went to Howard University and learned independent filmmaking, and was led down the path of documentary filmmaking. Then at USC I became more familiarized with scripted filmmaking. It was harder and something I had to take time to learn. It was there I learned about story, writing scripts and trying different things. Working for the camera and production departments and the university stages, I shot music videos, Webseries, short docs and more. I did everything so when I came out, I knew what I wanted to do. But when I came out of USC, I couldn’t get a job that paid the bills. The one job I could get was an after school production teacher in Inglewood schools for $435 a month. You read that right. I worked that for one year and then continued to pick up jobs as a production assistant, assistant story editor for a reality show and even a receptionist at an advertising agency that I found on Twitter. Working in TV and film felt like a distant dream. It was not until I got fired from the advertising agency that months later a friend from USC and also Howard alum said his fiancé needed an assistant at Universal Studios. That really launched me into landing my next job as a director’s assistant, then landing in writers’ room as support staff, and eventually staffing on my first show as a Staff writer. The one thing I kept doing while working, grinding and living was always learning, taking writing classes and networking with people. You are only as great as the people you hang with, grow with and build with. Those are the people that still support me and uplift me still today. I’m someone you know, heard of, and/or mentioned about. They say always be kind to people and do the job well. Many people know that about me; I do the job well, kind and always willing to help. Always keeping God at the forefront, it’s the only way I’ve survived. Those within my community have ultimately helped guide me and stay focused despite the lowest of lows that can really make you think… is it worth it? To have strong mentors that I can cry to, get advice from, be motivated by, have been key to my success and overall nonstop motivation to continue in this business. Mentors, good one’s, they will push you in the right direction. I’ve had mentors that gave up on me, pushed me to the edge and placed me to the side. I urge you to find mentors or find people who no more than you that can be a mentor, or like a mentor. I’m nothing without those who have helped guide me. This life has not been easy at all. Trust me. Moved back home three times in the last 16 years but through it all I never gave up on my dreams that have been actualized. Still, working to get my first feature film made, my next short “Saving All My Love” into film festivals and getting into my next writers room, it’s not easy. Nothing ever is if it’s worth it.

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 would take them to THE DIME. That is my spot since I moved to Los Angeles. It’s never gotten old. The only thing I hate, they don’t do happy hour from 8 – 10pm anymore after COVID. That is my Cheers, I’ve met some random people and celebs there, all good times and great stories. Other than that, I would go to Redondo beach and chill when it’s hot hot. Sometimes, you need to see the water before walking the hills. Then head over to Doomies and get some good a** vegan fried chicken. Yes, you heard that right. I love this place and made people believers! Other than that, you’ll find a random party, event or something to go to in Los Angeles. There’s always something poppin’ during the summer, which I love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. My parents never understood my path into the entertainment industry. Much of my career started from taking jobs that couldn’t pay the bills, living with 2 to 3 people at a time. At one point, I made $435 a month and my mom really wondered if it was time for me to come home and take a regular job that made more. But my parents were adamant about me pursuing my dreams and taking risks that they’re weren’t able to take or actualize. To them, I am their dreams realized..

Website: http://www.kristinareneethomas.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/itskristinathomas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-thomas-91219b11/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/introducextina

Other: http://www.instagram.com/whiterobestories

Image Credits
Karolina Bryner (on set photo with pink top and grey shirt with green hat), Alanna You (profile pic with green jumpsuit), Tani Ikeda (winter green sweatsuit picture with my mask)