Meet Akeallah Blair | filmmaker director

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

Hi akeallah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I became an entrepreneur at 6 years old, crazy right?! In elementary school I identified a problem, it was hard to remember everyone’s phone number by the time I got home to my landline. So I created ” Calling Cards” for my friends. My dad used his computer skills to place a photo of the person, a catchy phrase and their name and number. I gave out my Calling Cards to get the other kids excited, but they didn’t like it ha! That was my first failed business and I’ve been using the trial and error style ever since. Currently as an independent filmmaker, I am an art-repreneur. All of the lessons I’ve learned about creativity, marketing, and tenacity have helped me create each and every project.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Right now my art is all about issues that effect my people and the world, my film The Erasure is about missing Black and Brown women in the U.S. and my upcoming project Vaylar is about wrongfully convicted people and the negative effects it has on families. Upcoming I’ve been writing feature length screenplays focusing on coming of age and growing pains. I want people to feel my art and be inspired to make a change in their life that impacts the greater good.

During my time at USC’s cinematic arts program I was eager to find mentors and learn about the film industry, so I interned at ; NBC Universal, BET networks, VH1 and an independent feature film. Upon graduation, I shifted my focus to seek more on set experience. I began as a production assistant for prominent television shows and films, shortly after I became a Director’s Assistant and eventually as a Unit Production Manager. On set I’ve learned everything from dealing with critically acclaimed cast members, to large amounts of background talent, and most importantly the importance of everyone’s job on set. From prep to post, I can give a succinct description of each person’s role and significance in the production. For most people, being on a large set can feel like you’re caught in a large spider web, but it’s a comfort zone for me because it’s all I’ve known. Working twelve hours a day on set, for multiple years, has helped create a level of comfortability that I know will aid me once I am directing larger projects. Being able to truly understand how a show operates, everyone’s role and having a large amount of confidence on set is what makes me ready for a program like this that will take me to the next level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie was visiting the city for the week I would take them all around LA, supporting Black & brown businesses along the way ! Monday night we’re going out salsa dancing in Marina Del Rey, they teach salsa lessons in the first hour, then social dancing all night long. Tuesday we’re seeing a movie for the low low $6 and then heading to Da Poetry Lounge for the best spoken word in the city. then hopping over to Little Ethiopia for dinner. Wednesday ( Museum day !) visit California African American Museum or the Getty Villa. Thursday would have to be a beach day Hermosa or Huntington. Friday I’m taking them to an activation or happy hour at 1010 Wine bar in Inglewood. Saturdays are for day parties and brunch, some rooftop in Hollywood. Sunday I would take my bestie to my favorite dance class at Crenshaw yoga & Dance studio and end the weekend at Treat Day Truck.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shout out one of my teachers from highschool, Antonio Sarabia. Someone told me that our Computer Lab teacher had nice Canon cameras, so I knew as an aspiring filmmaker, I had to find him. I knocked on his door after school and said ” I heard that you’re the teacher with the cameras, I’m going to study film at USC and become a filmmaker, let’s connect”. So much bravado for a 14 year old but my purpose and passion discovered me at a young age. So, Mr. Sarabia and I created a short film documentary along with a couple of other students about our community. I used that film to submit to the #1 film program in the nation at the University of Southern California, and the rest is history !

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afromillennial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeallahblair/

Twitter: https://x.xom/afromillennials

Image Credits
Make up artist Rosiekia Artis Instagram handle: artis_thee_artist