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

Hi India, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I think a lot of people get caught up in the celebrity of it all and think everyone working in Hollywood is rich. Most cast and crew are working class people living paycheck to paycheck.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a writer-director. I came to this profession later in life. I didn’t realize I wanted to pursue this career until my junior year in college. When I went to film school, this presented some challenges for me. Most of my cohort were film bros and had years of experience over me. I always felt one step behind. This also turned out to be a strength for me. As a writer-director, you put much of your life experience into your work. The more life experience you have, the better storyteller you will be. I worked through school as a telemarketer, I’ve been a teacher, I worked in public relations, and I even spent some time as a security guard. As random as it appears, all these different paths lead me to one I’m on now. I wouldn’t be here without any of them. When I got to film school I had to learn to leave the impostor syndrome at the door. I tell myself, if you couldn’t handle it, you wouldn’t be here.

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’m only been living here for three years but these are my go to’s for people visiting.
-Black Market Flea
-Hermosa Beach
– Sushi date at Kazunori
– The Last Book Store
– Bar hopping in DTLA
-Studio tour at Universal or Paramount
-Universal City Walk

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a special shout-out to Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia. Breakthrough is a nationwide summer enrichment program for grades 6th to 12th. Breakthrough is dedicated to helping lower-income students get into college. They provided me with so many resources and lifelong connections. I’m truly grateful for my time with them.

Website: https://indiabey.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indi.65/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/india-bey-64a666346?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Victoria Wilcox (First three Set Photos)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.