Meet Jaya Armstead | Writer & Director

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

Hi Jaya, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas for the solid first ten years of my life then moved to Central New Jersey, but continued having full summers in Texas after the move. Even after graduating high school, I returned to Texas to attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. I believe being raised in Texas and New Jersey has had a huge impact on who I am. Texas gave me my love for family, strength, and sense of community. I come from a big family that taught me it takes a village and to be a fighter for whatever I want in this world. While in Jersey, I found a new sense of independence and exposure to many different walks of life. Being able to travel with family and friends to New York City and Philadelphia were some of my favorite moments growing up. Throughout all of this my love for entertainment and writing blossomed. The people around me have inspired characters and storylines along with my own life experiences. When I first started writing scripts and creating short films, it was my family and friends being my loudest support. This helped me push through graduate school at the New York Film Academy here in Los Angeles. I am grateful for their support because I feel their love and it gives me the strength to continue pushing through the obstacles of filmmaking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel in love with entertainment by growing up watching television and films all the time along with collecting comic books. It took my eighth grade English class for me to start writing my own stories. As a daydreamer being able to put whatever I was imagining on paper made it feel real. As a big fan of fantasy and heroes, I was able to create characters Black female characters as leads in those worlds which I was not seeing at the time. It was then I decided to be a screenwriter and create films and shows with this in mind. In my high school, I discovered my interest in directing while taking film production. Being on set gave me a rush and for someone who was always very shy it made me speak up. Directing has given me a hands on experience bring my scripts to life and a sense of community working with the casts and crews of each one. These stepping points have built up where I am today creating award winning shorts. I have never forgotten the younger version who started this journey and the dreams she had. It’s my fuel.

Although my journey has been easier than some, there has been obstacles. The entertainment industry is competitive and requires self discipline and having a level head. It can be difficult constantly trying to rework a script that is just not working. I’ve sat with scripts for hours before even typing a whole page. Even in the pre production stage, I had difficulties with set locations and budgets. However I am grateful for my support system when these obstacles arrive whether its giving script notes, contacting someone in their network to lend a hand or give advice, or just even being a listening ear to help sort my thoughts.

Lessons I have learned along the way is that it takes nothing to be kind to someone. Kindness and nice conversations have gotten me a long way. I have met such interesting people through just having a conversation while at events or just being out. Through these conversations I have been given advice, inspiration, and even networking opportunities just from being myself and wanting to get to know someone. This also goes for meeting new and younger writers and filmmakers who just want to ask questions. I have been there and want to answer anything that I can or help find someone who can answer them.

When people view my work, I want them to be able to relate with my characters and their lives. I love writing underdog characters who are trying to discover who they want in life and embrace who they truly are. Whether it takes place in a magical universe or in our own world. For Black women and girls, I want them to know they can be anything and play any role. We can be leaders of fantasy armies, face off against outlaw cowboys, or even be larger than life superheroes and supervillains. I remember seeing Halle Berry as Storm for the first time and how much it meant to me as a kid. I knew I could be a superhero even though I had to wait for my powers to kick in. Still waiting on them! I want to give that moment back to another young Black girl.

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.
After making through the twists and turns of LAX airport and getting bags put away, I would would take my best friend to late lunch/early dinner at the Americana Brand then walk around and enjoy the stores for an easy Monday. Then have a nice dinner at Saltie Girl on Sunset Blvd. With a goodnight’s sleep, Tuesday, we’d have breakfast at The Waffle then later go on a hike at the Hollywood Sign and take pictures to remember the moment. I would end the day having a delicious dinner at Rao’s and dine on all the pasta we can eat. Wednesday, I would take my best friend to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Peter Automotive Museum since they are across the street from one another. We can end the day with dinner and drinks at The Granville. Thursday, have a day in Culver City having lunch at Public School 310 and shop at the Westfield Culver City. In the evening, enjoy Happy Hour at Rocco’s Tavern. Friday, enjoy a beautiful day in Santa Monica starting with breakfast at Marmalade Cafe then explore the Pier and the beach. There are so many cool stores and restaurants in that area. Later start the evening at E.P. & L.P. then check out Nightingale Plaza or Poppy. Saturday, enjoy the day in Malibu and eat on the beach at Paradise Cove Beach Café and enjoy wine at The Rosenthal Winery. In the evening after resting and changing into something nice, have dinner at Catch then go out for drinks in WeHo. Finally on the last day Sunday, have brunch at Castaways enjoy the view and great food. After brunch, have fun at Universal Hollywood and ride all the rides.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is dedicated to my family and friends. No matter what obstacle that has been put in front of me, my family has always been right beside me. To my parents, I am thankful for the unconditional love you give my older sister and me. Both of you are my role models and make me feel encouraged everyday. My sister, my other half, thank you for always seeing me completely and being my protector. To my uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandmothers, I love you all for being my community and teaching me life lessons that I still take with me today. A special shoutout to my late grandfathers, whose love can still be felt from heaven. To my friends, I want to shout y’all out for continue to hold our friendship and bond no matter where life takes us. Some of us are miles away but we still show up for each other. From enduring long track & field meets to taking on finals in undergrad to surviving thesis in graduate school, I am so lucky to have y’all in my life.
To everyone, thank you so much! Excited to see what is ahead for all of us.

Website: https://jayaarmstead.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaya-armstead-40251814b/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZnmsrWOeBuUfmKFNx3ilAg

Image Credits
Daniel Ebomwonyi, Soba Pictures Nethra Gururaj Christopher Quinn Shot by Mello