We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gabrielle Collins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gabrielle Collins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gabrielle, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I’ve been able to be effective and successful despite being the only one in the room who looks like me by being prepared and knowledgeable about my craft and the industry as a whole when I walk through the door. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a speech in 1956 after the bus boycott success, where he said “In the new age we will be forced to compete with people of all races and nationalities… We must set out to do a good job, irrespective of race, and do it so well that nobody could do it better.“ That’s how I’ve been raised— to not just do a good job, but to achieve excellence in whichever career field I endeavor.
Thanks, so before we move on, maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In the past five years, I’ve written and produced four feature films, with my most recent and highly anticipated biopic, “First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story”, which premiered this Fall on BET+. The film followed my initial success and installment in the American Gangster franchise “Big 50: The Delrhonda Hood Story”. My additional two films included penning BET’s inaugural holiday film, “Throwback Holiday,” and writing and executive producing the network’s holiday streamer, Merry Switchmas.
Next up on the producing and directing front is my feature film, Cornered, a Chicago based drama, which I’m in the process of securing financing.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe one of the most impactful skill that I’ve learned during my journey has been to confidently delegate and direct people, while still being able to inspire and motivate them. Additionally, you should be skilled in thoroughnesses, and pay close attention to detail, both creatively and technically. The audience notices everything, so be respectful to your work by giving them your absolute best. Lastly, the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure is critical. Way too often, we take things personally instead of professionally. Being able to be flexible and roll with the punches, while keeping a positive attitude and remaining open to new ideas is imperative.
Filmmaking is a collaborative effort, so knowing how to be diplomatic and forward-thinking while interchanging ideas will help ensure your film is successful. The best way to develop these skills is by working on a live set, whether paid or unpaid, so that you can observe, learn and grow in your craft.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I credit my mother with helping me develop essential and everyday life skills in order to live a successful life. She helped instill confidence, self-reliance, critical thinking, and preparedness skills. She also gave me the freedom to explore the creative arts through dance, music, and creative writing, which allowed my imagination to soar.
She taught me to perform past what I thought I was capable of, while teaching me to remain humble and empathetic. My mom did it all— wearing many different hats, while working a full time job, owning a store and a part-time catering business, and raising three other children, one of which has special needs. She was an absolute marvel, and although she’s gone, I still thank her for everything she’s done for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamgabrielle.com
- Instagram: @msadventuresinwriting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-collins-0724712a
