Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Imani Vaughn-Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Imani, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Jeez. I guess from seeing what the other option is. I’ve seen what life looks like when you choose pessimism, and it’s lonely. It’s depressing. What’s more though, it’s stagnant. You can’t ever become a better version of yourself if you operate from a place of pessimism. I truly believe that so much of our life is dictated by our outlook, and there’s a lot of science that supports that. Your brain is how you process the world, so it makes sense that your experience of the world is shaped by whatever beliefs you hold in your brain. I want to live a fabulous life, where I make art that fulfills me, spend time with people that inspire me, and contribute to a world and society that is trending upwards in terms of social and environmental progress. But the thing is, you can’t make a world that you don’t believe is possible. So, if I want that sort of life for myself, if I want that sort of world for myself, then I have to be optimistic that it can exist and that I’m capable of creating it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
*laughs* Gosh, what don’t I do? I’m an actress, writer, producer, and filmmaker. I’ve been in national ad spots, and various TV shows, including a recurring role on the nation’s most-watched network, NBC. Earlier this year, I wrapped a supporting role in a feature film directed by Gabriela Revilla Lugo. As a writer, my work has been produced and showcased by theatres across the country, including Purdue University, Theatrical Outfit, and Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre. That said, my true passion has been producing.
I started producing in 2021, and it’s been the most fulfilling journey of my life. As an actress and writer, I’ve received a lot of yesses in my career — more than many people with the exact same dream, and for that I’m thankful. But that many yesses comes with exponentially more nos, and after a while, that can chip away at you. Becoming a producer felt like stepping into my power. I ‘ve been able to greenlight my own work, cast myself, and provide opportunities for other incredibly talented emerging artists. My production company, Copper Fern Productions, is all about telling original stories that put Black people and people of color in roles and positions we haven’t traditionally seen. We love to subvert and expand the idea of genre — often combining our favorites to create refreshing hybrids. So far, we’ve made four short films, and I’m currently in pre-production for my fifth, a comedy short being co-produced with Jennasis Savage of the NewJennasis Network. The film is called Double Delivery, and it is a hilarious story about two sisters throwing a baby shower who have their world turned upside down when the man delivering their food happens to be their long-lost deadbeat dad. It’s full of laughs and full of heart, and I can’t wait for the world to see it.
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?
That’s a tough one… I think I’d say delivering on promises, being inquisitive, and being kind. First thing’s first: you have to do what you said you’d do. If you said you’d have it in, have it in. If you said you’d look it up, look it up. When you’re just starting out, people have no reason to trust you. The easiest way to earn it is by being a person of your word, which means showing up and doing your job. I know that sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people can’t or won’t do their jobs. Because this industry can be so glamorous, it attracts a lot of egos. There are so many people who think they’re a genius and will talk a big game, but when push comes to shove, they can’t deliver. Do not be one of those people. Do your job, whatever it is, and do it incredibly well.
Outside of that, being inquisitive and being kind are extremely key. Inquisitive doesn’t necessarily mean asking a bunch of questions — it means being open to the idea that you don’t know everything, and being willing to do what’s necessary to find out what you don’t know. Remember when I said this industry attracts egos? *laughs* Yeah, well people with egos think they know everything. And when they don’t know something, they don’t go learn. They bullshit. They make excuses. And it hurts everyone. Get comfortable with saying “I don’t know, but I’m willing to find out,” and then returning to tip one — make sure that you actually find out. Throughout all of it, be kind. I think that one’s self-explanatory. You get more with sugar, being kind is free, and there’re enough shitty people in the world. You don’t need to be one of them.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I love collaboration! Filmmaking is an inherently collaborative process, so I’m always open to expanding my network and making more friends. In terms of the types of roles; I’d love to know more crew people as a whole. More sound mixers, DPs, cam-ops, grips and gaffers. I’d also love to know more people with money! *laughs* Next year, we’re aiming to take on our first feature, and that requires dinero. I would love to connect with more people who are looking to invest in the film industry. Films can be incredibly lucrative, but it takes money to make money.
Personality-wise, I’m looking to connect with people who match the description I gave to bourgeoning artists earlier. I want to collaborate with people who are hardworking, inquisitive, and kind. If that sounds like you, you can follow me on Insta (@imanivaughnjones) and shoot me a DM, or tap the “email” button in my bio. You can also visit my website imanivaughnjones.com and hit “contact.”
Contact Info:
- Website: imanivaughnjones.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imanivaughnjones/
- Twitter: https://x.com/imanivjones
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imanivj
Image Credits
Raphael Simien, NBC, Copper Fern Productions
