Meet Dashawna Wright

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dashawna Wright a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dashawna, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

When I first started in this industry, I was working on some prominent network TV shows during the Me Too era, when the business was just beginning to shift toward inclusivity. There were many times as an executive assistant when I was the only Black person in the room, and often the only person of color at all. That felt isolating at times, and there were moments when I questioned if I belonged.

But I showed up every day with intention, not to be performative, but to truly get the job done and to prove that I was exactly who I said I was. I prepared, I anticipated, I was attentive, helpful, and ALWAYS honest. Along the way, there were people who championed me, but I also had to champion myself.

Being the only one in the room often felt isolating, but I learned to see it as a position of strength. Instead of shrinking, I leaned into my voice and trusted the value I brought. I focused on preparation, confidence, and building genuine relationships so my work could speak for itself. And I carried the responsibility of knowing that by being there, I was opening doors for others who would come after me.

Over time I realized that what made me different was exactly what helped me stand out and not just belong in the room, but help change it anyway that I could.

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?

I’m a filmmaker, producer, and storyteller who thrives on bringing bold, dynamic, and diverse stories to the screen. What excites me most about the work I do is the ability to turn ambitious visions into cinematic reality, whether that’s producing a feature film, directing a short, or creating space for new voices in the industry.

For me, filmmaking isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about shifting culture, sparking conversation, and opening doors for others who don’t always see themselves represented.

Through my award winning company, Choppe Productions, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with incredible creatives and producing films that not only resonate with audiences but also push the boundaries of independent cinema. Recently, I wrapped production as a creative producer on Departing Seniors, a horror-comedy that ranked as the #4 independent film on Apple TV, and I’m developing several new projects, including the feature Art of Alchemy written by Colin Parker and the documentary Games That We Play exploring the cultural evolution of spades within the Black community.

What I’d love people to know about my brand is that it’s built on authenticity, innovation, and inclusion. Everything I do is driven by a passion to amplify underrepresented voices while creating stories that reach beyond borders. Right now, I’m especially excited about expanding my directing work and continuing to develop projects that challenge, inspire, and connect with audiences on a global scale.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the qualities and skills that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, adaptability, and relationship building.

Resilience is everything. This industry can be unpredictable, and there were many moments where I wanted to give up. What kept me going was remembering why I started and allowing setbacks to sharpen me instead of stop me. For anyone early in their journey, resilience comes from knowing your “why” and holding onto it when things get tough.

Adaptability and studying is also key. I didn’t come into this business with a ton of knowledge about the industry prior to film school or connections. I didn’t know every answer, but I was willing to learn on the spot, wear multiple hats, and problem solve under pressure. Part of that adaptability meant really studying the business, not just the creative side, but also how financing, distribution, and industry systems work. The more I understood the mechanics behind the art, the more confident and versatile I became. For anyone starting out, adaptability isn’t just about flexibility on set, it’s about being curious, learning the business, and staying open to growth. Be a forever student of the game.

Finally, relationship building shaped my entire path. 60% of film and television is about collaboration and who you know, and I learned early that the way you treat people matters just as much as the work you do. I built genuine connections, not just professional ones, and those relationships often opened doors I couldn’t have opened on my own. For those starting out, focus on being both authentic and generous in your relationships, the people you grow with will be part of your journey for years to come.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert has played a huge role in my development. I honestly stan this book. I read it at a time when I was really going through it in the industry, questioning my job, my career, and my choices. What resonated with me most were her ideas about embracing creativity without fear, allowing good energy to come your way, and not getting in your own way as an artist. She reminded me that I had the potential to get things done, and that spark was exactly what I needed at that moment. Now, whenever I’m feeling uncertain or down, Big Magic is the book I always return to, it never fails to inspire me and remind me to keep creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Choppeproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choppeproductions/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dashawna-wright-638408a5/