Meet HaJ

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful HaJ. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with HaJ below.

Hi HaJ, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome is a funny thing. I’m not entirely sure where it comes from, but over the years, I’ve learned that many of us experience it. After working with hundreds of writers and creators to help them adapt their work for film and television, I’ve come to realize that most of us simply lack trust in ourselves, and that’s when Imposter Syndrome takes over.

We often feel like we need external validation or evidence to move forward, but here’s the truth: we forget that we’re all here to make our own unique imprint on the world and blaze new trails. The only way to do that is to stop waiting for permission and simply go for it.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Idea2Screen is a full-service consulting and production company that partners with authors to create custom strategies for adapting their intellectual property into feature films and television for global distribution.

I grew up surrounded by independent artists. My father, Thomas Osha Pinnock, an immigrant from Jamaica, came to the U.S. on a Martha Graham dance scholarship. My mother, Ayoka Chenzira, a pioneering filmmaker from Philadelphia, is considered one of the first Black women to write, direct, and produce a 35mm feature film, as well as the first Black woman animator. From an early age, I witnessed both of my parents navigate the challenges of telling stories that were not reflected in mainstream media—stories about themselves and their community.

I went on to study at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama in Pittsburgh, where I met my business partner and co-founder, Danny Sandoval. After graduating, Danny had a successful career as an actor on Broadway before transitioning to successfully fundraising for independent films. I on the other have created, developed, produced, and licensed content for major networks including ABC, CBS, BET, Fox, and HBO.

Both Danny and I share a deep passion for serving independent artists—a mission that has grown more urgent as industry challenges are increasingly brought to light. Therefore in 2023 we came together to create Idea2Screen where we empower our clients by prioritizing their creative control and equity in their projects.

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?

1. Invest in Your Own Work First
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you have to be the first to believe in your project. If you’re not willing to invest your own time, money, or energy, it’s hard to expect anyone else to take a chance on you. When you show commitment to your own work—whether it’s by funding the early stages, dedicating time to develop your ideas, or simply refining your vision—it signals to others that your project is worth their attention.

2. Don’t Wait for Permission—Start Now
Too many creators get stuck waiting for the perfect moment or for someone to give them permission to begin. The truth is, there will never be a perfect time. If you have the passion and drive, that’s all the permission you need to get started. The more you wait, the more momentum you lose. The key is to take that first step, even if it’s small. It’s through taking action that things start to come together.

3. Balance Personal Vision with Audience Impact
It’s easy to fall into the trap of creating something purely for yourself, but when your goal is to share your work with others, you need to think about how your story will connect with an audience. While it’s important to stay true to your creative vision, understanding how your work will resonate with others is just as crucial. The best projects balance personal expression with the ability to engage and impact an audience.

In the end, it’s about having the confidence to invest in your own work, the courage to start without waiting for validation, and the wisdom to know how your story connects with others. What makes Idea2Screen unique is our ability to balance both the creative and business sides of the equation for our clients. We work closely with authors to help them navigate the complex process of adapting their work into film or television, offering guidance that’s both creative and strategic. Our team includes Academy, Golden Globe, and Emmy-winning producers who bring a wealth of experience. Together, we help authors collaborate with top-tier professionals to ensure their projects succeed both creatively and in the market.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

The ideal authors for us to partner with are those who:

Have a Unique and Original Story
We’re drawn to authors who tell stories that haven’t been told before, or who approach familiar genres in a fresh, innovative way. Whether it’s a gripping drama, a thought-provoking sci-fi, or a heartwarming comedy, we’re interested in stories that have the potential to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Are Ready to Collaborate
Our approach is highly collaborative, and we’re looking for authors who are open to working with experienced professionals to refine and adapt their work for the screen. This includes partnering with a team of Academy, Golden Globe, and Emmy-winning producers who will help navigate both the creative and business sides of the adaptation process. If you’re someone who values collaboration and wants to build a project that stays true to your vision while also ensuring it has commercial appeal, you’re a perfect fit for us.

Want to Reach a Broader Audience
We partner with authors who are excited to expand their reach beyond the page and see their stories come to life in the world of film and TV. Whether you’re a debut author or have a well-established name, we’re interested in helping you take your work to the next level and bring it to global audiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://idea2screen.com/your-production/ pass: Greenlight
• Linkedin: HaJ House