We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly M. Fletcher. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberly M. below.
Kimberly M., appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I was introduced to the arts at a very young age specifically writing and entertainment. It is my passion and I am a proud creative who loves to showcase short films and stage plays. Immersing myself within writing various content and being a student of the arts maintains my creative drive. I recently served as writer, director and star of the short film City Hall which deals with the power struggle in local government and callous council members that my character Mayor Amy Carson has to overcome. Creating this short film was exciting and extremely rewarding. Writing this piece using local government as the canvas and having actors bring the words to life is the ultimate reward. Participating in various film fest as well as seminars also maintains my creative flow.
To ensure my creativity is constantly evolving, I also learn other skills such as coding within the technology sector. This helps me to understand how creativity and technology work hand in hand to enhance future projects. I volunteer through Morehouse College as an Apple Teacher and C2 Partner of Purpose initiative to continue education within this field.
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?
Currently, I am focused on my artistic career as a film writer and producer. I am fortunate that I was introduced to the arts particularly writing and drama within my primary and secondary schooling. I participated in various oratorical contest and recited poetry as my premier talent reciting the works of magnificent African-American writers such as Maya Angelou and Phyllis Wheatley. The inner workings of the entertainment field were introduced by my college internship at The Late Show with David Letterman. I had the distinct opportunity to work as a research intern directly with the head of research to ensure the latest information on celebrity guests were accurate and concise. This internship opened the professional doors to the creative process and rigorous work ethic required to succeed within this field.
Recently I wrote, directed and starred in the short film City Hall which deals with Mayor Amy Carson as the vivacious leader of Vienna, VA who maintains that her citizens are priority number one. Mayor Carson has so much to handle with both Fire Chief Bradley and Police Chief Roberts running reckless in the town of Vienna. Honey’s Cabaret is only the tip of the iceberg! I look forward to bringing more of City Hall to audiences in 2024.
This year, I also worked as producing partner in the 10th annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge with my business partner Tiana Ferrell. We had one weekend to write, produce, and direct a 5 minute short film Blind Date in the genre of Romance. It was very exciting as well as nerve wrecking to meet the tight deadline of creating this film. Ms. Ferrell who wrote, directed and stars in this project was born with symbrachydactyly and the short film was created to promote awareness of limb differences. We look forward to participating in the film challenge in 2024.
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?
Three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are excellent work ethic, relationships, and the ability to not take no for the final answer. As a creative within the entertainment and film industry having thick skin is essential to persevere in this business. It is imperative to build a village of like minded individuals who aspire to succeed and understand the work it takes to build greatness. Aspirations and dreams are wonderful, however the dedication to the craft is essential. The relationships that are developed are necessary to success within this industry. The answer of no is the encouragement to continue moving forward and possess self confidence in my craft.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of improvement within the past 12 months is developing more content to provide audiences. In order to engage and interact I have to consistently provide quality content for viewers. Ensuring I am surrounded by like minded individuals who are also serious about film is my goal. To surround myself with a community of professional creatives is paramount for continued growth within this business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kimmy1336
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.fletcher.7921
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyfletcher1336
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exEbDcCTmL8&t=24s
- Other: tiktok.com/@KimberlyFletcher
Image Credits
Kimberly M. Fletcher and Franchise Peace Bucky Bassette and Franchise Peace Blind Date Photo: Kimberly M. Fletcher, Tiana Ferrell, Cindi J. Davis, Alisha Ferrell, Taylor A. Brand, Sylvia Ma and Zane Pappas
