Meet Tamika Lamison

We recently connected with Tamika Lamison and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamika, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Purpose is such an interesting word. It means: The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. When I reflect on finding my purpose from the standpoint of the reason I was created or the reason that I exist- it always gives me a more expansive view of myself and my journey. I would say I found my purpose by paying attention; being aware and conscious of my journey and how all the things along the way impacted me; through trial & error, through studying, through the inspiration of others, through soul searching, through failures and triumphs, through meditation, coaching and inner work-constantly checking in with myself- my spirit- to see if things felt right. Checking in to see what was really lighting me up. And I’d also add therapy in there lol. There are so many things that lead to me finding my purpose. And finally- when you know you know. And it may shift as you grow. It doesn’t have to be ‘one’ thing. I think on a Macro level my purpose is to make a difference in the world. To use my gifts, talents, voice and heart to serve the greater good. My default way of being is to be of service. Once I really understood that about myself, I just accepted that there were many ways of doing that. Being of service in a way that made myself and others happy- in a way that fulfilled other people’s dreams as well as my own. Once I really understood this about myself it was always about finding the balance. And reminding myself that in order to serve and support others, I had to also serve, support and love myself. My purpose really landed on me when I created my non-profit “Make A Film Foundation”. I initially thought my purpose was to be an actor, writer, director and/or producer. I realized that these were a means of expressing myself and my purpose. And I was able to use my gifts to understand, support and honor others by helping them make their film dreams come true. I have been able to do this on an individual basis but also through programs I have created and helped to develop like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Academy Gold Program, the CDDP- Commercial Directors Diversity Program- which helps launch women and other historically under-represented Directors-into the commercial & advertising space (www.cddprogram.org) and my “Make A Film Foundation” which grants film wishes to children with serious or terminal illnesses by teaming them with noted writers, actors, producers & directors who help them to create short film legacies. (www.makeafilmfoundation.org) Recently, I was able to use some of my purpose-filled alchemy to create a personal passion project that had been burning a hole in my heart for some time. It’s a film called “Superman Doesn’t Steal” based on true events. It reminded me that my purpose is big- my dreams are BIG and yes it extends beyond me in service to others but I must always remember to include myself as well. Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in life are the day you were born and the day you discover the reason why.”- The reason why-that- is your purpose.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the ultimate multi-hyphenate. And that to me is what is most exciting. I never know what to lead with when I am sharing about what I do, have done and am doing. I have been a filmmaker, writer, producer & Exec. in the industry for many years now. I began my journey as an Actor in NY after graduating from American U and Howard U in Washington, DC. But I was always writing. I was really lucky to get validated with the first screenplay I ever wrote. It was called “The Jar By the Door” and it was a Sundance Finalist and won the Gordon Parks Independent Film Award and $10,000 (a lot of money at the time) which I used to move to Los Angeles. The idea for the script came to me after my bookbag was stolen with a bunch of personal items inside- my journal, a book of handwritten ‘irreplaceable’ poems, photos, etc. It was such a visceral loss. I decided to channel it into creative catharsis to help move through the loss. I had never written a film script before so I asked my brother, who was writing scripts at the time, if he would write it for me. He laughed and said- “It’s a great story idea- but no, I will not write it for you- it’s personal and you should write it yourself. ” Best “No” I ever got. It is literally what kicked off my true creative journey, led me on the path I am on today and ultimately helped me to find my purpose. I started to direct & produce readings of my script and then got into the NY Film Academy where we were still cutting film on flatbeds- just prior to the digital revolution. Once I landed in LA I was lucky and tenacious enough to get into some of the more impressive programs like the AFI Directing Workshop for Women, the Walt Disney/ABC Screenwriting Program & the CBS Directors Initiative. All of these things led me to becoming the Creative Artist & Executive that I am now. I had to keep inventing and re-inventing myself while keeping my passion alive; while staying on fire with my vision of creating and telling stories and supporting other story tellers as well. A big turning point was selling my script “The Jar By the Door” for six figures. And then finding out that the check was bad. After that huge disappointed, I shifted my energy to more service-oriented activities- working around town with Inner City Filmmakers and other non-profits. When a friend asked if I could do anything what would I do ? I said, “Aside from filmmaking- I would grant wishes to kids in the Make-a-wish foundation”. That’s how Make A Film Foundation was born and that’s how I developed my producing chops. We make these Hollywood quality short film legacies with some of the biggest A-list Actors, Directors, Writers and Producers. And we do it on a dime since everyone volunteers. If that doesn’t work your producing chops I don’t know what will.  Here’s a bit of fun trivia: Make A Film Foundation is one of the 5 organizations that got 200k from the Johnny Depp settlement from his well publicized defamation case. He worked with us in the past, starred in one of our films for a young man fighting stage 4 Cancer. So he had a real organic experience and sense-memory of working with us. We were so grateful and truly appreciated his kindness and generosity. Producing through MAFF (we have made 4 award winning narrative short films and over 100 documentaries) lead me to producing independently (Ferguson Rises/Tribeca Audience Award), Last Life, etc.) taking on a Development Exec. role at a company where I sold a few projects into development at studios and set up a few others. And also moved me into the corporate creative DEI space as I created the Commercial Directors Diversity Program for the Directors Guild of America and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, as well as helping to research and develop the Academy Gold program for AMPAS. This journey is filled with twists, turns and pivots! lol. Currently, in addition to the programs I run, I am writing a movie for a studio that I got greenlit from a one paragraph emailed pitch and developing 2 TV shows at studios that are packaged with talent, writers & directors. If that alone doesn’t make your head spin- I am writing a new Pilot and the feature version of a short film that I just directed in Atlanta. It’s a coming-of-age story based on true events. And as the multi-hyphenate that I am- I wrote, directed, produced and starred in it. This is something I said I would never do (that’s a lot of hats)- but everything at least once, right? I could write a whole article on that experience. I funded it through a personal settlement I received from a company that behaved rather badly and had pay for their bad behavior quite literally. But the upside- I used the money to create my company Maktub Media Entertainment. Wearing all of those hats for the shoot- let’s just say- it was extremely difficult with lots of plot twists- but I am happy with the end product. “Superman Doesn’t Steal” – coming to a theatre/film festival near you!

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?
As I reflect on my journey I would say the three qualities that were most impactful for me are Passion, Patience & Perseverence. The 3 “P’s (smile). I have always found passion to be the fire in the belly as it were. Passion is the fuel that drives creativity and the desire to see a vision come to fruition. As long as you have the passion for something you can create another possibility, another avenue, another pivot to make it happen. And I can say that I have remained passionate about telling stories. Telling my own stories as well as helping others to tell theirs. My passion for storytelling is the fire that fuels all aspects of my creative life. The next important quality that I have embraced on my travels is Patience. Patience speaks to the long haul of this career and journey as an artist. We have been socialized in a culture of everything ‘now’, a culture of ‘fast food fame’. I think we can all agree that fast food is not ideal for the body. And fast food fame- is not necessarily ideal for the body, mind or spirit. In addition- it’s super rare. And is an exceptional happening versus a rule. The truth is doing the work, believing that it will happen while continuing to do the work, refraining from comparing your journey to others and moving with a knowing through this often long and winding road of a creative career – with patience- is the healthiest way to maintain longetivy, a sense of self, mental health and ultimately success- on your own terms. Although it may not be easy, cultivating patience is one of the most impactful and necessary tools to have in achieving your life’s goals. And finally Perseverence. Perseverence goes hand in hand with patience. It means doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. This means that you have to dig deep and do the work, even when you don’t feel like it, when it’s not happening on your preferred time line. It means continuing to educate yourself and invest in yourself as you keep your eye on the prize of your vision of success, all while nurturing the fire inside, all while licking the wounds of disappointment along the way. It means never, ever giving up. It means pivoting. Focusing- refocusing. Shape-shifting if necessary. As long as you maintain the commitment to your vision. Perseverence is the commitment to succeed no matter what. Obstacles, timing, discomfort- you will persist and in that- you will persevere and succeed in achieving your wildest dreams.

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 that has played an incredibly important role in my development is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coehlo. It has made such an impact that my Twitter handle is “Alchemist 26″. It is a timeless story of adventure and bravery, following a young Santiago on his journey to find his treasure at the Egyptian Pyramids. Along the way Santiago meets an array of characters who help him understand his personal legend and achieve his destiny. It is an inspirational book published in 1988 that has inspired many, including myself, to take the future into our own hands and follow our own destiny. I have gifted “The Alchemist” to all of my family and most of my friends. I feel that it is a road map that can mirror our journey as we continue to move through life in search of our purpose/success/treasure. And treasure can mean many different things to different people. It can sometimes mean professional success, making a difference in the world, finding/creating a long sought after family and so much more. It is really up to the individual to choose what that treasure is and what it looks like. Ultimately you can go all over the world in search of something only to realize it has always been within or a part of you. You learn what you need to learn and grow as you search, discover and meet new people and challenges. As you- continue to listen to your heart and go where your blood beats. Continue to travel the roads that offer a unique path for you. Allow yourself the freedom to roam and to courageously step outside of your comfort zone and the picture of what you thought your life is supposed to look like. Create in the moment. And listen as you are being lead on the path to your purpose- which will ultimately lead to your treasure. The Alchemist is an easy but impactful read that can change your life and perspective. It changed mine for the the better and I will always be grateful for the inspiration from the book and how it touched my soul. In addition to it inspiring my Twitter handle…

There is a very special meaning to Maktub in The Alchemist. This empowering phrase impacted me so deeply that I chose to name my production company “Maktub Media Entertainment”. Coelho is such a great storyteller. In the book- While on his journey, Santiago learns the concept of ‘Maktub’- which means, “as it is written”. Maktub exemplifies the idea that- some things are meant to be- a concept that becomes the major over-arching theme of Santiago’s adventures and relationships throughout the book. And I do believe in the concept that some things are destiny and are meant to be. But in that, you have the choice to listen to your heart, your spirit and claim your destiny. I do believe you still have to have the courage to step out of your comfort zone and into your destiny- as it is written. One of my favorite quotes from “The Alchemist” is “Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” To me this quote exemplifies the artists’ need to listen to the passion and fires of their heart- because that is where they will thrive and become successful- thus finding their treasure. And I do feel that I have been able to do this. To continuously listen and recalibrate to find my courage when I was too afraid or simply not ready- or fighting for my comfort zone. My destiny was- is- stronger and the truth of- Maktub- continues to be the wind beneath my wings as I fly towards all that is for me.

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Image Credits
Jenna Hagel courtesy of GoodLuck Road Photography Maury Phillips Tiffany Ade’ Howard Franklin

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