Meet Joy Evans | Filmmaker and Owner of SummerTyme Productions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joy Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was to be able to make my mark in the independent film industry without anyone telling me “No” you can’t do this. I enjoyed operating under the “My movie, My terms” motto. Complete creative control and distribution rights.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art of choice is filmmaking; writing, directing, and producing and I think what sets me apart from a portion of black woman filmmakers is that currently my film roster consists of murder mysteries. In both Karma and Truth or Dare, neither were about senseless crimes, there was a reason why things happened the way they did, even if the moviegoers didn’t find out until the end. Even though, I loved making those films I am excited about making a comedy. Especially a series, only because I have a couple of really good topics in mind that actually haven’t been explored yet.

You know, it’s funny how when you’re doing something you truly love it doesn’t seem like it’s hard work, just more of a challenge. When I first released Karma on Amazon years ago and once it was all said and done and I was actually making a living wage off of the movie, I never thought to myself “Wow that was a lot of hard work. I mean there were a few challenges but I welcomed them because I loved the process. I overcame them because in the world of film, you can always shoot somewhere else, you can skip a scene or edit a portion that just isn’t working out. I figured it out.

What I learned during this process is to make sure you are organized, hour by hour and day by day. Have everything written down and make sure everyone you are working with has a clear indication of what is happening. You can never have enough communication and respect for one another while working long hours on a set. We had about 30 different locations and I was so surprised at how kind of easy it was to shoot at some locations. Whether I was able to get a permit or just go somewhere and shoot, finding locations really wasn’t that difficult. I only had one case where it was a problem, but we overcame that.

The main thing I want people to know about my story is that I tried to start a career in the film industry and couldn’t get in for anything so I made my own and distributed it myself. I couldn’t believe every now and then someone would recognize me from the film and I was like “What???” I couldn’t believe we had 4.5 stars. I was surprised one day I Googled Joy Rosalyn and links and articles about my movies started populating. Anybody can do this. If you want to sing and no one will sign you, do it yourself, same with a book, a play, clothing line, literally anything. You can do it on your own…for starters.

My brand is a Grassroots production company. SummerTyme Productions consists of women in film (whether directing, producing, or acting) who are at the head of telling stories that are believable and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to making more films in the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend of mine was visiting I would definitely take them to some good restaurants. I love Jamaican food (Chef Robs), Thai Food (Naan) in Buckhead, Ethiopian Food (Desta) Indian Food (Tabla). Cool spots to hang out would be LOA in downtown Atlanta, The Painted Duck Bowling Alley, and then whatever is happening that weekend in town, because it’s always something. Atlantic Station as well as the Battery are nice spots for drinks and hanging out as well. As far as shopping, I am an outlet girl and the outskirts of Atlanta has many.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a Shoutout to my family! They wholeheartedly supported me along my journey as far as a career in film…starting with my husband. Always pushing me to go the extra mile and supporting me mentally and financially throughout the process. My immediate family also played a huge part as well. They also helped a little bit with funding and assisting to find actors and actresses. Several also played a part in the movie and did a great job! Their time was much appreciated and valued.

Website: Summertymeproductions

Youtube: Joyrosalyntv

Image Credits
I have the rights to all images.