Meet Celeste: Filmmaker & Photographer

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

Hi Celeste, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is terrifying. You never know what the outcome may be and putting complete faith in a result that you don’t know for certain will prosper can deter you from going after the things you want. Back in September, I was working for FedEx shipping ground as a package handler. I was making decent money but I was miserable. I hated going to work and I was so exhausted due to work that I couldn’t put any effort into my dreams. That made me depressed and unsatisfied in my life. One day, I was lying in bed and realized that FedEx was NOT my stopping point. So I quit. Soon after I quit, I started receiving opportunities that deal with the path I’m trying to go in with film and television. Has it been tough for me? Absolutely. Do I regret my hasty decision? Absolutely not. I refused to let ANYTHING or ANYONE put me in a place of defeat and keep me there because I know I am destined for greatness! 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is film, screenwriting and photography. I don’t have a specific style or genre that I love because I can do it all. From horror to comedy to crime drama, I’m a lover of all things that will create a conversation and have the audience engaged. One thing I am most proud of is my adaptability in ANY situation and that no matter what position I am in on/off set, I put 110% effort into it. Getting where I am today has been quite the journey. I didn’t know where I wanted to be or what I wanted to be. I got out of the military unsure of my career path and went into college under the impression that I would improve my skills as a photographer. Instead, I found my love for writing again and also found new skills in First Assistant Directing, Directing and Cinematography. Once I knew where I want to be, I surrounded myself with people who have the same mindset as me. People who have a serious passion for their work and want nothing but the best from it. One thing I learned in the 27 years I have been here is that you have to learn when to let go. Not just dead end jobs, but people as well. Everyone is not meant to come with you on your journey and that is okay. Those who are suppose to be with you will be there and those who are not will go separate ways and there is NOTHING wrong with that. Anyone I have parted ways with I wish nothing but love and prosperity for them. Like I said before, I want everyone to eat; you just can’t eat at my table. Another thing I learned is NEVER use your talents for free UNLESS you want to. I believe it is unfair to ask or assume someone will use their skills for your benefit without something in return. I’ve learned that if the project is not going to propel me in a certain direction then it is best that I remove myself from it; even if its something a friend of mine is working on. Because if it doesn’t sit well with my spirit, I can’t do it. I want everyone to know that when you hire Calena Productions, I will give you my all no matter what. No matter the position I’m in, I make sure to do my job 110% because I would want the same for my own production. I am all about giving opportunities to those who truly want it and assisting those who want to break into the film/television world. Even though I am nowhere near where I want to be, if I can help someone along the way find their rhythm it’ll make me smile.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is actually hard for me considering I don’t get out much even before the pandemic [haha]. I would say, food wise, I would take them to Sushi Village in Atlanta. It is an AMAZING sushi spot with all you eat sushi for a fairly low price. Another great eatery is CO; a Vietnamese spot in downtown. You also have to experience Downtown Atlanta during the night. The lighting is beautiful and the graffiti around Atlanta is amazing so photoshoots are a absolute must, especially travelling with me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First one I have to give credit to is God. No matter what has been thrown my way, God has always guided me to bigger and better things and given me the courage to pursue my dream career. Next is my mother, Candis. She has taken the brunt of the bills in our home to allow me free time to work on my career and even though it has been EXTREMELY TOUGH, she’s holding on and I CANNOT thank her or praise her enough. Next is my closest friends; Terrance Lomax, Verlenzo Hawk & Aaron Dollar. These three men have been there for me every step of the way; helping me become a better person and a better filmmaker. We all build one another up and strive for greatness without having to pull anyone down or try to be better than anyone. We all want to make it and believe that everyone can eat. I would also like to shoutout Jerard McKinzie. I met this man on a set and worked along side him as his camera operator and ever since then we’ve clicked. He is all about progress and making sure anyone he works with is progress in the path they want to pursue.  We’ve worked on multiple projects together and he’s given me an abundance of opportunities to improve myself as a filmmaker and as person. I met this man Summer ’20 and he has been a great coach. Assisting me and putting me in the positions that will further my career and also aid in providing me guidance on what I need to do and where I should be. Lastly, I’d like to give a shoutout to Sharp Creative Agency. Although I just met them recently, they have been huge supporters in putting me in positions that’ll let me thrive where I’m best at and create a stability for me not only financially, but also mentally and spiritually.

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