Meet Courtney “Coco” Walls | Writer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney “Coco” Walls and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney “Coco”, why did you pursue a creative career?
From childhood, I have always wanted to be in the business of making movies, or more specifically, storytelling. Movies were one of the ways my family all sat down and connected with each other, taking turns picking what we would watch that night. We all have different tastes, so it was always something different, from animation to action to adventure. At first, I thought I’d become an actress, but began to realize my voice was found in writing, and by extension, directing. And maybe a little stage fright helped nudge me in the right direction. So when it came to deciding college majors, I went with film and television, because there was nothing else I could see myself doing with more passion than I’d give to the pursuit of creativity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been drawn to telling stories that center Black points of view in genres that we don’t normally get to be the forefront of – it’s always been imperative for me to show us in ways the world often doesn’t want to let us exist. As I’m pivoting fully into the writing and directing space, the stories that I’m writing and telling are personal, the images I have wanted to see and felt lacking. My web series, I Only Drive At Night, is about a black woman struggling with shame, with embarrassment, with pride, which is not the typical narrative we get to show the world. Black women are often only seen as these strong, magical creatures, and while that is true, it doesn’t leave grace for the mistakes we often make in the journey of finding our magic.

It’s been a walk of determination and perseverance to get to where I am, and where I am going. It took two years after film school to get that first job on set, unpaid, but I was hungry and took the gig. And from there, I have worked hard for the last seven years, learning about the film industry, honing my skills, and most importantly, learning my voice and what I want to say and contribute to this business as a creative professional. I’ve learned that if you don’t speak up and ask for what you want, you’ll get boxed into a space you don’t want to be in – and it’s very hard to move away from there when you are. One huge lesson I’ve learned is to just go out and make it happen, especially if no one is opening those doors for you. Being out of work for a year with the writer’s and actor’s strikes has reignited that fire to go out and get it done, wait for no one to give you the green light. It’s not easy but it can be done, and even if you think you have no money, no actors, you can still make art, and tell a story that connects with someone.

And the beautiful thing about it is when you put yourself out there, you find other creatives that believe and support you in making these stories come to life. That was honestly one of the most humbling things to experience, seeing people come together to support a vision simply because they believe in it, and I am eternally grateful for them. I think that’s what I want to share with the world, that you can put yourself out there, in life, in your art, and someone will connect with you and what you’re doing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s always something fun to do in Atlanta, it’s really a social city. We’d definitely have to go to for brunch at some of my favorite spots like South City Kitchen, Sun in My Belly, or Buttermilk Kitchen, or maybe lunch at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen or International Cafe for wings!

Summers in Atlanta always includes Braves Games, wandering around Atlantic Station, walking or riding scooters down The Beltline, and then dropping in for lunch at Ponce City Market. We’d also have to wander around Piedmont Park, or maybe the Botanical Gardens and then venture over to The Painted Pin for a night of bowling and drinks. I would be remiss if we didn’t go to the Starlight Drive In for a movie, which is always an experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would definitely have to shoutout my parents, who have always, always believed in me, and supported this lofty dream of mine. From going states away to New York City for college, to supporting my move all the way to California from Georgia, my parents have always been that pillar of faith that reminds me that someone believes in me. I couldn’t do any of what I have done without them, and I am eternally grateful for them.

Instagram: @courtneyorcoco ; @ionlydriveatnight

Image Credits
Forrest Love