Meet Je’Cori Neal: Writer, Director, Producer & CEO of Wandahope Studios

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

Hi Je’Cori, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to showcase the true and authentic voice of today’s generation. Shows and films written for us are (mostly) not written by us, therefore we lose the authenticity which leads to misrepresentation. Yes, they can relate to us in a “I was once your age before” kind of way, but you can’t write the experience of a 21 year old in today’s world because you are not a 21 year old in today’s world. Also, I want to one day to create opportunities and give indie filmmakers information about the industry from professionals that they wouldn’t get elsewhere.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a writer, director, producer, actor and CEO of my production company Wandahope Studios. I started acting in high school and used it as an outlet to escape my tough reality. As I deepened my love for become a character and stepping into someone else’s shoes, I discovered a new love to create the characters. So, I started writing and got into urban theatre. My sophomore year of college I wrote, directed, produced and acted in my first play. And through all the challenges, it was a success. From that show, I realized that I wanted to make my mark in urban theatre. I wanted to blend the urban theatre audience to the legitimacy of Broadway. So, I started with a script. After about a year of completing many re-writes, workshopping every draft and holding table reads, I finally completed the final draft. My new show ‘By A Thread’ (opens at the Windmill Arts Center April 2nd-3rd) is what I am most proud of because it’s one of the first scripts of its kind and I truly believe that it brings my vision in fruition. If it’s one thing I’ve learned is that it is important to stay true to yourself ad learn how to be special and stand out. Granted, there is nothing new under this old sun, but there are new ways of interpreting things.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout Lateefah Mosley and Cynthia Barker. These two women have helped me tremendously within the past few months. I have come to both of them individually to ask them for directorial advice and they welcomed me with open arms, gave me amazing tips and techniques, but most importantly they gave me their honesty and for that, I thank them. Without the mentorship of these two great artists, I would not have been able to direct my new show. I would also like to thank Shontelle Thrash for her encouragement, professionalism and giving me the inspiration for how to make my mark in the urban theatre scene.

Website: https://wandahopestudios.wixsite.com/website

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandahopestudios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandahopestudios/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WandahopeStudios/featured

Other: https://www.instagram.com/iamjecorineal/ https://www.facebook.com/jecori.neal/ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/136922170899