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

Hi Michelle A, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, I was the only child; my imagination expanded far beyond what I could have imagined. And TV was my best friend.

It was in 1992 that my life changed. During that time, I had to go to work with my mother, who at the time worked for the airline. As usual, I would be bored, and the highlight of my days would be logging into the system and entering a”special code” that would allow me to see if any celebrities were flying into Newark International Airport.

On this day, a name, Spike Lee, appeared on the screen. At the time, I didn’t know anything about filmmaking, Spike Lee, or that he was a director who made movies. So, after grabbing some snacks, I staked out at the gate. Since I had never seen his face, I had no idea who to look for.

When the plane arrived, and people started to get off, I noticed people surrounding this Black man. I was under the impression that they were star-struck. However, as I grew up, I realized that this Black man was pushing narratives that no one else was doing at this time. Making a movie about racism and injustice wasn’t necessarily what they wanted Black Hollywood to do. During what I now know to be a press run for Malcolm X’s movie, a crowd surrounded him as he signed flyers for each of us. My mom informed me that it was THE SPIKE LEE, and he made movies for a living. It was incredible to see this Black man writing and directing films that inspired people and how powerful they were in altering people’s views visually. At that moment, my addiction to television made sense. I didn’t know every aspect of being a filmmaker; I just knew I would become one.

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 have been a filmmaker for 14 years, and although I tried to go to college, it wasn’t for me. However, being an antsy filmmaker made me want to be hands-on in the field working, so I did precisely that. Creating an audience based on shows that make you only wish it were true. Having characters who can allow people to see themselves is the most satisfying.

I recently wrote and produced a series titled Build-A-Boo, which is a story that revolves around two best friends who decide to create the person of their dreams using construction paper and some markers. It is fun to consider a world where you can create anyone you want, although I do not think such a world would ever work. However, it is fun to imagine the possibilities of what could be. Build-A-Boo’s second season is expected to be released in 2024, as it follows the first season’s success.

During my downtime, I help independent filmmakers develop their careers because there is a gap between the independent film world and Hollywood. Many independent filmmakers have so much potential but need more resources. By leveraging my knowledge and experience, I help them raise their game. I’ve also come to love this as much as filmmaking. This is because it enables me to serve as a supporter and to have a community that supports me.

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 owe my mother the highest praise for purchasing my first two cameras, Canon T2i, with her tax money. My mother told me to create and tell meaningful stories. As a result, I made my first films. Her influence on my addiction is evident.

In all the years I have been shooting movies, there has never been a time when she hasn’t stood by me, supported me, cooked for my entire crew, and she has been a sounding board for all of my highs and lows.
The fact that she forced me to go to work with her led me to meet Spike Lee, which led me to my career today. She has always been my number-one supporter. I cannot wait to walk down the red carpet with her one day. It is something I work towards daily.

Website: www.ShowRunHer.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/showrunher/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/showrunher

Youtube: http://youtube.com/showrunher

Other: showrunher.myportfolio.com

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