Meet Nadira Pankey | Award winning Screenwriter and Filmmaker

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

Hi Nadira, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, back in 2014, I founded Beastmode Entertainment, my production company. The goal was simple: bring creative minds together to make movies. I wanted to create a supportive space where people could learn, improve their craft, and embrace their mistakes. Every two weeks, we gathered to film short movies or scenes. Then, in our next meeting, we’d review everything – from the script and acting to makeup, set design, and post-production. It became a platform for creatives to practice and enhance their skills. As part of this journey, Nadira Pankey Studios International was born, a sub-company of Beastmode Entertainment. It’s all about fostering growth, embracing diversity, and promoting inclusivity.

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.
My life is a testament to unwavering determination and a relentless commitment to success, all set against the dynamic backdrop of New York City’s South Bronx.

The journey of my life had a challenging start; I graduated from high school with a third grade reading level and carried the responsibilities of being a single parent while juggling three jobs. Yet, my spirit remained unbroken, and I embarked on a path of self-improvement, starting with remedial reading courses in college. It was there that I unearthed my passion for writing, leading to the creation of the award-winning book “Evergreen Uprooted, Memoirs of Secret”. My academic journey reached its peak with an honors degree in Television Production and Media Studies.

My career soared to new heights when I became part of the esteemed NBCUniversal family. There, I contributed to popular shows like “The Steve Wilkos Show,” “Jerry Springer,” and “The Maury Show,” showcasing my versatility and unwavering dedication to my craft.

In search of a quieter life, I made the bold move to the suburbs, where I raised my children while continuing to excel in the entertainment industry. My work expanded to include collaborations with institutions like Divorce Court at Tyler Perry Studios, BET Award shows, and Netflix’s “Rhythm & Flow.”

My creative endeavors extended beyond the television screen, thriving as a freelance screenwriter and producer. In 2021, I worked as a producer for a comedy court show project, which later served as the inspirational foundation for the unscripted courtroom comedy series, “All Rise for Judge Steve Harvey.”

In 2014, I ventured into the world of filmmaking, directing my first Screen Actors Guild (SAG) feature film. Over the years, I garnered accolades for my work in both short and feature films. The pinnacle of my cinematic journey was the creation of “Gerald’s Hands,” a socially impactful feature film that received the prestigious 2023 Telly Award. This film sheds light on critical issues like autism, bullying, and domestic violence and is available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, Tubi, Plex, and Converse.

My skills span the entire spectrum of filmmaking, encompassing writing, producing, directing, editing, and much more. My journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of storytelling. I’m deeply committed to inspiring and impacting lives through the art of filmmaking.

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?
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Thumbs Up in East Point, Atlanta. For lunch, head over to Mami’s Cuban Restaurant in Hapeville. Take a leisurely stroll through the captivating Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, and wrap up the day with a movie night at AMC Southlake 24. As the week unfolds, mix in some relaxation with spa visits and pampering at the nail salon. Explore more fantastic dining experiences at places like The Juicy Crab and Longhorn.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Big thanks to my Lord and Savior for guiding me to Connecticut, where I took a leap in my education. Shout-out to the awesome professors at Norwalk Community College who truly cared. Steven Cohen, you helped me master reading and inspired my memoir, “Evergreen Uprooted, Memoirs of Secret.” To Professor Stoney Duran, your passion for film and television production fueled my artistic drive. Professor Al Thomas, thanks for that memorable book signing at Norwalk Community College’s atrium. Professor Mary Carmell, your expertise in sociology and understanding when I needed to bring my sons to class meant the world. To Andrew R. McCallister, my soulmate, your unwavering support and love keep me going. Lester Greene, my best friend, your constant support and true friendship mean everything. And to my wonderful sons, Lance and Adam, thanks for being my biggest fans in the world of arts. Your support fuels my countless hours of writing, producing, and creating. I appreciate you all!

Website: https://www.nazpankey.com

Instagram: @nadira_pankey_studios

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadira-pankey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naz.pankey.9

Other: Gerald’s Hands (feature Movie Website) https://geraldshands.com Gerald’s Hands (Watch on’Tubi TV) https://tubitv.com/movies/709349/gerald-s-hands Gerald’s Hands Trailer: https://vimeo.com/743744476 Watch Short Films: https://vimeo.com/user157629002 Read Evergreen Uprooted, Memoirs of Secret: https://a.co/d/1UVoaPR

Image Credits
Gerald’s Hands poster design: Lavern Spruill Gerald’s Hands Logo design: Marcus MWiL Wilson Cover photo: Perris Hull