Meet Nivia Jay | Filmmaker

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

Hi Nivia, how does your business help the community?
The biggest reward of being a filmmaker is that I get to let the world see my vision and how I see things from my perspective. My films are half about how the world actually is and the other half is how I want the world to be, and that is what makes it interesting and what makes me unique. The world gets to watch my movies for entertainment but they also should be able to learn something from it.

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 believe what makes me interesting is that, I don’t try to keep up with what’s going on in the filmmaking industry. I also try to be as organic as I can because when I do, everything always falls into place. Along with that, I am most proud of my ability to focus and stay in my lane without feeling like I have to compete with other filmmakers. I’m excited about one day having the world see my films. I’m positive that it will happen, which is what keeps me going. Professionally, I always knew I could write but it was something I did for fun. It’s kind of weird because, I wrote my first script when I was 12, and I threw it away. Years later, my first year of college, I would go to parties, and come back and turn what I see into my own personal art. It’s like therapy to me. It wasn’t easy getting to the point I am now. It took consistency. My first script that I turned into a mini series, i took on the writing role, filming, editing, and marketing to social media. I recorded two seasons with an iPhone, which is something I wouldn’t do now… but it wasn’t easy. I overcame the challenges by realizing I didn’t have to do it all but when I did, i made sure to give my all. I’ve learned to be patient. With filming, you have to, because the best films aren’t going to be done in a day. I also learned that, it isn’t always going to be easy but I love doing it, so that’s all that matters to me. I just want the world to know that what I create always has a purpose and that they can get to know me through my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I would take them to Slutty Vegan. I love a good vegan burger. After, we would go skating for a couple of hours, as soon as we digest our food of course. On another day, I would take them to Sweetwater Creek. We would have chips, sandwiches, and drinks to just relax our mind near water. By the end of the week, we would go to the movies, and watch a movie we all enjoy. That would be me showing them the best time ever. We can relax, stay active, and eat for a whole week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In 2018, I first discovered that I wanted to be a filmmaker. On my journey, I developed scripts and turned them into mini series. I want to thank a large group of people for coming along with me and being patient with my process. Without everyone at Fort Valley State University, I wouldn’t have the drive and push I have now, so shoutout to them!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCrN0bKH4YeDHHIfkk5XH5mw

Image Credits
Jenni Gold