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

Hi Shavon, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Wow, I would probably say that it’s not fun and games all the time. There is a lot of preparation that goes into the film industry that people don’t see. You have to be able to work with multiple personalities well and efficiently. The behind-the-scenes videos only show a fraction of what really goes on.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I believe what sets me apart from most of the film industry is that I am striving to create a bridge between real life and being a Christian. I feel like most Christian content is basic and cookie-cutter and that’s not life. Life is a messy process and isn’t linear. I would like for my art to portray Christians in a different light, more positive light, and not such a legalistic light.
I am proud of my first short film. That was a huge step for me to make my mark in this industry.

I started as a professional dancer graduated from college with my bachelor’s degree of science in dance. The plan was a dance professional career first before I decided to make a career transition into the film industry. I made the bold decision to move from Detroit Michigan to Atlanta Georgia in 2019 and just went on a hope and prayer. No it has not been easy at all these past 3 1/2 years. Being creative is not for the weak and you have to have faith in something; I just so happen to believe in God and his path for me, even though I can’t see it clearly, I know he led me into the entertainment industry.

I overcome my challenges by always turning back to God I notice when I get distracted is when I get the most stressed so when I turn my attention back to God, I have a peace.

Some of the lessons I’ve learned so far is to let go and let God; stop stressing about the future. Being a creative means you don’t have the safety of consistent income so every day living can get stressful but every time I’ve handed it over to God, he has always taken care of me.

I’ve learned to look at the bigger picture and not be in survivor mode. When I plan for a future, it means that I have to put in my work now, so that in the future I can be set.

I’ve also learned not to trust everybody. Being in this industry you run into a lot of malicious people, and with me having pure intentions, I have to trust my discernment when it comes to people.

Concluding, I want the world to know that God is real, and share my stories so people can relate, people can heal, and people can love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a foodie so I would have to take you to some of my favorite spots in the city. Brunch is an hot activity here so Breakfast at Barneys is a good spot and I also like Toast on Lenox. There’s a spot not too many people know about called Baltimore Crab and Seafood that have the best cornbread!

Any of the museums is always a good time. Festivals. There are hundreds of parks here in the city. There’s a classical orchestra that plays Pop music; there’s a Christian party night that happens here now. So much to do. Of course you have six flags here as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my parents for being super supportive from the beginning. I was blessed to have parents who believed in me from such an early age, and never had the story of the parents who wanted me to have a “real job”. They encourage me to pursue my dreams.

Instagram: @shavon.danielle

Facebook: Shavon Danielle

Youtube: @shavondanielle386

Image Credits
Producer: Gabriel Freeman Cinematographer: Clark Bishop III Still Photographer: Torique Kenyae Director/Actor: Shavon Danielle

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.