Conversations with Jillian Holt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Holt.

Hi Jillian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
In 2010, while looking for master’s program in Education, I found out that Cleveland State University I had bachelor’s in film & digital media program. After purchasing a book on screenwriting, reading it and falling in love with the craft, I decided to go back to school and get another bachelors, this time in film. After graduating a friend of mine came to me with the idea to a digital series. I wrote the series, and along with James Swoope and Sasha Sales, we shot the episodic digital series Langston Tributes. We used all local actors and locations. The series did well locally. After that, I became an independent screenwriter and producer, working with many production companies here in Cleveland and all over. My next project was Hey Mr. Postman, which I produced with BerryGood Films. In the meantime, I began teaching screenwriting and preproduction at Cuyahoga Community College. I also have worked on many Hollywood studio projects that have filmed here in Cleveland including Judas and the Black Messiah, White Noise, and Shooting Stars. My next project was in collaboration with HWICFilmworks, Scam Likely. That same year, I wrote and produced a film, Workout Partners, with BerryGood Films. Next came Locked In, with HWICFilmworks along with the newly released Air B&D. Coming up I have more projects with HWICFilmworks, Black Men Don’t Cheat, and CLE LLC. With Berry Good, we have a feature film dropping son entitled Car Show. I also have project, Catalyst, in collaboration with 7NationFilms dropping at the end of the year. As of today, I have written scripts for independent producers all over the country. I am also still a professor at Tri-C in the film department. All of my independent work can be found streaming on Tubi. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road for me at all. In 2016 I quit teaching K-8th and decided to put my full energy into screenwriting and filmmaking. The initial dive was not a prosperous one. I left the classroom just to go back to subbing, lyfting, uber eats, anything I could that did not require a committed schedule so I could write and film. Filmmaking is a hustle. And not a lucrative one for a long time. To begin to see the fruits of your labor requires a lot financial sacrifice. You also have to extremely thick skin. This industry is not for the weak. Film is subjective, and with the accessibility of social media, anybody with a phone can say just about anything they want about your film and you personally. Some are valid, some are ridiculous, but as a professional, you have to be able to deal with all that comes with putting your art on display. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I a screenwriter and producer. I specialize in both. I’m known for both. What sets me apart for others is the consistency of my films and the amount of projects I’ve written that have been produced and done well. 

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The characteristic that is most important to my success is consistency. I write every day. I study story and film. I also have forged professional relationships with some of the best people to work within this industry. Film is a 100% “who you know” industry. Building a network of like-minded colleagues is essentials. Also, supporting other filmmakers and projects that you have nothing to do with is essential for establishing your reputation and brand. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soshabanky/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoShabankyProductions/