Spotlight Interview: Kimberly Townes, Gye Nyame Films

Kimberly Townes, founder of Gye Nyame Films, steps into the Spotlight with Amaimi.com to discuss what it takes to make it in the Film Industry. Currently in the MFA Directing Program at the University of California- Los Angeles (UCLA), one of the most prestigious Graduate Film programs in the country, Kimberly strives to put imagination into her work. Check out her thoughts and progress below.

Amaimi:  So tell us about Gye Nyame Films. What is the inspiration behind it?

Kimberly:  Gye Nyame films is my production company. It’s an umbrella company for all of my filmmaking endeavors. The inspiration behind the naming of it comes from the Ashanti people. Gye Nyame means there is nothing to fear except for God. As a budding filmmaker from Virginia, I found that Hollywood was quite the culture shock, but in order to persevere one has to look fear head on every day. The name of my company reminds me that God is for me.

Amaimi:  I see, what have been some of your recent projects?

Kimberly:  Currently I am in pre-production for two projects. The first is an educational documentary sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and UCLA called Planting Hope. The story focuses on Master Topiary Artist Pearl Fryar and his budding scholarship program for non-traditional students. The project is the first ever collaboration between the Gates and UCLA. Out of over 60 projects only seven have been chosen for production.

The second project is my thesis film called ZERO. It is a high school comedy that focuses on the disconnect that occurs with high school girls in the area of math and science. I am planning to go into production in June/July of 2010. I am also happy to say that this project will be funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship in Film Directing and the Edie and Lew Wasserman Thesis Production Grant.

I am also in the process of starting a non-profit organization with Educator and Health Advocate Takiyah White that reaches out to teen girls and promotes collaborations in the arts and sciences. I was inspired to start this type of organization during my research for ZERO with the understanding that many students that seemingly don't do well in math may excel if they are taught visually or through alternative methods that incorporate art.

Amaimi:  It's good to see entrepreneurs reach back and give to their communities, especially through their creative talents. What are some business tips that you have learned in the midst of your research in setting up a non-profit organization?

Kimberly:  Wow, big question. I’m in the midst of learning right now. Do your research per state, be 100% clear on your goals for the organization, and select your board carefully.

Amaimi: All good tips, especially the second point, as goals are really the driving force and inspiration behind getting a business up and going. One of our beliefs is that preparing for success ahead of time will help ensure that success down the road can be handled.  

Amaimi: Let's talk a little about marketing. Some businesses find this a difficult task in the beginning, and I can only imagine that marketing is very important to someone in the Film industry. What methods have you found helpful in getting your films noticed? 

Kimberly: Hmm, well I am personally more adept at marketing than business to be honest. Some methods that I have employed are social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter. I currently have a website/blog up for people to view my work: www.gyenyamefilms.com. Another important part of marketing is branding. Creating a look and feel that can exist without and speak without me having to say a word. I think this is integral to any business and is something that I am currently investing in by working with a designer to create a look and feel for both my films and my company.  

Kimberly: I think it is also important to be super strategic and think of alternative ways of marketing. For the independent filmmaker, there is always the film festival. Film festivals can act as a marketplace for you to promote and sell your films to the audience and the industry. Beyond the festival, I believe that it is smart to set up screenings and venues to showcase your work as well. Get eyeballs on your work any and every way that you can. 

Amaimi: Yes, building an online presence is becoming more and more necessary these days, especially with the explosion of social networking and it's extension, social media, over the last 5 years.

Kimberly: By the way, my first film Broken Dolls will be screening at the 2010 Pan African Film festival in Culver City, California - http://www.paff.org/2010/01/broken-dolls/ 

Amaimi: Congratulations on this achievement as well as the opportunities mentioned earlier.  Are there any final thoughts that you would like to leave with those interested in succeeding within the Film Industry?

Kimberly: Final thoughts = Never quit; Rest if you must, but don’t quit. And go hard, do it with all of your being. It’s too expensive and back breaking to go into it passively. As my father would say, "Go hard or go home."

Amaimi: Well said, thanks for your time Kim and we hope that you have continued success.

Kimberly: Thanks for talking to me. I truly appreciate you lending an ear and I appreciate what you are doing with Amaimi Consulting. Best wishes.

Check out more about Kimberly's work through this ScreenCast.