Today, we’d like to introduce you to Imani-Grace King.
Hi Imani, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I always had a desire to create and tell stories, since I was 7 I would make up the most imaginative, luxurious, humorous stories that my adolescent mind could muster. I did this so much that I got in trouble with my teacher who thought I was passing these stories off as truth to my classmates.
This desire to entertain and connect through words, images, and performance never really went away – I did, however, push it away because I wasn’t sure these stories really mattered and that my art could actually enhance the world. So I would enjoy English and Creative Writing in school, but put my energy into athletics. I went to college convinced I would be a lawyer so I studied Politics and International Affairs & Communication Studies.
I shortly discovered that I didn’t want to be a lawyer but I wasn’t quite ready to identify as a writer, no matter how many scripts, short stories, and poems I had in the notepad on my phone, scribbles in my journal, and drafts on my computer. The intuitive whisper that I should be writing and making art persisted but the fear of standing in that truth had a shouted louder.
But then in March 2020, I was suddenly furloughed from my unfulfilling job in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In just one day, I learned that I could fail at a job that wasn’t meant for me, so I might as well fail at something I love. So at the height of the pandemic, I resigned from my job with gratitude for the lesson I learned, the money I saved, and the family I had to support me in writing a book and making short films.
Between the years of 2020-2022, I reflected on who I was, who I wanted to be, and what my purpose is in the world. I arrived at this (and it continues to change and take different forms). My purpose is to make art that can make you laugh and cry in the same 3 minutes, that is accessible to everyone, that uplifts other emerging creatives, and that makes people feel seen in specific yet universal ways.
I started my production company in 2020 with the intent to not wait for the film industry to realize my potential but to insist that I am already worthy of creating my stories and putting them into the world. Since the start of Jig Productions, I’ve published Moments of Imagination, a book of monologues for actors; written 12 television and film scripts; produced 4 short films and 1 documentary; joined the TikTok Creator Fund; earned script recognition from Final Draft, Austin Film Festival, and Screencraft. and premiered my film MOUNTAINTOP at the 2023 Reedy Reels Film Festival.
This was all because I held the belief that anyone who has a story should feel it is their birthright to put it into the world. I learned that you don’t need a million dollars to create a film, but instead, write a good story, invest in your community, and create together with gratitude for each other’s gifts. I learned that you don’t need a book publisher to get started; you can self-publish and see what happens. I learned that you don’t need permission; you just need to be diligent in your work and have the gumption to share it.
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?
I’ve chosen to view obstacles as ways to help me evolve. The act of putting yourself out there comes with rejection. I’ve had to change my mind to see rejection and re-direction to the path that is meant for me. When I reflect on the big obstacles I’ve experienced, I also see the creative problem-solving that came with it. Or I see the patience I had to build to let things play out, even when I desperately wanted the alternative experience.
The road has been paved with lessons upon lessons. The biggest struggle has been building self-belief and resilience. When I don’t receive the outcome I wanted, or I feel like I should be further down the path toward the goal, it can feel isolated and fatiguing. The biggest obstacle has been finding ways to take that discouragement, feel it, release it, and make it into something positive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create short films that are 10 minutes or less! I have created a specific style of filmmaking for myself, which is intense and beautiful scores, specific and emotional shots, and cinematic voiceovers. I’m most proud of my films because they were made with not much money but the love, care, and intention of my community of creatives, friends, family, and people who believed in the stories we were telling. I hope that I’m known for creating safe, fun, and loving sets where people feel they can show themselves in their truest form!
I think what sets me apart from others is my sheer desire to go for it! When I have an idea, I marinate with it and then find creative ways to make it happen. I don’t feel the need to wait for permission or external decision-makers. I simply just do it. And if it fails (which happens!) I learned so much, and that fact, weirdly enough, gives me more confidence to try again because the worst has happened, and it wasn’t so bad!
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
First, check out my website imanigraceking.com, and see if any of my work connects with you, if it does you can email me or DM me on Instagram (igk@imanigraceking.com, or @imanigraceking), and let’s have a conversation of how we can support each other in creating art. I really just want to connect with as many creatives as possible and hear your story!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imanigraceking.com
- Instagram: @imanigraceking
Image Credits
Kathlyn Almeida, Mike Moloney, and Jordan McNeill
