Interview with Carla Alleyne

Carla Debbie Alleyne is a talented screenwriter and director. She wrote the original draft for the movie Honey, which was released in 2003 by Universal Studios. She also directed and produced a public access show called Keep It Real where she conducted the first interview ever with NOTORIOUS B.I.G. I had the pleasure of meeting her at Oral Roberts University. We became friends and she was able to tell me several things about the industry during our time together. These are the interview questions that I emailed to her and her responses.

1. Who are some of the most prominent people that you’ve worked with, and what was your position when working with them?

Debbie Allen, Damon Dash/JZ and Jermaine Dupree.  I worked for them as a screenwriter.

2. What are some of the challenges to being a director and/or scriptwriter?

You have to continually encourage yourself through rejection.... and keep pressing because it is a process.

3. What other advice would you give to aspiring directors/scriptwriters?

Don't stop training and practicing your craft daily.  You will get better and better, until you are great!

4. What are some steps that I should take professionally in order to become a successful director? How should I begin my climb to the top?

Find people you like to work with.  Build a team.  Be a loyal team member.  Learn how to serve each other.  Eliminate competition and jealousy.  Work on projects that will touch the world.

5. What are you doing now in the industry?

I am still writing screenplays.

6. Anything else you would like to add…

Never, ever, ever, ever, give up.... William Churchill

Those who are new to the film industry, especially screenwriters, can learn a lot from Carla. Although she has been successful through her own hard work, she knows the importance of teamwork. Production is always a team effort; No one can complete any type of professional film production alone. Therefore, it is imperative that you surround yourself with people you enjoy being around and that you work well with.