The Download: Making Holiday Movie Magic

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Tuesday, December 20th at 7:30 PM ET, join us for the last edition of The Download for 2022!
We've invited a few incredible guests - from actor to directors - to take a seat at the virtual table to discuss making the holiday movie!

Meet Our Moderator
Ariel E. Driskell is an American author, screenwriter, and producer based in Atlanta, GA. As a master storyteller (think Yoda + Issa Rae) she uses words to heal people. Originally from Florida, Ariel attended and graduated from Florida A&M University. Her degree in Psychology empowers her to create diverse and relatable characters that capture the hearts of audiences all over the world. In 2013, Ariel published her first book, “A Life Less Interrupted,” and started her film career in 2017. Since then, she has focused on writing and producing films for networks such as BET. Ariel’s network debut project, “Thin Like Me,” which was directed by veteran actress, Meagan Good, was released in July of 2022. And her highly anticipated holiday film, “The First Noelle,” is currently streaming on BET+.”

Meet Our Panelists
Terri J. Vaughn first stole America’s heart with her comical portrayal of the lovable Lovita Alizay Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show. Terri currently stars on the upcoming seasons of Ava DuVernay’s Cherish The Day, BET’s First Wives Club and BounceTV’s Johnsons. Terri has been honored with three NAACP Image Awards for her work on The Steve Harvey Show.

As a director, Terri’s latest project, Unthinkably Good Things, filmed in Rome, Italy, is slatedto launch Crown Media’s Hallmark Mahogany brand in August 2022. She’s directed several Viacom movies, including the romantic comedy Angrily Ever After, the fun family classic ‘Twas the Chaos Before Christmas.

Kamel Goffin
Kamel Goffin, the Brooklyn, New York born and bred actor started his acting career training at the Lee Strasberg Acting and Film Institution. He continued his training at New York Film Academy where he was able to hone his skills on the craft he loves. Kamel has been in a number of independent projects before breaking through the door of the industry. You can see him mixing words with the great Forest Whitaker in the second season of Godfather of Harlem (Epix) as drug King pin Moses Temple. He also made an appearance in the series Atlanta (FX), Power (Starz) and Netflix’s Colin in Black and White to name a few. In addition to his episodic features, Kamel was also a part of BET’s feature film, The Business of Christmas 1 and 2, alongside industry veterans Daphne Maxwell Reid and Roger Guenveur Smith.

Kajuana Marie
At the tender age of 10, Kajuana Shuford Marie attended an open call for the Broadway hit musical The Lion King and modestly booked and originated the role of young Nala.

Although Marie’s career started on stage, in 1999 she transitioned into film, and immediately started working alongside veteran actors and directors such as Alfre Woodard, Michael Beach, Loretta Devine, Josh Mostel and Tyler Perry. In 2019 Kajuana co- wrote and executive produced the popular franchise series Terror Lake Drive streaming on AllBlk, her company K-Zone Entertainment has several pilots in development, and continues to create opportunities for writers and actors in the entertainment industry.

Mike Cooke
Michael Cooke is an award-winning director and cinematographer from Atlanta, Georgia. Michael's credits span from commercial work to narrative to documentary.

Michael's commitment to sharing stories with social relevance and meaning is evident in all that he masterminds. He is currently in post on a pilot presentation entitled Freeman Hospitality, which is a passion project he shot in his hometown of Albany, Georgia. Whether Michael is directing or shooting, his goal is to carefully craft images that will remain etched in viewers' minds for years to come.

The Download
Offered multiple times a year, The Download is a special virtual guest conversation series hosted by the Black TV & Film Collective. It features impactful filmmakers who provide insider knowledge to help Black creatives do their work.

#MakeYourWork
Join us at this edition of The Download and get the information and inspiration you need to #MakeYourWork! RSVP today!

Questions? Contact kelli@blacktvfilmcollective.org.
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