Daily Inspiration: Meet Kaitlyn E.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn E.

Hi Kaitlyn E., we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. From short stories to my fifth-grade class’s graduation song, I have always loved to create. I wrote my first film series in high school, where I formatted permit requests for the staff, held auditions, and filmed almost every day after school. I’ll never forget the look on my classmates’ faces when they would ask what class the series was for, and I’d respond, “None.” Looking back, I realize I was wrong. Even though it wasn’t for a class, those foundational days—filming with an iPhone 7 and editing on iMovie—taught me that I’d do whatever it takes to provide a voice for experiences untold.

I now run an all-Black, female-led nonprofit production company called Eli Productions (an ode to my great-grandmother Elizabeth), where a story lived is a story told.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During my senior year, I auditioned for UNCG’s BA in Drama with a focus in acting. I was accepted and began to further my passion for theatre through my education. This all came crashing down when my mother was set to receive a heart transplant during my junior year. The thought of losing her broke me and ultimately sent me through mental turmoil. I dropped out, and for the first time in years, I stopped writing.

Though she successfully made it through the surgery, her health continued to fluctuate and decline. It challenged my perception of death, grief, and purpose. It took prayer and the support of my community to remind me to live through my destiny rather than be afraid of my reality. I now use those heavy emotions to pour into my art in an effort to reach others who have experienced something similar.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I write poetry, spoken word, film series, and movies. I also direct and produce all of my own projects. What sets me apart from other creatives is that I’ve found a way to format a lane where I can combine all of those things into one. I am also the type of writer/director who leaves the title of protagonist and antagonist completely up to the audience. The “villain” in the story is entirely dependent on the audience member’s personal beliefs, experiences, and moral compass.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned thus far is to be comfortable with adjusting. Since all of my projects are either self-funded or funded through fundraising, last-minute problems or discrepancies are bound to arise. Whether it’s an actor backing out at the last minute or a prop not arriving on time, you have to be willing to roll with the punches. In this field, there is no Plan A without a Plan B.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliproductionsco?igsh=MjRjYTNhaXAwaGR2&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@eliproductions01?si=mQFhw7ZZXPDXm1O9