Meet Jennifer Sands | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Sands and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started Gayborhood Dallas, I was tired of the rat race of Corporate America. After getting fired from my last job, I decided to write a Web Series about the experience. I came to the conclusion that if I’m going to get fired, it’s going to be me firing myself. My mindset is simple. My business will not succeed if I don’t work hard enough and grow as a business woman. I’m finally at a point to where I’m confident in my storytelling and confident in making better decisions for the business. I’m eager to see what the future holds.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hmm, what set’s me apart? I’m Black, Female, Lesbian, and sometimes mistaken as a line backer. JK. If we are referring to my work, my writing, I feel like my stories are original. The premise is original. When I write anything, I research to see if the story has been told before. If it has, I let Hollywood rewrite it because I don’t have the budget. I love to take my audience on an emotional roller coster if it’s a drama, or make them laugh unexpectedly if it’s a comedy. I take pride in my scripts because I put a lot of time and effort into making sure the story is memorable. While writing and filming Gayborhood Dallas Season 1, I went through many obstacles. Too many to type in this interview. We starting this project with no budget, no plan, just lights, a camera, and starter audio equipment. We expected turbulence. We were blessed to get the response the show received. As a writer, I did not have an agent, or any funds to pay someone else to film it. We learned so much during the process and the quality of the show got better with time. The one thing I would like the world to know about Gayborhood Dallas story is, “Not Everything is Gay in Gayborhood.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to ALT, I would take him to get food at his favorite restaurant cause he love to eat. Honestly, we would probably work all day, read and research.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to God, My Lord and Savior, #1 in everything I do. I would also like to give a shout out to several Mentors. Starting with my Mentors, Dr, White, Dallas, Texas, and also Malcolm X Johnson, Dallas, Texas. These two men push me to be a better filmmaker and creator. They assist when I have questions about anything. Malcolm don’t mind telling me the real in a Black Magic Design RAW form, but its needed and I appreciate it. My parents, Bopete and BeBe. They have always supported me and that’s why I’m in the position I’m in today. Cant forget my sisters and brothers. They shaped me gracefully and harshly at times, lol. Shout out to my second half, my partner, CrisDee, who has motivated me from Day 1 to be a better creator but more importantly a better person. She has been with me through the bad times and the good times and I will forever appreciate her support. My best friend Mario, words can’t express how much I appreciate having a friend like you. Can’t forget my Guy Ernest Wilson. We love to tell stories and I’m lucky to have a talented creative and friend that will one day be famous, lol. We have some great projects to share with the world. My brother Juice, the Juice to the Jen, Director of Gayborhood Dallas. I couldn’t have done it without you. Shout out to the CAST AND CREW. You guys made it look easy. I also want to give a shout out to ALL the Black Creators and storytellers. The world is experiencing our perspective now. Shout out to Issa Rae, who opened a door for black women like me to dream. Shout out to Lena Waithe for being who she is no matter what and still putting out dope content. I love Black Cinema so I believe every filmmaker before me deserves credit. And if there was a book I would give a shout out to, it would be…. The Power of Broke Daymond John, another African American entrepreneur.

Website: www.gayborhooddallas.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gayborhooddallaswebseries

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRqUn5srMsnoT2sMboY6Vig

Other: www.gayborhooddallas.com