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Vanna James

@vannadoesitwrite

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Always writing a script. #BECREATIVE ♾️ Writer. Director. Producer. 📍LA
Twitter: Vannadoesitrite

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Maurice Hall Produces 'The Seed' With Vanna James Making Her Directorial Debut – A Story Of Faith, Family, And Second Chances

Production is officially underway on The Seed, a powerful new faith-based drama produced by former Ohio State football standout Maurice Hall (#WorstChristmasEver, A Heart for Christmas) and marking the feature directorial debut of Vanna James.

The start of production comes at a pivotal moment for independent filmmaking in Los Angeles. As the Los Angeles Times reported this week, L.A. County Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Kathryn Barger are developing an Entertainment Evergreen Fund, a proposed grant program designed to support low-budget productions that fall below the $1 million threshold for California’s state tax incentives. The initiative comes in response to filmmakers like Sylvia Ray, who recently shot her debut feature in Mexico after finding Los Angeles financially out of reach.

“This story deserves to be told in the city where dreams are made and second chances happen,” said Hall, who also stars in the film alongside New York Giants players Jameis Winston and Eric Gray. “But I know firsthand how tough it is for indie filmmakers to make the numbers work here. If the Entertainment Evergreen Fund becomes a reality, it could keep so many authentic, diverse stories from leaving California. That’s a win for everyone.”

Making her feature directorial debut, Vanna James brings a fresh and passionate vision to this deeply personal narrative.

“Directing The Seed as my first feature is both an honor and a responsibility. This isn’t just a film—it’s a testament to the power of redemption and the strength of family. I’m grateful to Maurice for trusting me to help bring this true story to the screen.”

Based on a true story and rooted in faith, The Seed follows Reuben Hall, a man from the Memphis projects who fought to break the cycle of addiction, adultery, and brokenness that defined his father’s life. Despite every effort to change, he repeatedly found himself falling back into the same patterns—until he discovered that the only one who could deliver him from himself was the One who made him.

FULL STORY on BlkScript.com

#theblkscript by @vannadoesitwrite

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2 months ago

I’m in a season of overflow so I’m speechless about a lot of the beautiful amazing things coming my way. 🫶🏿🤎🫶🏿🤎Because I was so tapped in working it never registered to me whyyyy la times was on set until I seen this! It’s important indie filmmaking continues to push and never give up! The passion for filmmaking on this set is unmatched and every department is working in such a selfless manner to make this vision come alive. This project @theseed_movie is very personal to @mauricemohall and we all hope to make you happy. taken in Los Angeles, California by @vannadoesitwrite

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2 months ago

I had to step outside myself for a moment because God’s assist game is crazy!
I’m not going to sit here and act like I’ve had a Variety post before because I have not! Vanna J. James is taken back! I prayed to God for moments like this. 🫶🏿✨
And it’s really what’s behind it all. The experiences are invaluable. I’m creating with very talented people who are bringing stories to life that resonate with the culture. Building with black women is a dream that constantly comes true for me💜

I lived #thememo for a long time. Before I went 100% with the entertainment industry I was working in corporate america where most times no one looked like me and I had to deal with many things that would make anyone go crazy! The final straw came when I was put in a situation that would compromise my integrity and to persuade me the phrase used was
“work smarter not harder Vanna”.
I said BET and never looked back. So to Direct a project with a story so close to home was special.

So thankful for @mindaharts writing her story in the book #thememo and @valeisha & @aseedlife seeing the need to highlight this in a cinematic way. Gratitude is high for the opportunity to lead this project with @kylapratt @tiffanyblackness @jarrenmichelefahey ✨

The whole cast and crew we did amazing. The hard work never goes unseen from me.

My core 4 on set !
@screenwriteher_ The Ultimate Generator 👑👑 The Writer & Producer👑👑 👩🏾‍🍳 creating with you is so joyful! I love the creative bond we have and I’m a fan! I’d wave the Nakia flag all day for whatever you do!

@samshotit.rentals 🍾another one on the screen ! 📺🎥 I appreciate all the hard work you do to create the picture!

@theeamateurexpert such a vessel on set and for me. You were there every time I needed you and you are the perfect example of what leadership looks like. The champion talks kept me in check and I needed that. ✨🫶🏿

@shanayjc you kill as a producer but most importantly you do your job of igniting superpowers in people. You keep me in-tune with my spirit. You tell me to trust myself which makes me superhuman on set and in life and that is the best gift. 🫶🏿

Happy you all are excited for #TheMemo! ✨😁#TMC by @vannadoesitwrite

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2 years ago

A friend asked me what’s bringing me joy right now and my response was “taking a nap”! It’s been a very exciting but hard working 5 months. Grateful for the back to back work but it was kinda insane! I went from 1sting one feature to 1sting and Directing another feature film….Then I moved into my new home all while balancing a very time consuming 9-5 job throughout it all. I’m so grateful for the people that lended whatever I needed in my moments of fatigue. And the laughs 🤎 It feels good to be recognized for all my hard work🤎 The best thing about it all is that I got to experience this season with people I love and I witnessed myself be magical cause WTH was all that!!! 🤎😁✌🏿✨TMC by @vannadoesitwrite

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13 days ago

✨🎥✨🎥✨🎥 7.24 HAUNTED HEIST !! Very excited to be apart of this project!! I got to work with some great people and it was a spectacular experience! Grateful for the call from Rel to be his 1st AD. Can’t wait for you all to see it! HAUNTED HEIST in theaters July 24th! 🎥✨🎥✨🎬 by @vannadoesitwrite

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4 months ago

🎙️ Episode 5 featuring @itsgwendolyn drops this Wednesday, May 13th!

This week, we sit down with one of our favorite multi-hyphenates — Actor, Host, and Wellness Influencer Gwendolyn Osborne. We talk wellness, career, motherhood, and what it looks like to keep evolving through different seasons of life. It’s a grounded conversation full of honesty, laughter, perspective, and stories that had us cracking up. You don’t want to miss this one.

🎧 Available on iHeart, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & YouTube

🎞️✂️: @sianitheeditor

#AuntieCousinPod #BlackPodcasts #CultureConversations #Community #Wellness taken in Los Angeles, California by @vannadoesitwrite

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5 months ago

🎙️ Episode 4 ft @madmcferrin drops this Wednesday, May 6th!

This episode, we sat down with one of our favorite singer/songwriters, Madison McFerrin, and she brings her soulful artistry and thoughtful perspective to a conversation about meeting the love of her life, her creative process, and her passion for cooking. Let’s just say a good time was had 🤣

🎧 Available on iHeart, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & YouTube

🎞️✂️ @sianitheeditor

#auntiecousinpod #madisonmcferrin #music #love #realtalk by @vannadoesitwrite

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5 months ago

🎙️ Episode 3 ft @mplair drops this Wednesday, April 15th!

We sat down with one of our favorite therapists, Melissa Plair and let’s just say… she read us DOWN 😂

We’re getting into self-awareness, what therapy should be (and what it’s not), and the importance of having real support. And of course, we laughed the whole way through — because life is serious, but we don’t always have to be.

If you’ve been needing a reset, a perspective shift, or just a good laugh… this one’s for you. Turn those notifications on so you don’t miss it!

🎧 Available on iHeart, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & YouTube

🎞️✂️ @sianitheeditor

#auntiecousin #podcast #therapy #mentalhealth #realconversations by @vannadoesitwrite

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6 months ago

@clikamovie is in the TOP 10 on @netflix right now! LET’s GO! 🙏🍿🔥 taken in Los Angeles, California by @vannadoesitwrite

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7 months ago

The first challenge of the year was to “go for it” and I went for everything I wanted! I said YES to a lot of things! I took leaps with my self-confidence. Experienced new adventures solo for the 1st time. Took the jump to showcase my gift as a writer. I participated in Ramadan and that made my prayer and communication with God stronger. A couple risk did get my heart cracked ❤️‍🩹 but character development, self-worth and a good 4am ChatGPT convo came out of it. 💜 I lead with love the best I could. I hope I was a good teammate for my family and friends. Now let’s see what happens next! ✨ by @vannadoesitwrite

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7 months ago

🎙️ Auntie Cousin is HERE and we are SO ready for y’all! Episode 1 ft. @briasamone drops this Wednesday, April 1st but the real question is…are YOU ready? ☕✨

This episode we’re tapping into owning your path, claiming your spotlight, and what it means to carry legacy after loss. 🖤

Sit down, sip on something, and come get all the way into the group chat because this one is not to be missed. We’ll see y’all there! 🫶🏽

🎧 Available on iHeart, Spotify, Amazon & YouTube.
Make sure to follow us on all platforms @auntiecousinpod & don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a thing! 🙌🏽

#subscribe #auntiecousin #podcast #supportblackwomen #ownership by @vannadoesitwrite

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7 months ago

Gang, Gang!

Just know—we couldn’t do what we do without them 💐
The girls that get it, get it. 🫡

@mxms
@vannadoesitwrite
@_whatsthetiff
@sianitheeditor
@noretteprettyman

#womensupportingwomen #newpodcastalert #culture #lifestyle #realconversations by @vannadoesitwrite

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7 months ago