Sept 27

DRIVEN Is An Independent Production - Part 2

A great recipe calls for a variety of ingredients, and the same principle applies to producing a high-quality production like DRIVEN. This involved carefully blending the right cast, skilled videographers, suitable locations, and a supportive cast. Our goal was to engage all the senses in our storytelling.

TEAM

Our team was small but mighty! I handled producing and editing, Touch worked his artistry as our videographer and editor, and in Los Angeles, we had Aniya as our second camera. Touch and I have a solid history of collaboration (you can learn more about Touch in our previous blog post). As for Aniya, she came highly recommended by a trusted industry connection. One look at her reel, and it was a no-brainer – we jumped at the chance to work with her because she’s got serious talent.

LOCATIONS 

We embarked on a two-city journey for DRIVEN – Detroit and Los Angeles, each with its unique energy. Our mission? Not just to show you these cities but to make you feel them, maybe even recognize some familiar spots.

In Detroit, we took you inside the iconic Hot Sam’s, and in Los Angeles, we explored the Hot & Cool Café and Simply Wholesome. (For more on these fantastic locations, check out our previous blog post). Our lens also roamed the renowned Los Angeles wholesale fashion mart, a bustling hub where fashion retailers from around the world hunt for the latest trends. We even tried to film at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), but they kindly “kicked us out” (LOL).

Frank, Breann’s printer, graciously opened the doors to his workshop, revealing the creative process behind Ambition Is the New Pink’s t-shirts. And, also in Los Angeles, we got cozy in a private home, where Sunny hosted a home tour for a young, first-time homebuying couple. We had plans to shoot a scene at a newly remodeled home with Sunny and one of her former clients, but unfortunately, the homeowner was diagnosed with Covid-19 the day before our scheduled shoot. Life can throw curveballs, even in filmmaking!

SUPPORTING CAST 

In addition to our fantastic leading ladies – Breann Cook, Sunny Jones, Lauren Stovall, and Latricia Wilder – we were thrilled to have an incredible supporting cast join us on this journey.

Among our supporting cast members were Lauren's father and his business partner, who brought their unique charm and wisdom to the project. Breann's mother added her own special touch to the mix, and Sunny's clients were a delight to work with. We can't forget some of Latricia's dedicated employees who stepped up to participate.

Filming can be a lengthy and sometimes disruptive process, but we couldn't have asked for a more enthusiastic and supportive group of individuals. Every one of them was a true sport, embracing the challenges and enjoying the creative process. Their presence on set undeniably contributed to the distinct "flavor" of each episode, making our project all the more memorable and enjoyable.

We are so excited to share DRIVEN with you! 

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In the meantime, subscribe to the StartHER Weekly e-Journal for updates on when DRIVEN will be available for streaming. All new subscribers will receive a 10% discount on their DRIVEN screening pass. Click here to subscribe.