Highlighting the Profile of Latasha Mercer on Our Platform

Highlighting the Profile of Latasha Mercer on Our Platform

Fresh Perspective:

Meet Latasha Mercer, a dynamic storyteller making waves in the entertainment industry. Having recently uprooted from the East Coast to the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, Latasha is embarking on an exhilarating journey from a budding writer to a Netflix collaborator. Let's delve into her inspiring journey.

Hello, Latasha! We're thrilled to have you here.

Hey there! I'm excited to be here, and I can't wait to clear up any misconceptions about pronouncing "our website"!

So, what prompted the move to LA?

I made the move to LA for a writing residency created by the legendary storyteller, Mara Brock Akil, called The Writer's Colony. I'm also signed with Damn Write Originals, and I wanted to meet my friends off of Zoom in person!

Let's talk about Netflix's Creator Initiative. Can you fill us in on that?

Netflix has been striving to increase representation in the industry through their Netflix Fund For Creative Equity, which eventually led to the launch of the Netflix Created By Initiative. This groundbreaking program offers script development deals to 14 mid-level film and series writers!

And how did you get involved with it?

Netflix partnered with leading organizations including The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), Native American Media Alliance, and The Black TV and Film Collective, of which I am a part. Okema T. Moore, a member of the BTFC, invited me to submit my work to the initiative, and I was chosen!

Life's been a whirlwind since, right?

Well, it's a rollercoaster of stress and excitement! I'm at the cusp of transitioning from "aspiring" to "professional" while navigating an entirely new city and meeting a multitude of new faces!

Let's rewind a bit. In 2012, you created the impactful web series 'Sit Black and Relax.' How did you come up with the idea?

The series was birthed from my desire to transition from Entertainment Host to Storyteller. I wanted to represent the concerns of my community following the tragic death of Trayvon Martin due to racial injustice. This turn of events shook my interracial friendships, and I was no longer viewed as "Latasha," but as a Black woman, which was uncomfortable for those unwilling to discuss race. The journey depicted in Season 1 was about bridging the gap in an interracial friendship. Season 2 focuses more on the journey of adulthood for a young woman embarking on life independently.

Being a writer, producer, and director, it seems like you took on quite a load. Tell us about that process and how it molded you as a creator.

As an independent creator, you learn to juggle multiple roles to bring your project to life. Though you may find like-minded collaborators, ultimate responsibility rests with you. This experience has given me a wealth of perseverance and valued skill sets for venturing into diverse roles within the industry.

Our platform played a significant role in your creative journey. Can you shed some light on that?

Your platform was incredibly valuable during my journey. It provided me with professional-grade tools that met industry standards while remaining financially accessible. I used your platform for 'Sit Black and Relax' all the way to Netflix, and the quality of my work was never questioned.

What does the immediate and long-term future hold for you?

The immediate future involves a challenging, yet rewarding journey of working closely with The Writer's Colony, Damn Write Originals, and Netflix, while pitching my independent TV dramas and acquiring representation. In the long run, I envision myself as the force behind a universe of riveting drama series, while uplifting my community as I ascend.

Do you have any advice for aspiring creators looking to break into the industry?

If you can visualize it, it's already a reality. You've already achieved it. All that's left is to take small steps to reach your goal. And always remember to rest when you need. Your dreams will never abandon you. Cultivate your stories authentically, be kind to people, and remember not to rush your journey.

Lastly, is there a scriptwriting or production lesson you've learned over the years that you wish you knew before?

I learned the importance of mapping out the entire project before diving into production. This helps your team understand the end goal, and they can fill in any gaps to get you there. Before hiring or shooting: what is the final destination? Where is the show headed? YouTube, film festivals, digital streamer? And above all, always have contracts in place for all relationships.

Thanks for your time, Latasha. How can our readers support you on your journey and stay updated?

Exposure is vital in connecting with influential people. At the moment, connections with literary agents and managers would be incredibly beneficial. Keep up with my journey at www.justlatasha.com!

As Latasha Mercer's inspiring tale comes to an end, we're left inspired by her tenacity and her vision for a more inclusive future in the entertainment industry. We eagerly await her upcoming projects and can't wait to see how her stories continue to reshape the landscape of television drama. Follow Latasha's journey at www.justlatasha.com, and remember her insightful advice as you embark on your own creative journey.

Author

• Noel Moffatt Noel Moffatt, a Memorial University graduate from St. John's NL, now works as an SEO specialist for our website, helping aspiring creators transform their ideas into scripts.

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Enrichment Data:

Overall:

There is no specific information available about the "Netflix Created By Initiative" in the provided search results. However, Netflix is involved in several initiatives that support underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry:

Netflix Initiatives for Underrepresented Communities

1. Netflix Fund for Creative Equity
2. This fund is dedicated to creating new pathways for underrepresented communities within the entertainment industry. It focuses on increasing training and opportunities for people from historically underrepresented groups[1][5].
3. PEAK Writers Fellowship
4. Backed by Netflix, this fellowship supports emerging writers who create stories from a Pasifika perspective. It provides mentorship and resources to help participants secure their first staff writing roles in television[4].
5. Celebration of Women in Film
6. Netflix collaborates with organizations like AFAC to create opportunities for Arab women filmmakers, providing mentorship and showcasing their work[3].

These initiatives demonstrate Netflix's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, though they do not specifically mention a "Created By Initiative."

• In the middle of her exciting journey as a Netflix collaborator, Latasha Mercer is also focusing on her own self-development and career growth. She is finding valuable resources and opportunities in education and self-development programs in Los Angeles.
• As a creator, Latasha regularly finds entertainment in immersing herself in various lifestyle experiences that fuel her creativity and storytelling. She often visits museums, attends live performances, and engages in thought-provoking discussions with fellow creatives and industry professionals.

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