I have met many highly creative, motivated, and focused entrepreneurs these past few months, and many I’ve met in Facebook groups that share common interests. I met Vera Brooks in a group focused on heart-centered female entrepreneurs. Vera posted a beautiful eye catching image promoting “Vaccine Vignettes” a narrative anthology podcast written by 4 women screenwriters. I highly encourage you to take a listen! It’s like an old time radio drama – beautiful, engaging, and oh so relevant. https://vaccinevignettes.com/
Vera started her own production company Roatan Film Production in 2002. From her website: “The mission of Roatan Film Production is to produce intelligent, entertaining films – both narrative and documentaries. The projects will be filmed in Chicago for the big and small screen.”
When did you start your business, and why did you create it?
I started Roatan Film Production in 2002 after taking a screenwriting class and deciding that I didn’t want my stories to stay on the pages.
What do you feel makes your audience special?
Anyone that watches or listens to your projects is special, because they took the time to hear what I had to say.
Did you create your own website or hire it out?
I have two websites a personal one that I created– and I hired someone to create one for my podcast, “Vaccine Vignettes” which is hosted on WordPress.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting their own business?
Stay focused and stay productive. If you continue to create content, your skills will grow and you’ll have a body of work, which will show potential collaborators and investors what you can do.
If you could go back in time and do something differently, what would you do and why?
I would have learned how to write screenplays in grade or high school. Since we all watch films, I think that form of writing should be introduced, just like we learn how to write compositions, poetry, etc.
Is this your only job? Did you launch your business while working another job?
I continue to work in Corporate America. As an independent filmmaker, a full-time job is necessary to fund my projects.
How do you promote your site?
With Facebook ads, Instagram and Twitter.
Who are your favorite bloggers or podcasts right now?
I enjoy “The Michelle Obama Podcast”, “No Film School” and “Indie Film Hustle”.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Check out our anthology podcast, “Vaccine Vignettes” on SoundCloud. It’s an anthology podcast written by 4 women screenwriters– fictional responses and experiences that take place after Covid-19 vaccines are distributed. The stories are of various genres (comedy, drama, sci-fi/thriller and dystopian) being released once a month through November.
Visit www.vaccinevignettes.com for more info about the project.
