By: The Don
Chelsea “Shalah” Scruggs is an independent director and screenwriter who stumbled into the film world. From taking screenwriting in high school to writing her upcoming series Kindred, Chelsea is an example of how the film world chose her. Originally from Philly, Chelsea tells us how there is no adversity strong enough to stop her from achieving her film dreams.
Interview
1) What’s your name and how long have you been in the entertainment industry?
My name is Chelsea Scruggs but I would prefer to go by Shalah. I started filmmaking about 10 years ago, but I’ve been working professionally about two.
2) What do you do within the industry?
I’m pretty much a jack of all trades, but I identify as a screenwriter.
3) What drove you into Screenwriting?
As a child, I always used to come up with different narratives and storylines to my favorite shows, in addition to making up my own stories. It kinda just stuck with me.
4) Very Creative! How many scripts have you written so far?
I have about fifteen completed scripts varying in both short and feature-length, as well as dozens of incompleted scripts and concepts. My mind is constantly making up new stories and characters and my hand can’t keep up with them all.
5) Did you go to school to study film/screenwriting?
I studied film in high school and college where I was forced to take screenwriting as a course. It was definitely my favorite class.
6) What other roles have you worked in film?
I’m also a director. My first directing experience was for my series KINDRED which will release in 2020.
7) What is your series Kindred about?
Kindred is a drama-comedy series following the lives of six friends in their late 20’s, as they try to figure out this journey called life. I like to say it’s a millennial version of Friends.
8) Nice, did you also write Kindred?
But yes! I am the writer, co-creator, and co-director for Kindred.
9) Do you have an inspiration that you look up to within the industry?
I can’t say I have an inspiration that I look up to within the film industry, however I do admire certain filmmakers creative styles. I love Barry Jenkins and how he poetically tells his stories through imagery and colors. Ava Duvernay of course, she has more of a militant style of filmmaking. Steven Spielberg, who I believe is ahead of his time with the stories he create.. I’m a fan of the craft.
10) What’s the hardest part of your journey so far?
The hardest part is being an independent filmmaker and funding my projects out of pocket.
11) What other types of adversities have you faced?
The biggest adversity I’ve faced is just balancing it all..working full time, multiple projects, preparing for graduate school while still trying to have a social life! It’s a challenge but I love it all!
12) What’s it like being a woman in the industry?
Being a woman in this industry isn’t a big of a challenge for me personally. I’m the only girl to male siblings, so that prepared me for it I guess. I’m used to being the only female voice, so I’m able to make my voice heard. I haven’t ran into any challenges as of yet being a woman in this industry.
13) What are your favorite movies/tv-shows?
My favorite shows are currently Insecure, Cosby Show, and Atlanta. I have many, but those are my consistent watches.
14) Do you have a favorite genre?
That’s a hard question, I can appreciate all genres especially if the story is told right. If I had to choose, it would be drama/action.
15) Do you see yourself changing fields to a different type of career?
The only occupation I see myself doing outside of filmmaking would be teaching film.
16) Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself being a beacon for my community. I want to recreate the narrative of how we see ourselves to hopefully bring forth changes in our behavior. Hopefully in 10 years, I’ll have my own theater and successfully running my production company here in Philly.
17) Are you originally from Philly?
Yes, born and raised in Philly.
18) Have you shot in Philly?
All of my productions have been in Philly, but in the new year, I plan on stepping out and building with creatives from different parts of the country.
19) What advice do you have for others who want to enter the industry?
My advice to someone who wants to enter this industry is never giving up. Keep pushing and striving for your dreams at all cost no matter how long it takes.
20) What’s your lifetime goal that you want to achieve within the industry?
My lifetime goal is to be one of the greatest independent filmmaker to ever bless the screen. I want to be written in the books with James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, etc. in terms of artistry. I’m an artist before anything.
