We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaneisha Whipple and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaneisha, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was little whenever I was asked the question, what do you want to be when you grow up, the answer was always an actress. I was a drama student all the way up until high school, when I switched to information technology so I could have a backup plan in case acting didn’t work out (not to mention trying to get your name known in the entertainment industry can be expensive!). That answer has never changed and I still have that passion for acting, however after years of being an extra and seeing that there were stories that I felt still weren’t being told I went back to school for an Entertainment degree so I could start my own entertainment company.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always pursued acting but being just 1 out of thousands it can get tough to stand out, especially when we’re still in a world where there’s lots of missing representation and beauty standards. It takes more than just talent to make a name for yourself in this industry and it can honestly sometimes get discouraging. After I received a casting call that I felt was degrading towards darker toned women, as the description asked for those who would be considered “field slaves” when describing the type of skin tone they wanted for the actresses, I went back to school to receive my Master’s in Entertainment Business. After I graduated, I took the knowledge that I gained and started my own entertainment company.

My entertainment company is named Depictions Entertainment LLC, also known as Depictions TV. Depictions prides itself on creating stories for the many underrepresented voices that aren’t normally told. Our goal of showing different cultures and groups in ways that aren’t stereotypes to bring full representation to the screen. We don’t just want to work with our stories, we also want to work with other creators to help their stories come to life as well.

The beginning months after I started Depictions was a little tough. I was having a creative block and I was having a hard time with time management to be able to keep up at my day job as a software developer and do what needed to be done to make my company successful. While learning time management juggling the two I decided to merge my two worlds together and write a story about an “A” class white hacker with a hidden identity who teams up with unexpected allies to solve a mystery. With the help of family and friends I was able to get a team together and get it filmed! Making a short film about coding encouraged me to create a technology division for Depictions where we hope to encourage more of the youth, to join web design and development.

Getting to the first step of filming my first short produced under my company involved many breakdowns, creative blocks and mistakes but with motivation, strength, and support my team and I were able to get it done. A big lesson was there will always be setbacks but never let it discourage you, the ending reward will always be worth it. Although the short is not finished yet I’m proud of the feedback I received and am grateful I was able to receive a taste of what I hope to be my future! I have a long way to go but it’s just the beginning!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami offers so much! I enjoy people who are all about a good time, even when things are going wrong, but still know when it’s time to relax!! I have many different interests and my friends do as well. I would take them to visit the many exhibits we offer. We could visit the zoo on Monday, the Miami Seaquarium on Tuesday, and the Butterfly Garden on Wednesday. Depending on the time of year I would definitely take my friends to the Miami-Dade Country fair or Santa’s Enchanted Forest if they are open at the time of their visit! Can’t let your friends come without taking them to Sawgrass Or Aventura mall! We could pick up some outfits for brunch at the Velvet lounge or Tap42 or for when I take them to the one and only South Beach! Where there are plenty of restaurants and night life. I also could not let them come without taking them to Wynwood Arts District for food, night and day life and the Hard Rock casino is a must!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends are my backbone & biggest supporters. Without them I would not have the strength to keep pushing forward.

Website: https://www.kaneishawhipple.com/

Instagram: @kaneisha.whipple

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaneishawhipple

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Kaneisha-Whipple-323800628350872/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MinnieNeisha

Other: My entertainment company’s website: https://www.depictions.tv/ Depictions IG: https://www.instagram.com/depictions.tv/

Image Credits
Coders cast includes (from left to right) Javier Lopez, Darshaun McGuire, Evan Fineout, Anika Ahmed, Olivia Ver Steegh, Ameerah Murray and Kiara Rashawn.

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