Meet Katana Malone | Filmmaker, Actress, Artist, & Writer

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

Hi Katana, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up, I was constantly moving with my family. My father was in the military, which meant never really getting to say goodbye to the friends I made and developing an attachment to the characters I met within a wide array of books.

As I got older, I found that I felt the most excitement and joy, as well as an escape, in writing, drawing, poetry, film/tv, and reading. My imagination thrived and I found myself writing stories, poetry, and music.

After a few years of trying to pursue music and feeling like I needed to “grow up,” I moved into the corporate realm. It wasn’t until a near death experience with the birth of my daughter that I reignited the flame that was my creative energy. I felt that I was given another chance and it was only right that I share the gift of my creativity with the world.

I began my acting career, wrote my first screenplay, and started writing music again about a year after the birth of my daughter. I’ve been acting for over a decade now and met a like-minded group of talented individuals to produce, write, & create amazing projects under Anpu Production.

In 2020, I started my publishing company, Melanated Scribes, to copyright my stories. I published my first books, children’s books, “Mommy’s Magic” & “Mommy’s Crystals” after the birth of my son in October of 2023.

So, to be honest, I guess I can truly credit my creative and artistic career to my children. They inspire me. I want to be an example to them, to truly pursue what you love. And I love to create.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others:

I consider myself an artist in every sense of the word. I act, write, draw, and sing. While I believe that I am a part of an industry with thousands of great artists, I think what sets me apart is that I believe I’m not only good at these different aspects of art, but I’m also savvy when it comes to the business side of it. I studied business, marketing, and accounting. I educated myself beyond the art. I’m also the actress who can pick up a boom mic, write and direct a scene, and then turn around and memorize the lines of a short film within a few hours.

What you are most proud of or excited about?

I’m proud of the fact that I’ve had the opportunity to check off many of my artistic goals and affirmations. It’s one of the things I love about Facebook memories. I’ve seen the posts that I made about wanting to be on the cover of a magazine, winning Best Actress, & publishing my first book… all of those things I’ve been able to accomplish. Now I’ll purposely create posts like, “I’m a NY Times Best Seller” or “I’m working with Denzel” just so I can see how long it takes to come true. I’m excited about publishing my first novel, directing, producing, & starring in my first horror film, working alongside Hollywood greats, releasing my first album, and paving the way for my children.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

I got where I am today, through persistence. I’m nowhere close to where I want to be yet. It took over a decade to get my first lead role. I went through constant moments of doubt within my acting career because of my body, or my complexion, or not knowing the right people. I think the greatest challenge was my own self esteem and self doubt. It hasn’t been easy. But I think now I’m driven more by my children than the desire to be “known” or “famous.” I care more about doing this because (1) I enjoy it and (2) because I want to do right by my children. I also came to the realization that I’m really good at what I do, even if it hasn’t yet been realized by the mainstream.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

– If no one gives you the opportunity, create it for yourself.
– If it doesn’t feel good to your soul, don’t do it.
– Art should be therapeutic. Whether it’s the stroke of a paintbrush or the tears you cry while in character. It’s all therapy.
– Your talent speaks for you. You may not fit the specs of the original casting but your audition could be so dope that you’re written in or the character is adjusted to you.
– Fine tune your passion. You can always learn more.
– Learn the financial part of this industry. Learn important terminology. Be around people you trust.
– Don’t let anyone talk you out of what you love.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I am an open book and pretty down to Earth. My brand is me. Who I am. And I am at the point in my life where I want to do more. I am passionate about mental health, children, & art. I’ve been an elementary, middle, and high school teacher for almost a decade. That’s one way I feel I am doing something bigger than myself. I also design diaries and journals to help people go inward. I wrote “His Flowers” for men to know how valued they are, something I’ve never seen. In June of 2024, I released a therapy journal for people to track the important details of their therapy sessions. Part of the proceeds will be donated to nonprofits that focus on mental health, such as Reach Within. I want to inspire people. Whether it’s a military brat who feels alone. A woman who thought she’d remain a victim. A mom who wonders how she will take care of her babies. An artist afraid to pursue their dreams. Someone will keep going because they followed my story or heard my words.

My art goes from film, tv, and an online store of tees and other apparel to writing music and books. And I’ll continue to dig into the creative parts of me that I find during my creative journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s tough. I am a fresh mom again, so my idea of going out has shifted quite a bit. The beauty of South Florida, though, means a wide array of culture. The food choices are vast, the weather is great, and when all else fails, there’s plenty of beach! For a week long trip, I’d recommend a trip to the west in Naples (the beaches are beautiful), seeing the Historic spaces in Miami, fishing in the Keys, and enjoying festivals & live music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to recognize my children (Azariyah and Neo), my mother (Maxine Depass), and my sisters (Cherrie, Nica, Mimi, Dania, and Danielle). I am motivated by wanting to create generational wealth and set a tone to take care of them all. I want to be able to give them each the financial support to take a year off and focus solely on something they’re passionate about.

I am grateful for the close friends who’ve stood by me, including Reyna, Erin, Charnelle, Dee, Will, & Oly, to name a few. For over a decade, they’ve pushed me when I didn’t have much in me.

I am grateful for being a part of the team at Anpu Production. I’ve learned so much & see filmmaking in a new light.

I am grateful for JR Poli, who not only saw in me what not many people saw, but became a great friend. Casting me in my first lead role, he gave me the drive I needed to keep pushing in acting after years of feeling like I’d never be more than background or a sub-character.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the people who helped me to find the part of me who needed to heal and turn that pain into art. I’ve become a stronger version of me & even those people were important in my becoming who I am today.

Website: https://KatanaMalone.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katanamalone

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katanamalone

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatanaMalone/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@katanamalone?si=7o_rpVCeYU1e7v52

Other: Store link: https://ikanbykatana.myshopify.com/

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