Full Name: Yvonne N. Pierre
Where were you born and raised? I was born and raised in Gary, Ind., and moved to metro Atlanta in 1998.
Zodiac Sign? I’m a Gemini.
Current Project? I’m pleased to share with you that I have written my first SAG film, Never Alone. It is a short drama about Cynthia Adams, a character who is in a dark place in her life. She soon meets a woman who changes not only the way she sees her circumstances, but how she sees herself. Cynthia later learns that this woman isn’t who she thought she was.
Never Alone is directed by Zoana Price, produced by Juan Campbell, and mentored by the amazing Tatyana Ali. This is one of the eleven films through the 11Eleven11 Project, created by Studio 11 Films. It’s executive produced by Sharon Tomlinson, Mel Jackson and Breyuna Williams.
What drew you to this project?
I saw the flyer posted on Facebook and was initially drawn to the idea of 11 writers, 11 producers and 11 directors coming together to produce 11 films. Then, after becoming a member of Women in Film and TV Atlanta (WIFTA), I saw that they were hosting a Q-and-A for 11Eleven11. I was interested in finding out more information but after a quick visit to Studio 11 Film’s website, I was already hooked. I saw the bigger picture and felt that this was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I’ve gained more from this project than I imagined. In addition to gaining more hands on experience, I’ve met some amazing instructors, writers, directors, producers, mentors, actors and crew members. The writing instructor, Rhonda Baraka, was the best ever! This has been a great experience that has taken my motivation to another level.
What do you hope viewers walk away with after seeing this project?
Let’s see. How should I say this without giving the film away? After watching Never Alone, I believe everyone will walk away with something different, but ultimately hope people walk away with a sense of hope and the peace of knowing that they’re never alone.
Who do you personally idolize in the industry?
Oh, wow! That’s a hard one because there are various people that I admire and respect in the film industry for different reasons. Will and Jada Smith for being well-rounded in acting and producing in TV and film; Spike Lee for not being afraid to produce controversial projects; Tyler Perry for focusing his projects around family and love. Also, Tyler Perry for directing and producing his own projects; M. Night Shyamalan for The Sixth Sense; George Lucas for Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars and Indiana Jones; and the list goes on. Just recently, I developed a new list including some amazingly talented people I’ve met through 11Eleven11 project.
Pop culture guilty pleasure?
Um, okay, I must admit that I’m addicted to watching Dexter on Showtime.
What’s on your music playlist?
I love music. I enjoy a range of songs– from India Arie, Kirk Franklin, Linkin Park, Beyoncé, Israel Houghton, Anthony David, Evanescence, Men of Standard, Taio Cruz, Tye Tribbett, Chris Brown, Coldplay, Rascal Flatts, B.O.B., LL [Cool J], Heavy D, Adele, John Legend, The Roots to Justin Bieber and the lists goes on.
MAC or PC?
Well, I have a PC, but I’d prefer a Mac.
Previous work?
Writer, director, producer of stage production for Then You Stand, which was held at 14th Street Playhouse
Casting assistant for Christopher Gray Casting, What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Script editor, Tracy Crews, Once Upon a Lonely Night, a feature film in pre-production
Assistant producer, Tracy Crews, NeoSoul TV Show on Atlanta’s channel 2
Script editor and production assistant, Glenifer Wade’s Extraordinary People on Atlanta’s channel 24, various projects
Author of The Day My Soul Cried, released June 2010
Radio host and producer of The Yvonne Pierre Show on Blogtalkradio, launched in 2007
Creator of various advocacy projects promoting Down Syndrome awareness — “HYH Online,” “HYH Rise Awards,” “Rise eMagazine,” from 2004 to the present
Three things you can’t live without?
God and my two sons – Zyair and Zyon
“I’ll never understand why…”
Some people cannot see how amazing life and God [are].
Favorite screen or commercial opportunities:
I am very passionate about developing projects that are entertaining and inspirational films [in] various genres. I have two documentaries that I plan to produce before this year ends. In the near future, I plan to write, produce and direct more films.
