Shaneika Johnson-Simms co-runs a film and tv production company called Asare Simms focusing on coming-of-age stories with a narrative realism edge
Doll Factory feature film poster
I co-run a film and tv production company called Asare Simms and we focus on coming-of-age stories with a narrative realism edge. I work as a screenwriter, director and producer which includes ensuring all ideas are ready for production. We’ve also worked with brands to create narrative films for social media.
The reason behind creating a business was to have more control over who I worked with, the work I created and how involved I can be. The joy of working within a production company is the problem solving and being at the forefront of the company gives me an all-access pass to learning on the job and giving me the chance to truly collaborate with some great creatives and business owners. I knew I wanted to look back at my portfolio of films and I know my essences were woven into them instead of just fulfilling other peoples visions.
WEBSITE: asaresimms.com
IG: @asaresimms.inc & PERSONAL IG: @shaneikajsimms
I stay motivated by… relying on discipline rather than inspiration.
Three adjectives that describe me are… determined, hard-working and resourceful.
If I could have dinner with one person it would be… John Hughes because I truly enjoyed his films and focus on character drama and humour. His films made my thought of being a filmmaker a reality.
The most exciting innovation to me is… the Internet
Do you have a fixed work routine? Is it important to have one? Any tips for our readers?
I used to try and follow a really strict, hour by hour schedule but that never worked out for me. I just try and work for at least 4 hours a day uninterrupted (on non-shoot days) as I feel working longer and make you unproductive. I believe 4 hours of purposeful work is better than 9 hours of social media tab hopping mixed with work.
What are your short/long term goals?
Short term I’m preparing for the release of my debut feature film, Doll Factory, which we made independently that will be out on Amazon Prime! Long term, I just wanted to be able to create more film, tv and explore other forms of narratives.
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
I’ve not had a holiday in 6 years! I’ve given a lot of my headspace to my work by reading more self-help books, taking classes on business and marketing, just essentially learning more to give me the upper hand in the business world. I invested a lot of my own capital into the business which meant I didn’t do things that the average person my age was doing (saving for a mortgage etc) but I knew, in the end, it would be worth it. All in all, I try not to compare myself or my life situation to others as I know I’m on a different path with no manual or life jacket.
How far are you willing to go to succeed?
Life is a journey and I’m open to working until my last moment on Earth. I’m in no rush to reach certain milestones as I feel you often miss out on the moments that you should truly cherish. As of now, I work on an hour to hour basis. As long as I’ve had a good day filled with laughter and some work I feel complete. I spent a lot of my early years worrying and setting high standards for myself that it stunted my growth and left me very fragile and afraid to even attempt due to failing. So now I’ve let that all go and I’ve never felt happier.
If you were a book, which one would it be and why?
I’d be a spiral dotted notebook to give the buyer the chance to fill the book up with their own thoughts and scribbles. I feel we all know what we need to do, what is wrong and what is right, so a book with space to express yourself is what I’d be!