Jamie: Yanae Williams, tell us a little about your media production background.
Yanae: I have a solid background that’s continuously growing. I started at 17, pursued a B.A. in Film and Video Production, and graduated in 2021. Since then, I’ve worked as a contractor for studios, a local television station, and even started my own company. My experience in photography and videography, combined with working directly with clients, has naturally led me to pursue the role of a Producer.
Jamie: Amazing. Talk to me a little bit about your creative process. Tell me about the most important parts of the production process in your eyes.
Yanae: Preparation, preparedness, preparing. Preparation is key—being as detailed and thorough as possible. It’s crucial to have all necessary conversations early on to ensure the project runs smoothly. I also emphasize transparency, so the client gets to know me, and we build a strong working relationship from start to finish. To ensure we can work well together from beginning to end.
Jamie: That's fantastic. Preparation is a huge part, if not the most important part, of being a producer. What happens if you didn't have that preparation or a clear timeline in place?
Yanae: Well, you should be prepared to be caught off-guard. Yes, unexpected things will happen but when you're not prepared your outcome will be inadequate. Preparation is everything. Drawing from past experiences helps me anticipate what’s ahead. By knowing and listing everything in advance, I can break down the process and move forward without missing any critical pieces. It’s about covering all known elements so you’re better equipped to handle the unexpected.
Jamie: Absolutely. Do you think clients appreciate the preparation you put in place for a production?
Yanae: For sure, because this is not just for myself, I make sure to involve the client in the process. I want them to understand my thought process, so we can brain dump together and ensure nothing is overlooked. The approach is to bring a person along in your journey and that often leads to a more seamless process.
Jamie: I fully agree - along the way, you're learning a lot about your client and that will only help the process and project outcome!
Yanae: Exactly, clients come to you expecting a service, but often they don’t realize the amount of work involved. It’s like buying a bag of chips without knowing what goes into making it. By sharing the process with them, you build trust and appreciation. Now the client can say “I'm going to enjoy every single chip,” because not only does the end result taste good, they understand the effort involved, which often leads to a better outcome.
Jamie: A Producer's job can be stressful at times, and you're dealing with a multitude of people and moving parts. How do you zen out and regroup?
Yanae: Personally, I like to lighten the mood with humor. Even if no one else laughs, it helps me relax. I also find it helpful to take a brief break—a minute or two to breathe—before jumping back into the work. Our brains need those little pauses at times.
Jamie: Taking a beat to step away is key in my eyes and re-focus during stressful times. What about staying organized with so many moving parts? Organization might not be the most glamorous part of the production process, but it's hugely important. How do you stay organized?
Yanae: I’ve had to work on this a lot, as I wasn’t always the most organized. I rely heavily on brain dumps, writing everything down, and then organizing it with planners, spreadsheets, and reminders! It’s about finding a method that works for you, and for me, note-taking is essential.
…and sticky notes!
Jamie: Yes! Sticky notes, sticky notes, sticky notes. Awesome. I think that every producer should be well equipped with extensive notes, and to-do lists….everywhere. I think the majority of producers will say the same thing.
Jamie: So what does our tagline “Video with a higher purpose” mean to you?
Yanae: That tagline really resonated with me. As creatives, it’s not just about the fun and creativity; it’s about having a purpose behind what we create. Whether it’s helping someone launch their business or telling a powerful story, our work should have meaning and make an impact. That's what having a purpose is.
Jamie: Love that. Aside from your creative vision and your engaging with meaningful stories, do you have any, amazing, hidden talents that you want to share with us?
Yanae: I do. I actually have a couple of talents.
Yanae: I’ve been involved in the arts since I was a kid. I’m a vocalist and still sing today. I even collaborated on a song recently and might be working on another project soon. I also dabble in acting now and then.
Jamie: That's fantastic. I didn't know that about you. That's amazing and I cant wait to hear it!
Yanae: Thank you! It’s something I really enjoy.
Jamie: Lastly, what types of video projects are you excited to dive into with Flow Video?
Yanae: Well, with all of what Flow encompasses, I would really be excited to come across any form of documentaries—they’re my favorite form of film. I’m also excited about short-form content and exploring the animation side of things, even though I’m not an established animator myself. I’m eager to see what we can create together at Flow Video.
Jamie: Thanks for sharing, Yanae! We are excited to have you on the team!
