Conversations with Chazitear

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chazitear.

Hi Chazitear, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Augusta, GA, and migrated to the West Coast in 2020 after spending a little over a decade in Atlanta, GA. I was raised in the south alongside my little brother by a single mother, a super businesswoman. My mother taught my brother and me always to dream big, but not only dream it–know that you can accomplish whatever you can imagine. Since being in the West, I have found more opportunities for this little southern girl. I have been in the entertainment industry for–at this point, it feels weird to say, but half of my life. I started out doing theatre in my hometown and then made my way to a web series. From there on, I wanted to perfect the craft, so I spent a lot of time in Atlanta studying acting until I decided to make it my home. Shortly after moving to the city, I became a regular student at what was known then as The Greenroom–studying with some of my culture’s comedic treasures. Even though I’ve always loved writing, I allowed acting to get me into the door. And man did it! On my first project, I was asked if I knew how to write and then allowed to write a filmed stageplay. Just before filming, I received a call telling me that my filmed stageplay would be turned into a made-for-tv film. To be 25 years old, that moment was pretty life-changing.

After that, I produced unscripted television for a few networks while hoping to one day make it big as a writer. I kept writing, which landed me other opportunities in the scripted world of film. It was a journey of hope and dreams, filled with constant moments of regret and the feeling of wanting to give up. This year became the year that I had hoped for and, to be honest, one that I was starting to feel would never happen. Based on a relationship I developed with Nikki Love of ALLBLK from a BETher film I lead a department of, I was pitched to write and direct AMC’s “Hush,” which premieres on ALLBLK this December. From that opportunity, I was linked to whom I believe are my angels on earth, Bree and Chuck West of OCTET Productions. Since meeting them, I have co-written two films with the best writing partner a girl could dream of, Bree West. Also, I joined OCTET as the Director of Development, overseeing projects submitted to the company and co-producing projects alongside the dynamic duo. In less than a year, these two have changed the trajectory of my life and career forever–giving me more than I could have ever imagined. I’m just a girl from Georgia with dreams oceans deep, and I plan on diving into each one of them. I have to, it’s mommy’s order.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I didn’t understand how actual the “starving artist” title was until I decided to go full throttle with my career. The difference was that I couldn’t be a starving artist because I had a little one who depended on me. If I were a single person, I probably would’ve made it a long time ago–I would’ve taken that trip to LA with my clothes in a trash bag and truly hugged it out until I broke in, but I couldn’t do that. So, instead, I had to serve tables, drive rideshare, deliver Amazon, gig at insta-cart, manage restaurants, manage events, bartend, and more, all the while, writing, independently producing my own, being an executive assistant, a production assistant, and more while I juggled motherhood. I chose very intently to have my daughter, and I knew that it would change my life in a way that I couldn’t imagine, but I didn’t know that it would give me strength. I always felt guilty when I had to leave my daughter for temporary work, but I knew that, ultimately, I was doing this so that she would never have to do that.

While doing all this, I was in Atlanta trying to make my dreams come true and watching those around me “make it” because they had the time I felt I lacked. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, it was just how the cards fell, and I feel that’s why I was never jealous. I hoped my time would eventually come, and until it did, I kept going. Things never got ‘better’ during the journey–there were just new issues that would arise. I’d think–“finally, I’m here,” just to be reminded that I still have to go through x, y, and z to get there. God constantly reminded me that I never had to do anything alone, though. I was given just the right amount of love–self-love, a mother’s love, a brother’s love, and genuine friends that believe in me almost more than I believe in myself. Just before I ‘broke in,’ I say that lightly because I’m still JUST getting started, but I wanted to quit. That week of the “Hush” call, I said out loud that I was done. I couldn’t keep waiting around. I wanted to get a regular job to support my daughter, and the rest would be history.

But, God.

The road is only smooth if it’s new, keep driving on it long enough, and you’ll find a bump. Now, I embrace the bumps. I keep my seatbelt on because I know the rules–I know how this goes. If you expect it, you can get through it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a creative [artist hypenate]. I do so much that I have a hard time listing everything.

Mostly, you’ll know me for writing, directing, and producing. I am also a singer-songwriter, rapper, and music producer. I am a part of a music sibling duo with my better half–Quazilaon called Cam’s Kids. Our second single, “Ratchet,” just hit streaming, and we are super excited about the full rolling out on it to come in early 2023.

How do you define success?
Success is achieving a goal that you set for yourself. It can be a little goal like not eating sweets or something as big as directing a film. We are all successful in our own right as long as we keep reaching the goals we set for ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chazitear.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chazitear
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chazitear

Image Credits
@PhotosbyJamaal