Interview with Michigan-based film director/producer Isaih Shaw

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Isaih Shaw is a Michigan-based director/producer whose film, television and video career span nearly 18 years. An accomplished multifaceted professional, Shaw recently launched Pacific West Motion Pictures, an independent film production company.

Shaw was deeply immersed in the industry even as he was earning a certificate in Cinema and Television Production from Los Angeles City College (1999 to 2002) and later an Associates of Arts degree in Motion Pictures and Television from TV and Film Production, Academy of Art University, School of Motion Pictures and Television (2009 to 2015).

From 2000 to 2006, Shaw was Producer Assistant Director, directing studio personnel, equipment and schedules. During this time, he served as Associate Producer for the live talk show, “Video Platform Los Angeles, CA” on MediaOneTV. He excelled at producing segments, booking and researching guests and topics, scripting promos and options, and coordinating graphics.

By 2006, Shaw was ready to branch out as a Freelance Producer. He built on his growing body of experience by producing and directing Yoga TV Show, which involved managing the lighting and stage design as well as booking guests.

Shaw’s breadth of experience has now led him to launch Pacific West Motion Pictures, as the next natural step in his professional career, and a fulfillment of his desire to use film and TV to promote social and workplace equality.

The company aims to finance projects using crowdfunding and crowdsourcing. It also welcomes private investments, as well as equity investment with business associates for stability and sustainability.

Pacific West Motion Pictures’ premiere feature film is Histotech, a dark comedy-drama about gender discrimination in the workplace, with Shaw serving as director and producer.

When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?

I love being a filmmaker and that goes all the way back to going to the movies when I was a kid. Now as a producer and director I get to tell the stories some from experience some from the creative perspective as well. This has always been what I have a passion for.

To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?

As a film director, I grew up watching the greats like Brian de Palma, Michael Mann, Francis Ford Coppola, just to name a few. That’s when I know I wanted to be an artist and make an impact in the motion pictures industry.

On your upcoming project, how did you come up with the concept?

I had produced my first documentary Feature film and just won outstanding producer at the US Hollywood Intl Golden Film Awards (GFA) just this past December 13, 2019.

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What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?

I would say it’s all about the writing, coming up with that great script and getting the talent that you want to make the best film you know how to put together.

Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?

Right now, I feel I’m just getting started I will need to find my bearings but I will be ok.

What are your plans for the near future?

I will grind really hard and do whatever I can to keep my focus on the hard work I would like to put out there. Also, continue learning as much as I can during the meantime.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?

Ooh yeah, I like give a shout out to my home town homie Dre Howard who is also in the movie representing CHI-TOWN. Also, all my friend’s family back in my home town on the south side Chicago ILL and everywhere else.

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?

Don’t stop pursuing your passion you have to keep pushing forward to make it happen. Also, you may have to create your own way to your accomplishments at any and all costs. The most important thing if you believe in yourself go all out for it.

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