Writer and producer VeeVee, born Veetra King, is a native of North Carolina who began her infatuation with the arts at a young age. She grew up singing in church and everything changed in the fifth grade when her music teacher; thrilled with her singing voice, asked her if she wanted to be in a stage play. That one stage play turned into several, and she was featured in a variety of productions that culminated with her singing the lead in a tribute performance for the military troops returning home after Operation Desert Storm. Because of her love for music, she felt compelled to continue singing and taking up music courses until she graduated.
Once she finished her education, her dream of igniting the stage and screen remained in her heart but had to be set aside for a time to face the reality of needing to enter the workforce. In her adult career she started out working religiously as an extra on the TV show One Tree Hill and then on the pilot episode of Army Wives. This gave her an up-close look at how things worked in the industry and the time spent was a very helpful learning experience.
With a focus and drive now well established she appeared as a principal performer in plays, tried her hand at music videos and other independent projects. She also created and hosted her own online radio show, VeeVee's POV, which can be found on Blog Talk Radio.
VeeVee was gracious enough to spend some time to answer our 5 Questions during her graveyard shift!
The idea of being frightened beyond belief started a horror
craving I never anticipated. It’s interesting how a horror film grips your
heart and mind with its stimulating story and characters. The ability to be
able to delve deep into a horror story to create and almost regulate the
outcome of ones emotions is undeniable. It’s also very entertaining.
What inspired you to become a horror film writer and
producer?
I am a multi-genre film writer and producer. There’s
something about each genre that fascinates me, but horror is a different type
of beast. There’s a whole different
approach you have to take. Being able to tell a gritty horror story that is
pleasing to the fans is what inspires me to continue to do my best to write and
produce great horror films.
What challenges and triumphs have you experienced as a
Black woman in the horror industry?
Just being a woman period is hard. It seems as if women
sometimes are overlooked or aren’t taken as seriously. This isn’t just a man’s
world, it’s a woman’s world too. Because of that we end up having to work
harder in order to prove ourselves or justify our actions. I want people to
recognize my talents without the thought of my skin color distracting them. I
am definitely going to change the way people view black women in horror.
What are your aspirations for yourself and other Black
women filmmakers in the horror industry?
I want us to be able to share an equal platform just like
everyone. I want the world to know that black women can write, not just horror,
but any genre and compete with the best of them. Every woman is knowledgeable
and creative in their own right, and I want to make sure the world views us in
a different light. I’m going to make a dent in the horror industry, and I’m
going to change how people view black women in the industry as a whole.
Where are you in the process of your latest film project,
Twinge?
I am enjoying the process of putting together an amazing and
professional cast and crew. Soon we’ll be gearing up for production.
I’d also like to add that I was born to lead and inspire
others. My talent, creativity, and exuberant imagination makes me a perfect
contender in the entertainment industry. My mother is a Prophetess and prophesied
that I would become very successful in my career. All the struggles and
sacrifice prepared me for this moment now, and I am on my way. She never let me
give up hope, and I am determined to use the many talents that God blessed me
with. I’m a creative genius with tons of stories to tell. I am inspired by
Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and a slew of talented actors and actresses
across the board. I want to break barriers and make history. We’re living in a
new era so it’s time to amp things up even more. Remember the name VeeVee
because the history I make will be remembered for many years to come.