Sujata Day On Rejection, Issa Rae, Her Film Debut and Screenwriting [FULL INTERVIEW]

Sujata Day advises against putting a time limit on becoming a working professional in the film industry. She believes that art shouldn't be rushed and that setting arbitrary deadlines can hinder success. Instead, she suggests embracing the journey, finding joy in the pursuit of dreams, and being open to new opportunities. Sujata shares her own experience of initially pursuing engineering as a backup plan before ultimately following her passion for acting. She emphasizes the importance of continuous growth, facing rejection, and staying motivated. Sujata also expresses the positive shift in the industry, where artists support and inspire each other, creating their own work instead of waiting to be picked. She finds fulfillment in her art and feels fortunate to live her dream every day, even during challenging times. Sujata took advantage of the pandemic to immerse herself in films, TV shows, and international cinema, learning and gathering inspiration. During this period, she remained productive by writing multiple scripts and pitches for future projects.

0:00 - Never Put A Time Limit On Being An Artist
11:03 - Rejection Makes You A Better Artist
19:52 - I'd Rather Invest In My Art Than Buy Fancy Things
27:57 - What Issa Rae Taught Me About The Movie Business
43:54 - How The Wrong Projects Can Put You On The Right Career Path
55:30 - A Screenwriter Is A Problem Solver
1:10:57 - Every Screenplay Is Written In A Different Way
1:20:52 - Writing The Screenplay And Raising Money For Your First Movie
1:29:11 - Don't Wait For Someone Else To Write Your Dream Movie

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WATCH 'DEFINITION PLEASE' TRAILER

With her infectious personality and unique sense of humor, Pittsburgh native Sujata Day has established herself as a performer, creator, writer, and director. She regularly performs in Upright Citizen Brigade's hit Asian AF show. Sujata is known for her starring role as CeCe in Issa Rae’s The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. She's recurred for three seasons on HBO's Insecure. Sujata is a Sundance Lab fellow, Sundance Film Festival influencer, and Sundance Collab advisor. Her short film, Cowboy and Indian, sold to a major studio for series development. She served as HBO Visionaries Ambassador in 2019. She directs This Is My Story, a series in which beloved storyteller LeVar Burton narrates real life personal experiences of everyday racism. Sujata's debut award-winning feature film, Definition Please, is currently touring the film festival circuit.

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[DivaGeneva]

Only focus on what you want. Not what you don’t want. The universe apparently gives you whatever you think about whether it’s what you want or not. 😊

[padysrini]

Completely agree on the universe and backup plan. Things I truly wished for in my life at age 17, have completely come true for me. I am 52 now.

[teddy_miljard]

Spielberg says you can not choose film industry. Your intuition shows you the way and decides it for you. ❤

[OohlalaHolly]

Love this! I have the same feelings she has!!

[ricomcclinton]

Great interview, most of my work has been in front of the camera. Switching over to more directing. Embracing the work!

[shakeemwinn]

You have to be able to take care of yourself. You don't need a plan B but, make sure you can support yourself while pursuing plan A. There is nothing wrong with maintaining a sense of dignity while pursuing a dream.

[Aaron-kqrd]

Wow, good for her. She seems exceptional. However this sounds like brutal advice for 98% of the rest of the population...

[gijanecantwaittoseeyou]

Bad advice. I f you have a backup plan, you will not give your 1000% in your passion. if i had an engineering degree I wouldnt waste my time with art, I would try be a better engineer.