That Grape Juice‘s ‘Meet The Makers’ spotlights the gifted names who engineer the spectacle in all facets of entertainment. Music, film, TV, and beyond.
In today’s instalment, we speak with Michelle Valentine – screenwriter of the newly released BET+ original movie ‘Ruined,’ starring Keri Hilson.
That Grape Juice: What inspired you to get into writing?
Michelle Valentine: I’ve always been creative and writing is just one aspect of my creativity. I started as a little kid – writing short stories, poems, and plays. I’d actually sell tickets to my mom so she could come to my room and watch me perform what I wrote – so the entrepreneurial spirit was always there as well. My writing then progressed to novels which have been published by Simon & Schuster and St. Martin’s Press – and now I’m writing content for film and television. Writing comes naturally for me, and I love doing it more than anything else in the world.
That Grape Juice: Amazing!
How did the BET partnership come about?
Michelle Valentine: I was introduced to Jamie Kiliany (Senior Director of Development at Jarrett Creative) by KayGee Gist – the mastermind record producer behind all of the legendary rap group Naughty by Nature’s hits (and many other hits as well). Jamie connected me with BET and worked with me to edit my script to what ultimately ended up on screen.
That Grape Juice: What was it like working with Keri Hilson?
Michelle Valentine: Keri was truly amazing to work with. She is super talented, beautiful and a consummate professional. In fact, all of the actors and crew were an absolute joy to work with and I definitely can’t wait to work with them again.
That Grape Juice: Tell us what your favorite memory is from working on ‘Ruined’?
Michelle Valentine: I spent 2 days onset and the moment I heard the words that I wrote coming from the mouths of the actors, my eyes really swelled up with tears. It’s been quite a journey for me to get to this point and watching it all come to life was a true manifestation of my hard work and dedication. I was very proud of myself for staying the course but also extremely humbled.
That Grape Juice: What do you have coming up next?
Michelle Valentine: I am diligently working on the final edit of a romantic comedy that is based on my first book published by Simon & Schuster entitled NYAGRA’S FALLS. I also have an amazing Christmas movie in the works and several TV shows and other projects. Additionally, I’m starting to think about the sequel for ‘Ruined’ which seems to be what everyone wants. Needless to say, I’m super busy and so excited to bring all of my content to life.
That Grape Juice: What are your current goals?
Michelle Valentine: My goal is to make my company, MoodyMoonGirl Ent., the go to production house for premier content that is told through the lens of people of color but which appeals to all because our stories are truly universal.
That Grape Juice: Any advice for up-and-coming writers and producers?
Michelle Valentine: Never limit yourself. I am a recording artist who still performs all over the world as a member of the group The Cover Girls. I’m a novelist, an actress, a media executive and a very hands-on Mom. I’ve also been a radio personality and now I’m a screenwriter. You really can do it all if you put your mind to it and never give up. No matter how long it takes to achieve your goals, (in the words of the great philosopher, Dory) just keep swimming.
***********
‘Ruined’ Is Streaming on BET+ Now