Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Upshaw
Hi Mia , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Film has been a constant in my life from a young age. I started as a child actress around the age of five, and as I got older, my parents recognized how serious I was about it. They enrolled me in a special program at school, but my passion was always for acting on film. In my freshman year of high school, I joined the film club, fully intending to focus on acting. To my surprise, our first assignment was to create a film. There was only one group interested in making one, but I didn’t feel a connection with them, so I thought, “Why not make it myself?”
As cliché as it sounds, the moment I picked up that camera, everything changed. After completing the film, I remember the overwhelming sense of accomplishment and belonging it brought me. Up until then, high school had been rough—I was disengaged, often falling asleep in class, and lacked direction. But filmmaking gave me purpose. By the time I was 16, I had started my own production company, making short YouTube videos in my parents’ backyard. Today, I run an independent production company and travel to produce and create films. That first film truly set me on this path.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I struggled a lot in high school—not socially, but academically. If there had been a class on being social, I would have aced it, but when it came to academics, I was really falling behind. My relationship with my mom was tough because she wasn’t happy with my performance in school. I was getting F’s, falling asleep in class, and on top of that, my parents didn’t support my desire to pursue film. They had a specific path for me—probably something like becoming a doctor or engineer, which was ironic since I was failing in those very subjects.
By the time I reached my senior year, I didn’t want to go to college. I was interested in film school, but with my low GPA and ACT scores, it felt out of reach. Despite all of that, I knew deep down that film was my path. When I eventually earned a scholarship to study film, it felt like the turning point—it proved to everyone, including myself, that I was serious.
Once I got to college, I knew I had to focus because this wasn’t high school anymore. I poured my energy into my production company, building it brick by brick into what it is today. But college wasn’t without its challenges. During my senior year, I faced harassment from a former friend, which was a really tough experience.
A year after graduating, I was diagnosed with PTSD. That was a difficult period—I fell into a deep depression, battled addiction and codependency, and at the same time, I was trying to build a business, create films, apply for jobs, and move to Houston. It was overwhelming, but looking back, those struggles shaped me into who I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an entrepreneur with several ventures. My primary role is as an independent director and film producer, but I also run a social media agency. Next year, I’ll be launching an online boutique and beauty brand. Through my production company, we focus on investing in Black stories and supporting Black creatives. When you see our films or content on our website and social media, you’ll notice that our work predominantly highlights African American voices. Our goal is to create fresh narratives around the Black community, and we’re dedicated to shaping the next generation of pioneers in Black cinema. I don’t really know what sets me apart. I guess that I am Black and a Woman.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can support my work by watching my films. Three of them will be available on a streaming service soon, and you can always find my films on my website or social media. For anyone interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out through my website.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miaupshawprods.com
- Instagram: @miaupshaw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miaupshaw
Image Credits
1. ( 3 people standing behind camera B&W) Photographer: Kyron “Lenzlootr” Wilson, Pictured- (LTR) Tamia Fontenette, Mia Upshaw, Uzo Njoku
2. The Dear Dess Podcast – Prod: Mia Upshaw Phtographer: Cameron Davis, Pictured: Destiny Broussard
3. on set photo: Uzo Njoku and Mia Upshaw
4. on set photo: (LTR) Mateo Fernandez, Kennadi Allen, Luke Puzdrakiewicz
5. on set photo: Motion Music Video – Royale
6. Film Poster: “TransparentSEA” Dir: Jakari Lister, Prod: Mia Upshaw, pictured: Aria Jackson
7. Film Poster: “Miles & Me” Dir: El- Kalif Cooper, Exec Producer: Mia Upshaw pictured: Tyler “Tymonie” Johnson, Poster Design: Charlotte Ghrist
8. Film Poster: The Phoenix Rising Dir/Prod: Mia Upshaw Dir: Lauryn Alexander, Mynthia Gonkpala, Pictured: Mynthia Gonkpala
Poster Design: Charlotte Ghrist Photographer: Ashley Jean Louis
