Anise Fuller, the founder of Walk By Faith Productions, has not only carved a niche for herself but also paved the way for countless others to follow. Her journey demonstrates the power of determination, resourcefulness, and a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
A Detroit Native with Unconventional Beginnings
Anise Fuller is from Detroit, Michigan, a city not traditionally known for its entertainment industry. Growing up, Anise was far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. She had a multifaceted background, receiving a four-year dance scholarship and majoring in nutrition and food science with aspirations of becoming a doctor. Yet, her passion for entertainment always simmered beneath the surface, fueled by her involvement in pageants and an unyielding love for the business side of things.
“I moved out to Los Angeles and started interning and working in post-production first, and then got an internship with a big production company,” Anise recalls. Her journey in LA began at Warner Brothers and NBCUniversal, where she worked in home entertainment and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It was here that she observed a significant lack of diversity behind the camera, sparking a determination to be the change she wished to see.
The Birth of Walk By Faith Productions
Inspired by the vision of creating more opportunities for underrepresented communities, Anise founded Walk By Faith Productions. “I said instead of complaining about it, let me do something about it,” she states. Her company focuses on providing production services to studios, production companies, and corporations, with a commitment to telling diverse stories. From corporate videos to commercials, and everything in between, Walk By Faith Productions has become a versatile player in the industry.
Anise’s tenacity led her to build connections and resources strategically. She started with acting and theater, eventually moving into production roles and learning everything she could on set. “I did not go to film school. I learned everything being on a set,” she emphasizes. Her journey was marked by relentless curiosity and a willingness to start at the bottom, learning from every opportunity that came her way.
Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
One of Anise’s significant challenges was breaking into the Hollywood scene without any prior connections. She recounts moving to LA at 21, knowing only one person indirectly. Despite the odds, she was strategic and focused, working her way up by networking, asking questions, and volunteering. Her advice to aspiring professionals is clear: “Be nice to people, be curious, be respectful, and then just meet a lot of people and see what happens.”
Anise also emphasizes the importance of volunteering and building relationships without an entitled mentality. “Volunteering is a big thing. The reason why I’m in some of the spaces and had pitch meetings with some studios is because I volunteered,” she shares. This approach has not only opened doors for her but also built a network of trusted connections that continue to support her journey.
A Commitment to Diversity and Mentorship
A core mission of Walk By Faith Productions is to increase diversity behind the scenes. Anise is dedicated to helping BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities gain more opportunities in the industry. “If I have the work, they will have the work,” she asserts. Her company’s efforts are not just about creating content but also about fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices can thrive.
Anise’s mentorship extends beyond her company. She works with organizations like Kids in the Spotlight and Diamond in the Raw, mentoring foster youth interested in the entertainment industry. Through these programs, she helps young people write, direct, and explore various roles in the industry, providing them with the exposure and resources they need to succeed.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Growth
As Walk By Faith Productions continues to grow, Anise remains focused on expanding her company’s reach and impact. She is working on solidifying business with Southern California Edison for corporate videos and training materials and is gearing up to shoot a feature film in Vancouver. Additionally, she is actively pitching unscripted shows to major platforms like Hulu.
For Anise, the journey is far from over. She is constantly seeking new opportunities and connections to further her mission. “The opportunities can never stop,” she says, highlighting her ongoing efforts to secure government contracts and long-term partnerships.
Through Walk By Faith Productions, Anise is not only creating content but also transforming the industry from within. Her journey from Detroit to Hollywood serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with faith, determination, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible. As Anise continues to break barriers and build bridges, her impact on the entertainment industry is sure to resonate for years to come. To learn more about Anise & her journey, visit @walkbyfaithprod on instagram and listen to her full podcase on Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/diversity-behind-the-camera/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
