Actress, director and writer: behind and in front of the camera inventively
Jabree Webber is a fearless artist with an incomparable drive, distinctive approach, and charismatic nature. A Detroit native, Jabree graduated high school at 16 and she is a honors graduate of the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts and School of Cinematic Arts M.F.A. Film and TV Production candidate.
Jabree Webber’s theatrical work includes a recurring guest star in OWN’s/Tyler Perry Studios The Haves and The Have Nots, recurring character in the college web series, BSU (an Issa Rae Production), a short indie, This is How I Want to Remember H.E.R. (PAFF & Outfest Fusion ’18 Official Selection), where she portrays a troubled young rapper coping with an unwelcome living situation, as well as voice over work. Through her exposure to different types of storytelling, Jabree discovered her love for writing and directing .
As a writer and director, her film, It Happened One Night screened in Cannes at the 2019 Global Women of Color in Film Corner. The film has also received an official selection for the 2019 LA Shorts International Film Festival, BronzeLens Film Festival, Global Impact Film Festival, and the African World Film Festival.
In addition to the knowledge that Jabree has gained from her experiences in film, she also works in development at JuVee Productions under the mentorship of Julius Tennon and Viola Davis. Through USC, her mentor is comedy legend Robert Townsend.
Jabree Webber aspires to combine her love for being behind and in front of the camera in the same ways that her mentors have. She aspires to utilize her talents in order to impact Social Change and enrich young people while also transcending Race, Religion, and Gender Inequalities.
indieactivity : Why did you get into filmmaking and screenwriting?
Jabree Webber : Having spent so many years in theater, filmmaking was a gradual step for me after graduating from USC’s School of Dramatic Arts. I wanted to act but I did not want to wait until someone cast me in something in order to exercise my gifts. While initially the thought was to only create roles for myself, I eventually expanded into being a storyteller interested in creating stories for all people interested in seeing more of themselves on the screen.
indieactivity : How does an indie filmmaker distribute his/her film?
Jabree Webber : Firstly, it is important to identity the audience for the film. This is even true when submitting to festivals, looking for companies/people to help with distribution, and moviegoers. The more specific you are the more strategic you can be in your outreach. When casting a wide net, you have to expect to get a wide return- many of which you may not have wanted in the first place. Specificity is key.
indieactivity : this is a placeholder text, for the interview question?
Jabree Webber : this is a placeholder text, that indicates that the content for this template must be placed between this block, to allow the article hold a firm structure and also kill time for the writer or editor.
indieactivity : At what period in the filmmaking process, does an indie filmmaker need to start planning for distribution?
Jabree Webber : I think this varies for each project. Some films work only as a proof of concept for a larger idea or as a catalyst for another opportunity. If you’re planning to hit the festival circuit with the film, it may be wise to start planning for distribution towards the middle or tail end of that process. There are also several competitions who offer money to distribute films but these would disqualify you for many notable festivals.
indieactivity : How do I get my film in theatres with such a budget?
Jabree Webber : Networking is key when looking to leverage your project. Also, look into competitions and programs who assist with financing and distribution.
indieactivity : How can filmmakers finance their projects?
Jabree Webber : Savings and crowdfunding are always sure ways to get something done. Nonetheless, don’t forget to explore donations from local companies, vendors, and restaurants. Saving money on crafty, equipment, etc can be key when working on a budget. Exhaust every favor. Get the notion of “saving favors” out of your head- things will never be exact or perfect.
indieactivity : What films have you written?
Jabree Webber : It Happened One Night (2019)
indieactivity : What are the films that you have made?
Jabree Webber : Tokenism, It Happened One Night, Fluid
indieactivity : Talk to us about your concept on collaboration?
Jabree Webber : It takes a village. Filmmaking is a collaborative art form. You can do it alone – but it won’t be a fulfilling.
indieactivity : How do you find the process of filmmaking as an indie filmmaker?
Jabree Webber : The process of filmmaking requires hard work and dedication. Nothing is easy about it- you have to really want it. It’s a daily grind.
indieactivity : Describe your recent work, or film, take us through pre-production production and post production. Marketing too?
Jabree Webber : As an actress, I am currently recurring on THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS. Having just completed, IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, I am shifting my focus over to my next project. As a writer and director, I am developing a choose-your-own-adventure comedy and my feature which are both a few months away from pre-production.
indieactivity : What are your future goals?
Jabree Webber : I want to continue to combine my love for being behind and in front of the camera while raising awareness around injustice and oppression. I want to continue to merge my commitment to freedom and justice with all aspects of myself, the medium, and the imagination.
indieactivity : Tell us about what you think indie filmmaker need in today’s world of filmmaking?
Jabree Webber : I think with an imagination and healthy mentality about the work – an indie filmmaker can do anything. Some of the most inspiring art is born out of very limiting circumstances.
indieactivity : Briefly write about your career?
Jabree Webber : this is a placeholder text, that indicates that the content for this template must be placed between this block, to allow the article hold a firm structure and also kill time for the writer or editor.
As an actress, I star in the short indie, This Is How I Want To Remember H.E.R., directed by Kali Baker-Johnson. I portray a troubled young rapper coping with an unwelcoming living situation, her sexuality, and psychological consequences of her violent upbringing.
My other theatrical work includes a recurring role in the college web series, The BSU, an Issa Rae Production. https://youtu.be/zMn6VlrETFg
I have supporting role in the Netflix/ CBS Studios series, Unbelievable, and a recurring role on the long-running OWN series, The Have and The Have Nots by Tyler Perry Studios. I also appeared on stage in various plays, such as Pearl Cleage’s Flyin’ West, Tennessee William’s Vieux Carré, Oni Faida Lampley’s Mixed Babies, and Frederick Stroppel’s Domestic Violence.
I recently wrote, directed, and produced the short film, IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, which screened in Cannes at the 2019 Global Women of Color in Film Corner. The film has also received an official selection for the 2019 LA Shorts International Film Festival, BronzeLens Film Festival, Global Impact Film Festival, and the African World Film Festival.
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