Vents Magazine

[as originally published on ventsmagazine.com]

Filmmaker Yvette Araujo takes us through everything from her movie dream cast to what she’d look for in the next hot TV show, all while staying focused on Hollywood and the changes the industry can make to prioritize inclusivity from the get-go.

As an author, you’re responsible for Fallen: The Book Series, a supernatural trilogy. Who would your dream cast be for the Fallen movie?

James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Ryan Reynolds, Charlize Theron, Michael B. Jordan, Zendaya, Glenn Close, Donald Sutherland, Kathy Bates, Shemar Moore, Paula Patton, Robin Thicke, Rashida Jones and Lupita Nyongo.

Music plays a huge role in film. As a filmmaker, do you get involved with music selection when it comes to your movies (working with the music supervisors or composers to get the right feel for the scene)?

Yes, very much so! The scoring of a film is essential. It breathes life into a moment, a scene or landscape of the movie. It can resonate with your audience and take them along the journey—pulling a viewer in as if they were one of the characters. 

You executive produced the talk show “Sister Blvd.” If the show were still on today, who would your top three guests be?

My top three guests would be Howard Stern, Jim Carrey and Morgan Freeman.

Shonda Rhimes has changed the television landscape. If someone were to pitch you a new TV show today, what would want it to be (or not be) about?

I would like to see a very clever femme fatale. She would be a spy and of colour.

What do you feel the entertainment industry can do to improve inclusivity?

Start within the industry: the boardroom, in development — the decision makers. They are most important when casting, developing the screenplay and in reaching the audience. 

Who were your musical influences growing up?

Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Bach, Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Pavarotti.

How have your own children influenced your love of music?

I influenced them!

Jennifer Lopez (50) performing at the 2020 Super Bowl proved that age is no barrier. What do you hope to teach our current/next generation of women?

Just that! That age is never a barrier. As they find their tribe, glass ceilings will fail to exist.