BEHIND THE LENS : INTERVIEW WITH RAHIEM SHABAZZ


TheSoulPlanet.com: I read a personal quote from you that says, "being
a writer is no easy task and the financial rewards does not afford one
a lavish lifestyle." Could you explain what you meant in detail?

Rahiem Shabazz: Well, you have to understand the constant struggle of battling with your inner self as to the greatness of your piece. Oftentimes, I'm showered with praises for my less than acceptable work in regards to my personal standards. But, once the phone starts ringing with adoration and my inbox gets filled with words of encouragement. I
get that "I finally arrive" moment. Then there are moments when I re-read a piece I wrote and no one has to tell me nothing, there is a moment of clarity by the tone of the article and the way the words are flowing.

In regards to the financial aspect I was referring to the many magazine articles I composed. The real money is in a publishing deal. I am in the process of signing one for a street-lit book I wrote called "Love On Lay-Away. The front end dollar amount is a nice amount.

TheSoulPlanet.com: You were hired as a writer for an indie film, how rewarding was that?

Rahiem Shabazz: I signed that deal while my personal belongings were in
storage and I was living in a hotel. I was living from week to week. I was so desperate and poor that I refused to pay a lawyer to look over the contract. It could have been a much better deal. I did get writers credit being that I'm a member of the screenwriters guild. The film is being shot in L.A. So I do not have to struggle for awhile and it put me in a position to buy equipment for my film company and to begin shooting my pilot.

TheSoulPlanet.com: What makes a good writer?

Rahiem Shabazz: I believe a good writer is always in the making. In other words, you do not start out as a seasoned writer and it takes time to develop your craft. Being vivid and descriptive is paramount when writing a novel. I also write from my life experience which is pain aching but it resonates with my readers.

TheSoulPlanet.com: How did you make the transition from being a freelance writer to
screenwriter and now author?

Rahiem Shabazz: I made the transition out of necessity. I was not making it financially writing as a freelancer although I got calls from just about everyone. I wrote bios, press releases, proposals and grants just to pay the bills. But, books and movies were more rewarding and fulfilling to me. So I went where the money and where my interest took
me.

TheSoulPlanet.com: Has the transition to film making been a hard one?

Rahiem Shabazz: Yes and no because this movie is still in the making. I'm still toying around with the title. I got a working title in mind but I do not want to disclose it as of yet. Anyway, I wrote the script and I'm going to direct it as well. I met with a few individuals in
regards to investments but they were not interested in allotting money to a first time director. My mind is made up on this one and I just outright refuse to let anyone direct this movie. I still get calls asking me to reconsider which is why I know this is the one.

TheSoulPlanet.com: What's next?

Rahiem Shabazz: I just wrote a video treatment for a mainstream artist and we are waiting for his budget to open up. I'm 75% done with the book on my life and I'm taking meetings on both coasts from writers, directors and production companies asking me to
work my magic. But, as an entrepreneur you cannot just rely on your talent, so I have my marketing and promotion company called Rasha Entertainment/Media Group. We do everything from sending out MP3's to dj's, radio stations and music fans to promoting some of the biggest parties in Atlanta.

TheSoulPlanet.com: How can people get in contact with you or your company?

Rahiem Shabazz: My website is www.rashaentertainment.com and I'm also
on myspace at www.myspace.com/rahiemshabazz