Meet Chanel Downey, a filmmaker and actress willing to push boundares and create new pathways for the community in film and television. Her production company Slumber Party Productions, co-founded with Jivanta Roberts, has carved a unique niche within the entertainment industry. Her current projects, “Trick” and “The Findings of Sunny and Raw,” exemplify her commitment to bringing fresh perspectives to sci-fi and horror genres by centering Black voices and narratives.
From the outset of her career, Downey was no stranger to the arts. Her journey into the world of performance began at two years old with dance classes, eventually leading her to prestigious performing arts schools and encounters with notable figures such as Whitney Houston. It was during these formative years that Downey not only honed her craft but also built the foundations of resilience and adaptability that would characterize her professional ethos.
Despite early successes as a dancer for high-profile artists and appearances on MTV shows, Downey found herself navigating the challenging terrain of Hollywood’s typecasting. This frustration catalyzed a pivot towards writing and producing—a decision that would redefine her career trajectory. Through projects like “Good Luck,” which garnered acclaim and awards, Downey began to establish herself as a formidable writer-producer with an eye for storytelling that challenges conventions.
The inception of Slumber Party Productions marked a pivotal chapter in Downey’s career. Born from personal tragedy following the loss of her fiancé and business partner, the company symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity—a testament to Downey’s determination to forge ahead while honoring past influences. In partnership with Anthony Hemingway Productions, Slumber Party Productions has become a platform for stories that resonate with underrepresented audiences.
Downey’s inspiration draws from luminaries across various disciplines—Jordan Peele’s barrier-breaking work in horror and sci-fi; Spike Lee’s unapologetic exploration of Black experiences; Toni Morrison’s literary depth; Whoopi Goldberg’s trailblazing achievements; Angela Bassett’s emotional authenticity; and Regina King’s directorial prowess—all fueling her creative vision.
Her latest projects are ambitious endeavors that reflect this vision. “Trick” is described as an intersectional narrative blending elements from cult classics but through an all-Black cast—a daring move in genre filmmaking that promises to captivate audiences with its originality. On the other hand, “The Findings of Sunny and Raw” explores themes of alien invasion amidst urban crises through the lens of family ties and survival—an equally compelling narrative poised to redefine sci-fi storytelling.
Central to Downey’s philosophy is a relentless drive for authenticity and representation. She perceives a gap in fantasy and sci-fi genres where Black characters often remain on the periphery. By centering these narratives around Black protagonists, she not only fills this void but also challenges industry norms—creating spaces where diverse voices can thrive.
Amidst personal trials including mourning significant loss while navigating industry hurdles—Downey remains undeterred. She emphasizes resilience as key not just within acting but across all creative endeavors in entertainment—the same resilience she demonstrated transitioning from dance to film production amid uncertainties.
Downey offers sage advice for aspiring entertainers: be proactive in creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. Echoing sentiments from industry icons who inspired her path, she underscores the importance of visibility, networking, and leveraging platforms like YouTube or TikTok—to build one’s audience independently.
Audiences eagerly anticipate “Trick”and “The Findingsof Sunnyand Raw”. Keep up with Chanel Downey:
IG @chaneldowney_ and @slumberpartyproductions
Website: https://slumberpartyproductions.com