Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalom Gibtsawi.
Hi Shalom, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I always imagined myself on a big screen in Hollywood. Playing the main character in the next Blockbuster hit. I was a big fan of Tv/Movies as a young girl, and would always reenact my favorite show or a scene in a film. I was in every church play as a kid, and participated in theatre all throughout grade school. However, it was something I did not pursue in my adult life. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Public Health and master’s in Healthcare Admin. For about 8 years of my life, I dedicated to working in corporate America, and in year one, I knew it wasn’t for me. It wasn’t until year 7 where I knew working in Health was not my purpose, I kept applying for jobs after, would make it to the final round of interviews, but never got hired. I knew something had to change. I had a friend who was a filmmaker in Houston, and would produce independent films. I took a leap of faith and asked her if I could come help her in anyway, That moment changed the trajectory of my life. I would take PTO for a week and would drive to Houston to work on film sets. Some projects I took unpaid because my heart was dedicated to doing this. I did this for about 6 months. At this point, I told myself that I was not leaving my job and the only way that I would leave is if I got laid off. I had a routine down where I could work on what I love and still get paid to cover my bills (cause money from film is sometimes not a certainty!)
Well, if you could believe what happened after I said that. You guessed it, I got laid off! LOL
Never in my life did I think I would be happy to get laid off, but little did I know this was setting me up for something I could ever imagine. After I got laid off from my job, I took a 6 month sabbatical and told myself that I would take some rest for a bit and decide if I will start applying for jobs. I never had to decide because film life took over. After my sabbatical, I got a big opportunity to work on a Netflix show call “Mo”. After that, I got another opportunity to work on a Paramount Plus show called “Lioness”. Then after that, scratched something off my bucket list. Ya girl got to work with the Queen B of music! I spent Christmas working on the Beyonce Bowl half time show.
As you can see, my career in production just took off and continues to do so. I’ve worked on a show called Landman, I’ve been back for more seasons of the previous shows I’ve worked on. It has been nonstop and I am so grateful.
And through all of this, my biggest desire is to become a filmmaker that makes her own creations. I shot my first short film back in December of 2025, and had a private screening for my family and close friends this past May. A huge accomplishment that I can’t believe happened.
I am currently still workin in production, and working on a gig for the 2026 Dallas World Cup. I am beyond grateful for all that I’ve gotten to experience within these last few years of my life. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me in the future. Definitely more opportunities for me to exude my creativity to the world!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but I have been able to get over the bumps with my faith in God. Working in production is a very unstable and uncertain career path. You are pretty much a freelancer, always looking for the next gig. There were times where I was not working for months, waiting and hoping to get a call for a project. There can sometimes be a lot of downtime, which may make you want to not work in the industry. However, I use my down time to pour back into myself or pour into my creativity. Working in production is hard! You work a minimum 12 hours a day. I remember I clocked in a 2ohr worked day once, went home slept for an hour or two and was back at work and worked a 16 hour day! That is crazy!!!!! Sometimes your life becomes consumed with work and you have time for nothing else. I’ve had to miss birthdays, weddings, baby showers and so much of things of those that are close to me. I would always say yes to work, because you just don’t want to miss an opportunity but I’ve learned now that saying no to work is the better thing to do. There will always be work regardless, but there are important things with your loved ones that are a once in lifetime thing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a filmmaker and I work in productions. My heart is in TV, I love to write episodic scripts. I am proud of all the knowledge I’ve recieved working for major production companies. It allowed me to have the courage and experise to shoot my own short film. Not just that, I am able to work on others project as a producer because of my experience. So not only can I bring my projects to life, I can help others do the same!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I absolutely love Podcast, the ones I listed too are more on the spirtual side but they help me navigate through everything in life.
– The Leader’s Cut with Prestom Morrison
– Blessed & Bossed Up
– Girl Just Heal
I also watch a lot of filmmaking content on Instagram & Tiktok to keep me in the know of what’s going on!
My other resource is therapy and prioritizing regulating my nervous system. This industry is not easy, and can really affect your life in so many ways. It’s important you take care of your self and mental well being if you want to do this full time. I love what I do, but I am not going to say it is easy by any means.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: producedby.gibz
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14082440/?ref_=pro_nmcr_ov_visitcons
