Meet Dawn Kirk-Alexander | Production Co. Owner & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dawn Kirk-Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dawn, why did you pursue a creative career?
I thought about what brought joy to my life. It dawned on me that I loved to watch television and especially old black and white movies. As a freshman in high school a TV show that I loved was cancelled. I started a petition to get it back; other kids thought I was crazy. Needless to say that didn’t work out. Yet, it demontrated to me and others that I had a passion film/TV. I went on to major in film in college hoping to expand my creative career. After years in the entertainment industry I decided to start my own Production company, Not All Lost Productions.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am very proud of what I’ve accomplished thus far. NO, it is/was not easy, it took time away from my son. As a single mother he is my source of peace. Recently when we spoke about my productions and the time creating my production company took away from him. He casually said, “no problem, that’s what it takes when you’re trying to change the world.” The most important lesson I learned along the way is to value the time you have with your loved ones. That way if you’re living your purpose, walking in the plan your higher power has for you, you won’t have regrets.
I am an Impact DOCS Award winner for my most recent documentary which I Wrote, Directed & Produced, CHI-TOWN GUNS, GUN VIOLENCE & the NRA. This feature documentary with an original song by Macy Gray, delves into where guns are coming from that produce “mass shootings” in the 3rd largest city(Chicago) every weekend! The politics, politicians, former shooters, and organizations fighting for gun control. The NRA’s history, and their support of gun violence. We now travel the country screening our film upon request, free of charge. This film brought my work to the attention of Brady United. This is a nationwide gun safety organization. I was then asked to join Brady’s Regional Leadership Council(RLC) for the West Coast. I am also a member of Southern CA Cease Fire, an anti-gang violence org. in South LA. As the mother of a young African American male, I created, THEY ARE NOT ALL LOST with a deeply felt commitment to his safety and the safety of
other young black men in the U.S. This film won the People’s Choice Award at the San Diego Christian Film Festival, HollyShorts Official Selection & Holly Shorts Festival Documentaries Audience award @ the HollyShorts Film Festival. Along
with David Massey, I’m currently the Producer and Writer of the award-winning documentary (turned doc series) NOT ALL LOST, which focuses on youth of color, who overcome adversity and achieve success in life. A reality-based,
celebrity driven PBS television program that’s airing in hundreds of PBS markets. I’ve also produced the short films, BABY GIRL, and WHEN JUSTICE ISN’T JUST. This was our most recent attempt to address Justice, since: “Justice can only
exist within the coordinates of equality and is the constant and perpetual disposition to render every person his due.” When Justice Isn’t Just, is distributed by First Run Features.
I’m most excited about my current feature doc that chronicles the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), & Indigenous/Native Women. The obstacles and or the incremental steps forward that eventually accomplished reauthorization of an act that should be law. I’ve produced several award-winning commercials and public service announcements for TBWA/Chait/Day and Grey Advertising. With an MFA in Scriptwriting, I am the winner of the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame Award for my screenplay “Madness.” My most recent screenplay “LA UnCovered” was a 2023 quarterfinalist in the Nicholl Fellowship.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Early mornings- hike Fryman canyon Breakfast- Ihop, Aroma cafe, Starbucks.
Drive up the coast highway.
Depending on the season, a Laker or Rams game.
Take in a few Movie premere’s or screenings.
Favorite restaurants, Post & Beam, The District, The Cheesecake Factory, Cea-lo L.A. in Sherman Oaks.
Shopping in Liemert Park
Visit the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’d shout out my production partner, David Massey/UCE Productions. He’s been there from the beginning supporting me and encouraging me to move forward in writing and producing. I married and moved out of state. I was widowed and returned to Los Angeles. David immediately pushed me to start over again; I listened and I’m so glad I have.

I must also shoutout my mother. She lives with me and has supported my dreams over the years by assisting in raising my son. As they say, “it takes a village.”

Website: https://www.notalllost.com

Instagram: @kirkalexanderdawn