Award-winning, multi-talented, writer and producer Stacie Davis epitomizes what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. A small-town girl, making her big dreams come true, Stacie first garnered attention with her film, More Than a Coach: The Taft Watson Documentary, highlighting South Carolina’s most winningest coach’s love of both basketball and people over his 47-year career. In November 2020, her highly acclaimed holiday romance, Christmas in Carolina, starring Kellie S. Williams and Darius McCrary of Family Matters fame, premiered with rave reviews on both the Roku Channel and Amazon Prime streaming services. It is Stacie’s belief that with faith and action all things are possible.
FWM: Stacie, it is my great pleasure to interview you. Please tell us about yourself.
SD: I am a Claflin University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and began my career in television news before transitioning into film. I produced an award-winning sports documentary in 2017. Later, I wrote and produced Christmas in Carolina, a holiday roman film with Kellie S. Williams and Darius McCrary. I believe all things are possible with belief and action.
FWM: What led you to a career in the film industry?
SD: After completing More Than a Coach: The Taft Watson Documentary, I became more involved in film. I wanted to produce more content. I took some time away and started writing my first feature film “Christmas in Carolina” and months later we were in production.
FWM: Please tell us about your highly acclaimed documentary on Legendary Coach Taft Watson.
SD: My parents, especially my mother, were student athletes for Coach Taft Watson. She introduced me to Coach Watson and sitting with him I found his story quite interesting. I was asked to write an essay for college English class and Coach Watson was the subject in my essay. I decided to write a biography of Coach Taft Watson’s life and legacy.
FWM: Coming from a small town in South Carolina, what obstacles have you had to overcome to achieve success?
SD: Living in a small-town movie making is unheard of. I learned to protect my dream(s) by not telling everyone what I wanted to do. I realize that everyone will not understand or see your vision. It’s best to work in silence and let your work speak for itself.
FWM: What advice would you give young women entering the field of cinema?
SD: The film industry can be a tough place to crack — particularly for women, and only the most resilient, hard-working and dedicated will make it. Make sure you network, make it happen and do the best you can.
FWM: In November of 2020, you released Christmas in Carolina, a holiday romance, which premiered prominently on both Amazon Prime and the Roku Channel with stellar reviews. Please tell us how this magnificent motion picture came about.
SD: I was watching Christmas movies with my mom and I said to her, ‘I can write me a Christmas story.” She told me ‘You should.’ I went into my room and began writing. Months later, Christmas in Carolina was created. To see my writing come to life with actors was rewarding for me. Something I dreamed and imagined came to life. I enjoy creative writing. Writing for me allows me to step out and imagine. The moment, Christmas in Carolina premiered on Amazon Prime and the Roku Channel was an amazing feeling. I was excited and nervous at the same time. It was a big moment for me, and I give all glory to God.
FWM: What’s next for Stacie Davis Films?
SD: I aim to be a better writer so I’m writing and studying writing techniques.
FWM: How can our readers connect with you outside of this interview?
SD: I’m hardly on social media but I must do better in 2021. Please follow me on Facebook @Stacie Davis Films and/or visit my website www.staciedavisfilms.com. Feel free to send me a note at info@staciedavisfilms.com.
Photos courtesy of The True Story Photography
