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“Damn, It’s Always Something”
with Tatiana Hernández
melanin muse® & Kiana Smith
March 20, 2024
Our Cover Muse™: Tatiana Hernández, Screenwriter, Show Runner, and Creator of Upcoming Series Damn, It’s Always Something
Tatiana Hernández, the visionary driving Kid Curley Productions, introduces her premiere project, the upcoming television series Damn, It’s Always Something. After relocating to New York to pursue her dream working in film, Tatiana navigated a challenging transition from working a 9-5 screenwriting to freelance creativity. With a portfolio spanning from brands like Spotify, American Express, BET, MGM, and more, she now focuses on crafting her own brand and restoring the legacy of her family name. Tatiana talks her upcoming series, her unwavering passion, and the importance of self-belief.
Tatiana Hernández, CEO of Kid Curley Productions
Tatiana:
You ever get that feeling, Damn, It’s Always Something? That’s what this series is about. It’s a dramatic anthology that leaves the characters and viewers with that revelation. Each episode analyzes the experiences that shape our reality and explores the complex range of decisions people may have in response. After moving from North Carolina to New York City, I was shocked to see the lengths people would go to achieve success. This sparked the inspiration for the series. Why is it that two individuals faced with similar challenges or opportunities can make drastically different decisions? For me this series serves as a mirror to society and challenges everyone to answer the question, “is it worth it?”
We’re currently tying up any loose ends in creative & fundraising for production as we continue to build out the crew and secure amazing talent. We even have a Dove-nominated director, costume design team that has worked with the likes of Solange, Rihanna and Tia Corrine. Working with a team of people who I’m personally inspired by that also fully believe in the success of this project has made the process all the more fulfilling – despite any bumps in the road.
I’m a storyteller. Creating a platform to tell those stories is my main goal in life, paired with bringing up the next generation of legendary Black storytellers and talent across the industry with me along the way.
Embracing the Creative Gene
Talk about the main drive behind pursing a career in film and any important lessons you’ve picked up along the way.
Tatiana:
My main drive behind pursuing a career in the film industry is to restore the legacy of my family name. My bisabuelo, Juano Hernández, was the first Black actor in Hollywood who was a pioneer in the African American film industry, but he hasn’t received the recognition he deserves.
 Behind the scenes of American Express x Issa Rae | He was the first Black man nominated for a Golden Globe and his early success in films during the early twentieth century paved the way for the high visibility and success of Black Actor and Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier. Among the notable talent trained by Jano Hernández includes Sidney Poitier, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor. My draw towards the film industry is innate. He passed away in production of his first film and I fully plan to pick up where he left off continuing our family name in the film industry in his honor. |
There are so many lessons I’ve learned on this journey it’s hard to pick only one. The main one I’ve walked away with is never to doubt myself. There’s nothing that’s outside your reach. The only difference between you and the person you want to be is a strong belief you deserve to be in the room and putting in the work to make it so. It's you vs. you. No one else.
Team photo from an Amazon shoot (named left to right): Ray Neutron, Skye McCaine, Tatiana Hernández, Alyson Szpilka, and Cedrian Armstrong
Watch one of the many projects Tatiana has worked on below, “Introducing Madam by Madam C.J. Walker,” and stay tuned for the premiere episode of Damn, It’s Always Something coming THIS FALL! For more information and to support its production, visit the series website.
melanin muse® exclusive perks
Gain entrepreneurial inspiration from Dr. Lakila Bowden's story, building iSee Technologies with her sister Kamille from necessity and creating opportunities for economic mobility. Discover how she navigates entrepreneurship, prioritizes wellness, and champions diversity, offering valuable insights for leaders striving for success in all aspects of life.Watch the full video podcast.
muses making history:
TAYLOR CASSIDY
By providing engaging and concise content on platforms like TikTok, Taylor Cassidy has made Black history more accessible and approachable for a wide audience in her “Fast Black History” series. This series has become a fantastic resource for learning about key moments, figures, and themes in Black history. Her initiative to start this series at such a young age demonstrates both her passion for educating others and her commitment to amplifying the voices and stories of Black individuals who have made significant contributions to history, like Tatiana’s bisabuelo, Juano Hernández. | Cassidy’s ability to distill complex historical narratives into digestible content makes her a valuable muse for anyone interested in learning more about Black history and culture. It is also noteworthy to acknowledge Cassidy’s achievement as the first youth speaker at the UN’s Day of Remembrance for the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Her advocacy for the power of education in fostering awareness, empathy, and change on such a significant platform further underscores her dedication to promoting awareness of Black history and advocating for social justice issues on a global scale. |
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Watch Tatiana’s “Introducing Madam by Madam C. J. Walker” promotional advertisement