Cut to Black: Tasha Curtis, Assistant Editor

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.


Name: Tasha Curtis

What’s your job? Assistant Editor

List the credits you’re most proud of. “Equalizer” 2-4 and “Queen Sugar” 6

What are you working on right now? “Equalizer” Season 4

Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? James Kilton is my mentor and he really inspires me and pushes me to become the best story teller I can be. I love his insight and how he places me in rooms that I am proud to be a part of. My fellow peers influences me very much. Sean Linal, Shannon Baker, Stephanie Filo, Daysha Broadway, Charles Little II, James Wilcox and Jason Pollard. These individuals help me stay focus and keep driving ..I love watching their success and I am humbled to be in the same space.

What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about? Every year I begin with rereading “The Alchemist” …..It reminds me to stay focus and on path. “Whoever you are, or whatever is it that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe.” I would say the movies that are exciting to me right now …would be “Saltburn,” “Are You There God? It’s Me Maragaret,” and “The Color Purple.”

What would be your superhero name? Sage … from the “X-Men” universe. She is not the most popular character, but she is the “wise one” ….. Her mind capacity is astonishing and her analytical ability of a supercomputer is invaluable. So yes, Sage is my superhero name.

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? I think one of the most historical impacts was when President Barack Obama became our 44th President. Seeing him and his beautiful family meant the world to me. Never have we ever had such representation in the White House. Such a powerful speaker and he has such a gracious wife. They are both so intelligent and move with such amazing insight of humanity and kindness ….. It really resonated with me. I felt in awe to witness such greatness.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? This is your journey, your body, your mind and your spirit. Dig deep, own it and start doing things for you, by you.

If you could time travel, when would you go and why? I would travel back in time … 27th Century BC to Egypt. I would like to meet Imhotep the polymath, worlds first recorded genius. I would love to have dinner and hear his philosophies of life! It would be mind blowing.

What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? Little known fact about me …I love plants, they make any environment blossom. They give off the best energy. Not so hidden talent ….. I am an empath, and yes it is a talent….. the talent to manage being so keen of other people’s emotional state ….. It is hard but I have learn to maintain a certain balance.

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? Favorite would be seeing Diana Ross in “Mahogany” …. She was just beautiful and work of ART!!!!!

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? I have always loved television shows and movies …. But ….. Spike Lee’s journey as a film making was soooo powerful … the stories are so relatable for me …. The way he tells a story is sooo meaningful… I had to break into this industry, to try and express myself as he does.

What’s your personal/professional mantra? Mantra Professional … If you do what you love it is effortless work. Mantra Personal ….. If you stay ready you don’t have to get ready

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? “Saltburn”

What would be your dream project to work on? “Children of Blood and Bone”…. I loved the book “Toni Adeyemi.” I heard Gina Prince-Bythewood is the Director. I love Post Production and would love to be a part of such an amazing project.