- Documenting stories that educate, inspire, and create connections.
- Location: Memphis, TN, Tennessee, United States
- Gender: Female
Joann Self Selvidge established True Story Pictures in 2004 - and again in 2010 - first as a nonprofit, and later as a social venture company. She has a passion for stories and storytelling that is grounded in her roots as a Southerner. Her life story films and documentaries, including The WLOK Story (2002), The Arts Interviews (2005-2008), Leveling the Playing Field (2008), Voices of Jericho (2007, 2010), The Music Interviews (2009), and The Art Academy(2012), share stories of music and art, race relations and leadership, education, inspiration, and social justice.
Her work as a documentary filmmaker only thinly veils her "secret" identity as a grant writer and nonprofit management consultant. While she does not pursue this activity full time, she can be persuaded on occasion to work for your nonprofit or public/private partnership to secure grant funding from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Since 2001, she has helped her clients win $8.95 million for projects ranging from arts, education, and technology; to health and human services, including housing and homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse; to economic and community development; to transportation and infrastructure.
Joann lives in midtown Memphis with her husband and daughter.