This Queen’s Light Shines Bright
Zenay Arnold saw Geena Davis speak on a panel at the Bentonville Film Festival several years ago and was immediately inspired to join the Institute. As manager/producing partner for her sister Tichina Arnold, Zenay shares GDI’s passion to create more inclusive media. Last week, on Zoom, we chatted with Zenay about her experiences in the industry. Our conversation has been edited for brevity.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what kind of work you do?
I manage my sister, Tichina Arnold and also her daughter, Alijah Kai who is in the music industry. I love what I do and it was by default. I was a paralegal for 20 years working in New York. Then I was diagnosed with Lupus. I couldn’t take the New York cold anymore. I came to LA and I saw that Tichina should have been further along in her career. I took her to dinner and she said, “Okay, let me see what you can do,” and that was 21 years ago.
What draws you to GDI’s mission of advocating for equity and representation?
It is because of the Institute that Tichina and I started our production company. We saw the lack of diversity and inclusivity, especially with females. I read your newsletters. Geena and the Institute inspired me to sit down with Tichina and say, “I think we need to make more of a contribution in the entertainment industry as black women.”
Have you had any personal or professional experiences that have shaped your understanding of media representation?
Tichina has been in this industry since we were kids and there are things I still have to fight for, for her. Pay, equal pay, equal amenities. 21 years working with her and we are still fighting. When Tichina was working on Everybody Hates Chris, one of the first things I did as her manager, I went to the showrunner, Ali LeRoi and said, “can you please sponsor Tichina to get into the (Television) Academy?” And then I applied and was turned down several times but I was finally accepted and now I’ve been a member for five years. My goal is to be on the board.
Tell us about your production company. What are your passion projects?
So it’s called Queens Light Productions. Tichina thought of the name because we’re from Queens, New York. We are actually working on our dream project right now. It is a multicam comedy about two women, one black and one white, growing up as friends. One of them has a child and they are raising that child together.
Do you feel that the networks and people with the money and power to make decisions are more open to broader representation?
I do feel there is more opportunity. However, we still have to fight and that’s why organizations like the Geena Davis Institute, we need them and that’s why I’ve been a member all these years. 20 years from now I want us, my sister and I, to be in that place where Queens Light Productions has made an impact in this industry for more diversity and inclusivity for all.
Become a member between December 3 – December 8, 2024 and receive a $100 Giving Tuesday discount.
