Behind The Scenes With Stephanie Allain: Producing 'The Exorcist: Believer' And Paving The Way For Women Of Color In Hollywood
Stephanie Allain, a powerhouse in the world of cinema, has made a name for herself as a prolific film producer with an impressive portfolio of award-winning films that have not only shaped culture but also catapulted careers. Films such as Hustle & Flow, Something New, Black Snake Moan, and Dear White People bear testament to her uncanny ability to recognize and nurture talent.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Stephanie to delve into her latest venture as executive producer for The Exorcist: Believer, a spine-chilling masterpiece currently gracing the big screens in theaters.
“I was thrilled when Jason Blum called me and said, ‘Do you wanna join us on this journey with David Gordon Green and Leslie Odom, Jr.?’ and I said, ‘Say no more!’. It disregards all the other Exorcist movies that have come out since the original. It’s a new beginning for a new trilogy.”
Stephanie then shared her insights on how the film breaks new ground by featuring a Black lead, a devoted single father who will stop at nothing to protect his daughter. “That’s representation,” Stephanie exclaims with pride.
Producing films is no small feat, and Stephanie is a seasoned veteran in the industry. She generously gave us a peek behind the curtain, revealing the ups and downs of production and the impact they had on the final product.
Stephanie spoke very highly of the cast and production team, stating, “When you hire top-level artists behind the camera and in front, you're giving yourself the best shot to create something special. And that's really what we did. Every single artist on that set was tremendously talented.”
She elaborated further on her efforts to foster the perfect atmosphere on set during production. “We also hired a spiritual coordinator because we wanted to make sure the set was blessed and had good energy. She would come in early in the morning and sage that whole set.”
In addition to discussing the film, we also touched on Stephanie's incredible achievement of being the first Black woman to produce the Academy Awards during the 2020 ceremony. She shared her thoughts on the significance of this milestone and what it signifies for the representation of Black women and women of color in the industry.
“Producing The Academy Awards was, you know, clearly one of the highlights of my career. We were committed to real representation on the screen because the Oscars is the biggest night. So the first thing we did was, we said we want Janelle Monáe to open the show, a Black queer woman who is beyond fabulous. And it really set the tone I think. We are here to celebrate movies and to celebrate the people who make movies but also to let the world know that this exclusive enclave is full of us. We are everywhere and in every aspect of the show, and to me, that made it so powerful to be backstage calling that show right behind curtains.”
The film industry is notorious for its demanding schedules and high-pressure environment. Stephanie kindly shared some insight into her self-care practices and routine.
“That is so important to talk about. I'm a wife, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother. I have three kids, three grown kids, a lot. My kids are in the business,” she says before listing their accolades.
“And I would just say to a lot of young people, yes, your career is important, yes you have goals, but you know what personal, relationship goals that’s valuable too because you want somebody to celebrate with, you want somebody to cry with, you want somebody that understands what you're going through. It can be really isolating out here. So I would say prioritizing self-care, I go to the spa, I get a massage. It's important to take care of yourself and put yourself first.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Women In Film
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image screenshot/YouTube