Filling production gap, W.D. Productions in South Holland supports next generation of indie storytellers

Southland creatives aren’t short on stories to tell. But they are short on production space. Now, Womanly Delight Productions, or W.D.P., in South Holland has opened its doors to meet the demand.

It’s a full circle moment for founder Nsenga Wilson, a writer, actress, and independent filmmaker. She built her career in social services. But creative juices were “always in her heart,” Wilson said. In 2009, she wrote and cast a film which screened at the San Francisco Black Film Festival.

However, “back then we didn’t have places out here like this,” Wilson said. “You had to go up north, downtown [Chicago], spend lots of money, gas, time, parking,” Wilson said. “There’s just so many underrepresented groups of people out here that are in this industry, and they really don’t have anywhere to go.”

The production suite is built for the modern-day creative: a cost-effective yet robust facility for media makers, emerging and established entrepreneurs, and thespians.

W.D.P., located at 502 Taft Dr. in South Holland, boasts a conference room, podcast studio, and co-working space. The “hot desk” can be used on a day-to-day basis for only $25 per day. Or you can book a full-time desk. For those who work from home, W.D.P. also provides assistance establishing a professional address for your organization and conference room booking.

The green room is equipped with a stage, fitting for those who need space to film an audition tape. During the opening, W.D.P. hosted a live monologue performance from a “Chicago Fire” actor to showcase its offerings. Local musicians can even use the green room to livestream their concerts, Wilson said.

Wilson spent almost three years conceptualizing W.D.P., with one year designing it. “You are the definition of a go-getter,” W.D.P. creative director Shabaza Hameed doted on Wilson at the grand opening. “I know that the tree is gonna bear the fruit and all your labors are going to flourish.”

“Daeski” Davis serves as house sound engineer in booths that are “acoustically treated,” Wilson said. He met Hameed during a global retreat, who recruited him to work at the suite. He received his first production placement eight years ago with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music and recently returned from Los Angeles from working with late rapper Nipsey Hussle’s cousin. 

Even with those music credits, he’s “very appreciative” of “safe spaces,” he said. “Everything is now a monopoly. Everything is owned by somebody that’s owned by somebody,” Davis said. W.D.P. is built differently. “South Holland should be proud.”

Ideas of independence are built into the suite’s aesthetic, said interior designer Nick Lovett. “We wanted to be able to walk in each space and see the things they could do,” he said. The color scheme is neutral with pops of color, “grounded with Blackness throughout, so you’ll see a little bit of black in every room.”

Wilson’s efforts were supported by the Southland Development Authority, which assisted with funding, and she is collaborating with nearby South Suburban College to develop an internship program.

Local efforts to support small business owners include wraparound services and the 1916 Business and Media Center in Hazel Crest, a shared co-working space for e-commerce companies, said Jennel Hooper, executive director of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce.

Those interested in utilizing W.D.P.’s space can book a reservation online here.