Jamil akim o’quinn: a powerhouse of passionate storytelling, spirituality, and solace

Written by: Milla Nguyen + Photography by: Evan Odinsoff

Jamil Akim O’Quinn’s Biography:

Compton native Jamil Akim O’Quinn is a Black, queer, neurodivergent writer with a penchant for writing stories about characters in worlds where they don't fit in, who learn to adapt and thrive. O’Quinn has earned bachelor’s degrees in integrative biology and sociology from UC Berkeley, a Master of Divinity from Princeton and an MFA in screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University. As a child, he was groomed to be a Pentecostal megachurch pastor, but 38 O’Quinn always preferred empowering communities through performance art and storytelling – not preaching. As a classically trained opera singer, former Armani Exchange model and Broadway performer, O’Quinn has lots of life experiences that can help spark creative ideas in any writers’ room. As a writers’ assistant on The Equalizer and NCIS: Los Angeles, O’Quinn co-wrote/produced his first episode of television, 1414 - "Shame". He's was most recently staffed on Season 8 of S.W.A.T., where he wrote and produced episode 810 - "The Heights", now streaming on Paramount+. He looks forward to the next phase of his career as a professional writer

Author’s Note:

Interviewing Jamil Akim O’Quinn was one of the best decisions we made for this issue. Right from the get-go, O’Quinn is a screenwriter and filmmaker who radiates passion, empathy, and strength. I first saw O’Quinn in person during a panel event at Loyola Marymount University. While that event took place over two years ago, his sense of fearlessness never wavered. The audience observed his lyrical way of speaking, in which he utilized the power of speech to bring out a sense of confidence and solace. When I had this conversation with him about his life story, it was clear that he wanted to make the entertainment industry a better place for all. He spoke about the spirit of community and his habits of self-discipline in his daily life, two key factors that are necessary for long-term success. O’Quinn is a powerhouse of many crafts, internally and externally. Jamil Akim O’Quinn said he refers to himself by his full government name. He further elaborated, “I do this because it serves as a reminder to bring my whole self when I walk through any door or room. No matter who’s inside.” This sets the tone for O’Quinn’s perspective of the world and of himself. He grew up in Compton, California, and was in love with the arts from a young age. He was trained in opera singing, participated in his church choir, and was a child actor, specifically as Danny Glover’s son in Gone Fishin’. Later in life, he discovered creative writing. All his lived experiences allowed him to tap into a deeper purpose. He said, “I didn’t always fit in because of my background and what I was taught in the church. This ended up being my superpower. It’s my idea of unapologetic boldness and the courage to be okay with not fitting in. This is why my stories are unique.”

Young Adulthood

When O’Quinn was in college at UC Berkeley, he majored in integrative biology and sociology. For example, sociology taught him the art of negotiation and the ways of the human mind. Biology taught him critical thinking skills and problem solving. These college experiences allow him to write fast-paced crime thrillers with heavy interrogation scenes and allow him to empathize with his characters. During his time there, he was also active in extracurriculars. A unique trait about O’Quinn is that he was trained in opera singing. He said, “I see opera singing in everything. Opera is storytelling. It allowed me to express my voice in spaces I wasn’t allowed in because of how I looked. Opera delivers comedy and melodrama in their most visceral forms.” O’Quinn spoke about the historical context of how enslaved Africans used opera to communicate with one another while overcoming their struggles to regain power. In his eyes, he felt opera was a way for his own humanity to be seen. I asked O’Quinn if there was a moment in his life when he knew he wanted to be a filmmaker and a screenwriter. He recalled being at a church in Harlem, New York City. He was a fan of Harry Belafonte, a popular actor and activist within the Black community.

He met Mr. Belafonte at the church where Mr. Belafonte met Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Era. Afterwards, O’Quinn wrote a script about Harry Belafonte, Martin Luther King Jr., and a character inspired by himself all meeting at this church to discover how to pass on legacy from one generation to the next. He always loved to write, but this moment with “Mr. B”, as he called him, was when his screenwriting journey began.

Screenwriting for the Soul

Later, he attended Loyola Marymount University for graduate school and pursued an MFA degree in screenwriting. He said, “LMU was the place where I could face my fears. It was the place where I felt affirmed in what I wanted to do. It boosted my self-esteem and self-confidence.” Because LMU is known to be more inclusive rather than competitive, LMU’s environment allows students to grow at their own pace. O’Quinn mentioned a couple of professors who helped guide him, “Karol Hoeffner, Patty Meyer, David Clawson and Mary Kuryla made sure I was the best version of myself and on the page. That was my foundation.” Additionally, O’Quinn served as a communications instructor at Bronx Community College. There, he taught students about the importance of self-worth and leadership skills. All of which he formed when he was a student at LMU. Having been a student and having now taught students, he acknowledged the importance of proper education. He teaches at LA Valley College today. He said, “I want to pour into students who are longing to find their way.”

Near the tail-end of his career at LMU, he wrote a script called And A Child Will Lead, quarterfinalist which became a in the Nicholl fellowship screenwriting competition. O’Quinn was inspired by the historical events of Project C and The Children’s Crusade, when thousands of children and high school students peacefully protested segregation in Alabama and heinous police brutality ensued. In his work, O’Quinn is determined to highlight strong female characters who have opened doors for others on the page and in real life.

Staffing on Shows

During his career, O’Quinn became a writers’ assistant on NCIS: Los Angeles where he co-wrote/produced his first episode of television, 1414 - "Shame". There, he described the writing process as fast-paced and relentless. It was exciting, but the turnaround was expected much sooner than most network shows. He said there’s a balance in deciding “which hill to die on.” “You must be consistent with the show’s main vision while also adding your own artistic spin on the episode. You don’t want to shy away from the skills you know you have. You also want to be humble and know when to ask for help.” He consulted with the director, his co-writer, and many production departments.

After his time on NCIS: Los Angeles, he later worked on The Equalizer as a researcher and production as well. assisted the Furthermore, he was chosen for the Paramount Global Writers Mentoring Program (2024-2025). He said, “The program enhanced what I was working on. I am able to talk, but how do I convey my passion for writing in as few words as possible? The program helped me craft my personal story and taught me how to best prepare for showrunner meetings. The truth of this industry is that access is hard to get. These programs grant access to writers who can’t gain that access for themselves.” O’Quinn expressed the importance of learning from others who are in the same boat. The program allowed him to build a stronger network, which includes many of the Paramount alumni he still keeps in contact with today.

When O’Quinn finished the program, he became a staff writer on CBS’s S.W.A.T for Season 8. He wrote the episode “The Heights”. A theme that was consistent during all the chapters of his career was the establishment of teamwork. For example, Jamil Akim O’Quinn spoke on a panel with his long-time manager, Jon Kee, and his lawyer at LMU’s Call My People Event two years ago. He emphasized the importance of being represented by those you trust. He regards his manager as his friend, his brother, and someone who has been his partner in crime. He said, “Jon keeps me accountable. If I succeed, he succeeds. We succeed together. He sees all of me and the value of my work.”

Eyes on the Prize

I asked O’Quinn if there are themes that he would like to explore in a new work. He was vulnerable and open about coming to terms with grief in his life. He said, “The value of time is something I’m exploring. Time is currency. You can spend money, get a job, and work hard. Money comes back, but time doesn’t. What do people do with the time that they have?” Because of this sentiment, O’Quinn believes people’s values are uncovered in their darkest moments. He applies the same rules to his characters.

When we discussed staying passionate during the writing phase, O’Quinn mentioned how he looked up to multi-hyphenate, Shonda Rhimes. He quoted her, “Shonda once said, screenwriting is like hearing a hum. A hum that won’t let you sleep”. He is currently working on a new feature that hums in his mind. When I asked where he sees himself in the next two to five years, O’Quinn said, “I want to do what will make me feel alive in the moment, especially in my personal life. In my professional life, I want to make films and move up the ranks as a writer. I see myself being an executive producer level writer with financially lucrative deals to make tv and film that speak to the human condition. ”

Finally, I asked if there was anyone that he would like to thank for supporting him in his career. He would like to thank his great-grandmother for being the first person to introduce him to the arts. Second, his parents. He said, “They had so little, but they made sure all of their children could pursue what they were passionate about.”. He mentioned Stanley Wayne Mathis, whom he toured with on the Book of Mormon, and ignited the passion for O’Quinn to embrace his worth. As mentioned before, Jon Kee, his manager. Finally, all of his professors at LMU who helped guide him, read his work, and mentored him on his journey.