Television
Ayoka is an Emmy-nominated director. Her television work has also received an NAACP nomination for Outstanding Director for Drama. Her directing credits include episodes of Queen Sugar (NAACP nomination, (OWN), Greenleaf (OWN), Dynasty (CW), Trinkets (Emmy nomination, Netflix), Delilah (OWN), 4400 (FX), A League of Their Own (Amazon/Sony), and the adaption of Octavia Butler’s science fiction novel, Kindred (FX), and the adaptation of the science fiction novel, Beacon 23 (MGM+).
Ayoka was a joy to work with. Her expertise, inventiveness, and supportiveness gave our show a level of world building we had not previously seen. She brought a huge, out-of-the-box episode together smoothly. I found her to be the perfect creative partner. GLEN MAZZARA/Beacon23 (season 2 episode 5 Song of Sorrow)
≈
She’s that rare find, a real director who brings a unique vision and firm hand to the work, but who’s also able to create within the show’s parameters and deliver the writers’ vision to the screen in a way that makes the show simultaneously shockingly fresh and soothingly recognizable. I wish I could work with her on everything. CRAIG WRIGHT/ Greenleaf, Delilah
Yes, Ayoka was wonderful on Dynasty - both times. She was always super prepared and knew exactly what she wanted, but she was a great team player as well, easily fitting in to the company. The cast and crew loved working with her and her episodes both turned out great! I really hope to work with her again on something else. JOSH REIMS/Dynasty
Ayoka is fantastic. A true creative partner and collaborator. She comes prepared and gives thoughtful notes. Her presence on set is warm with a centering gravitas. She is wonderful with actors. They feel safe in her hands and therefore give their best. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her… SARAH GOLDFINGER/Trinkets
I love working with Ayoka and I loved her work. Ayoka is a fantastic director, a wonderful human being, and for me she was a showrunner’s dream. She’s smart, calm, inspiring and is able to serve the story, elevate it, and she infuses her work with a beautiful and powerful visual depth and touch. ANTHONY SPARKS/Queen Sugar
