Filmmaker Choice Skinner Talks Hit Movie 'A New Life' & the Power of Representation
On this episode of "BoomBox Weekly," NAACP Image Award nominated filmmaker, Choice Skinner, talks his transition from stunts to the director's chair, his dedication to portraying respectable images of Black people in film, and the strategic marketing of independent films.
Filmmaker Choice Skinner Talks Award Winning Movie 'A New Life' & the Power of Representation
By: Omar Cook
On the latest episode of BoomBox Weekly, Brooklyn-born filmmaker and actor Choice Skinner shared insights from his extensive career in the entertainment industry, highlighting his transition from music to film and his efforts to influence the portrayal of Black individuals in media positively.
Having spent over two decades in Los Angeles, Skinner has become an instrumental figure in both music and film sectors. His journey began in stunts and acting, where he honed his skills and eliminated any performance anxiety through rigorous practice and mentorship. These experiences shaped his approach to filmmaking and storytelling, eventually leading him to establish Darkan Entertainment.
His directorial feats include the award-winning short "Brotherly Love" and the webisode "The One Percent." Skinner's success continued as he won Octavia Spencer's Facebook Short Film Competition with "A Second Thought," leading to his directorial debut in the feature film "Wingman, Inc." His recent projects include the romantic dramedy "A New Life," which has been released on major streaming platforms, and the upcoming Southern Gothic horror film, "The Legend Of Ciscero."
During the podcast, Skinner discussed the importance of mentoring up-and-coming actors and filmmakers, emphasizing the responsibility he feels in portraying respectful and powerful images of Black individuals in his films. He also shared details about his NAACP Image Award-nominated film "A New Life," where he aims to depict a Black man as a respectable father, challenging prevalent stereotypes.
Skinner also highlighted the significance of having a solid marketing strategy for independent filmmakers, a topic he believes is crucial for the success and visibility of indie films in a competitive market.
The episode not only showcased Skinner's achievements and future projects but also served as a platform for him to express his dedication to enriching the film community by providing guidance and inspiration to the next generation of creators. His story is a testament to the impact that dedication, education, and the right representation can have on both an individual career and the broader community.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Tiffany Campbell Talks Her Journey of Faith, Film, and Hustle
On this episode of "BoomBox Weekly," filmmaker and author Tiffany Campbell discusses her journey from Columbus to Hollywood, her faith-driven passion for filmmaking, and her upcoming projects including her first feature film and web series.
Tiffany Campbell Talks Her Journey of Faith, Film, and Hustle
By: Adonis Armstrong
Tiffany Campbell is a gifted writer and filmmaker who was raised in Columbus, Ohio. She was eight years old when she first became interested in storytelling after watching an episode of Family Matters. Tiffany's early love of television and film led her to write novels, produce films, and create stage plays. She attributes her creative journey to her faith in God. She is committed to keeping Him front and center, as all of her gifts are from Him.
Tiffany also shared her reflections on the creation of Toxic. This project was both a professional and personal learning experience. She explains that she wanted to "teach people not to make the same mistakes I made", hinting to the lessons learned from the storyline of the film. Toxic was a huge success despite the difficulties.
During the podcast, Tiffany talked more on the move to LA from the Midwest was not without challenges. She discusses her transition candidly, explaining the importance of networking and finding people with whom she connects. Tiffany admits that she has experienced moments of loneliness but her determination to find the right people to connect with is what's driven her to success.
On "BoomBox Weekly," she also talked about her latest film Thirsty’s is a romantic comedy that draws on her own experiences. Tiffany's versatility is demonstrated in the film, which was originally conceived as a comedy play. The film combines humor and heartfelt moments. She credits God's timing and her hard work for bringing the project to fruition, as she has with all of her other projects.
Tiffany is currently working on her debut feature film. She plans to shoot it in Columbus, Ohio, her hometown. It's a moment of complete closure for the writer. Tiffany is currently working on a web-series with friends, and preparing for her next project, Roommate 2.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Filmmaker Swisyzinna Shares Her Horror Film Passion and Her Spiritual Journey
On this episode of "BoomBox Weekly," acclaimed filmmaker and actress Swisyzinna discusses her profound journey in horror films, her spiritual revelations, and offers inspiration to fellow creatives, while sharing her challenging yet uplifting experiences in the entertainment industry!
Filmmaker Swisyzinna Shares Her Horror Film Passion and Her Spiritual Journey
By: Omar Cook
Swisyzinna, a celebrated SAG-AFTRA actress with a career spanning over three decades, recently appeared on "BoomBox Weekly" to dive deep into her unique journey through the realms of acting and filmmaking. Known for her significant contributions to the horror film genre, she is affectionately dubbed the "Scream-Queen" by her fans—the SwisArmy.
During the podcast, Swisyzinna opened up about her affinity for horror films, a genre she fell in love with early in her career. She explained how horror has been a platform for her to explore and illuminate the spiritual warfare between good and evil, using her films to highlight the presence of God in seemingly dark situations. Her role as Lynette in the popular horror franchise "The Ouija Experiment," along with its sequels, has cemented her status as a fixture in horror cinema.
Swisyzinna also shared a poignant chapter of her life when she faced a personal and professional breakdown. It was during this challenging phase that she felt a divine intervention that not only pulled her through but also elevated her career to new heights. This experience has fueled her passion to inspire other filmmakers and creatives to persevere through their trials.
Currently starring in the post-production horror film "Incubus: New Beginnings," and gearing up for a role in "Death PH.D," slated for release in Halloween 2023, Swisyzinna continues to thrive in her craft. She also reminisces about her academic pursuits, having recently earned an MFA in Directing and Acting from MSMU, which she believes has greatly refined her skills and artistic vision.
On "BoomBox Weekly," Swisyzinna not only recounted her professional journey but also offered invaluable advice to up-and-coming creatives in the entertainment industry. She emphasized the importance of resilience, staying true to one’s artistic vision, and the power of faith in navigating the competitive landscape of Hollywood.
Her story is a compelling narrative of triumph over adversity, the transformative power of faith, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion, making her a true inspiration to her listeners and fans worldwide.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Zac Carson Talks His Film Writing Journey and Designing Shoes
Zac Carson discusses his film writing journey, his role as a shoe designer, and his future projects in this week's episode of BoomBox Weekly!
Zac Carson Talks His Writing Journey & Shoe Design
By: Omar Cook
Talent is something that can’t be boxed into one category, especially if you have multiple passions, and Zac Carson is proving how to truly be a jack of all trades. Between screenwriting, acting, and shoe designing, Carson is a true hustler in the entertainment industry. Carson has written over 20 screenplays, which he intends to pitch to productions in the future.
Zac’s favorite genre to write is sci-fi, which will be amazing for an industry that needs more Black sci-fi films. Zac has an interesting story as he struggled with reading and writing at an early age and he overcame that obstacle by focusing on what he liked; reading Harry Potter books and watching TV.
Aside from entertainment, Zac was an exceptional athlete, being a division 1 track runner. Not a bad resume for someone in their early 30s. Being a high level athlete has given Zac the tools to be successful in his post-athlete career as he has put his energy into his own personal ventures.
“It definitely is a balancing act. I feel like the only way to be successful is if you keep trying, and keep failing, and keep trying again until you succeed. Stick to the course. ”
Zac Carson
Listen to the exclusive interview on this week’s episode hosted by Gentel Sharrie, and Omar Cook.