Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Slocum.
Robert, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I moved around a lot, but most of my childhood was spent in the MLK and Adamsville area. My introduction to the arts was through two of my teachers from Elementary School. Mr. Manuel Rivas and Ms. Joyce Fletcher at the illustrious Peyton Forest Elementary School. I was a star in Ms. Fletcher musical play “Once Upon a Princess,” it was my escape from life growing up in the inner city. Through that play, I was selected from hundreds of kids by a Disney scout. They wanted to house me in New York for a couple of weeks training me how to audition for film and commercials and teach me the proper diet. Room board, transportation, and food would be provided, my mom would be responsible for my airfare. We simply couldn’t afford it, that devastated me for years because, at an early age, I knew I wanted to become an actor. I attended B.E. Mays High School, where many people thought I would become a great athlete, but I never lost love for acting.
It was there in high school, with my many punishments and me excelling in the literature that I discovered my ability in creative writing. I wrote my 1st novel in 11th Grade, in a result of being on a lengthy punishment. Even teachers from different subjects fell in love with my writings. I had a math teacher who allowed me to read from a book every day to begin class, my classmates loved it because we didn’t have much work to do. From Mays, I attended the Savannah State University, there, I was a star in many plays like “A Raisin in the Sun.” After getting in trouble, I found myself back in Atlanta. I worked jobs without satisfaction but continued to write. My mentors; Dr. Henry Carter and actor Randy Goodwin advised me to use the Guerrilla marketing strategy and shoot my own films. Along the way, I met a kid by the name of Jaloni Jackson he was equally as talented as myself, from there, Eyes Glued Productions was formed. We co-wrote a film entitled ”Dancers For Money,” then began production. I was the older of us two so I was responsible for the finances, it became overwhelming so I turned to the streets.
Not long after, I was arrested and filming ceased. I kept writing re-tooled legitimately funded my projects not before releasing my best selling book entitled “Paid Dues.” I recently filmed my short film “TONK” and it is being well received by the YouTube audience. I’m wrapping up filming on my latest project entitled “The Enemy of My Enemy” which I will drop soon. My hard work and persistence gained my he favor of an Atlanta legend by the name of Ali Baqaar, he shared his story with me and I added some of my creative flare which now has us in talks with The Legendary Big Boi from OutKast and Swirl Films for my project entitled ‘96. 2019 has really been good to me. The Lord is my strength and the unwavering support I receive from my wife.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road wasn’t smooth; I had the Disney let down, I was selected by Robert Townsend back when he was in the development of his own television network, I don’t know what happened after that. I heard of guys hustling for there music careers and mixtapes, but Atlanta will tell you I’m the only person to hustle for my dreams in filming, lol.
Eyes Glued Productions – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company is Eyes Glued Productions. I came up with the name while expressing to my ex that I wanted my audience glued to the screen, stage, or whatever my productions were being broadcast. We specialize in Film/Production. The Lord blessed with an eye for talent and the ability to draw from those unaware of the talent they possess. I’m proud that through my productions, there are some very talented people that will get noticed. We have a family-oriented business, my cast and production team knows my struggles as an indie filmmaker so their belief in me is my driving force.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I have to say having the top 10 best sellers in urban fiction and the packed premier for my short film “TONK”…… Meeting with Big Boi was amazing but I haven’t signed any paperwork yet, lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: eyesgludproductions@gmail.com
- Instagram: Mr_EyesGlued
- Facebook: Robert Slocum (Actor, Writer extraordinaire)
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