Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Bailey-Ford.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My desire for entering the film & tv industry began at the age of 8 when I was watching Turner Movie Classics like Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin films. I knew this would be an outlet for me considering the environment I grew up in. Having been raised by my aunt who took care of me from birth being that my mother was a prostitute and on drugs, also my father being on drugs and running the streets, I envisioned and dreamed of a different life at a very young age. My father passed away when I was 9 to drugs and my mother passed away from HIV when I was 12 The older I got, I realized my passion continued to be behind the camera as this was my escape from my reality. Watching these shows at a young age sparked curiosity and from there my interest continued to grow. I started researching the art of filmmaking, watching more films and understanding the technical aspect of it.
In high school, I joined performing arts and worked as a production assistant. I also worked my way up to producer of stage plays and my local high school tv channel. In my senior year, I applied to Shaw University in Raleigh, NC which I was accepted and entered the Mass Communication Department with a concentration in Film & Television and a minor in Philosophy. People always ask me why philosophy? My answer is that I love people and I always wanted to help people. There was no better way to connect with people without this foundation.
After graduating from Shaw University, I did a couple of internships to get a deeper understanding of the film and television industry. I worked with high-level executives and producers that took me under their wing and gave me the guidance that I needed to launch my path to success. I furthered my education by entering the Summer Film and TV Program at New York University which allowed me to meet more people in the industry, network and strengthen my skills.
Today, I have produced 40 feature films, started my entertainment company, launch my philanthropic projects, Get Connected Atlanta and the Georgia Entertainment Gala, giving back to my community and connecting people in film and television. I am a member of the Producer Guild of America, Women in Film Atlanta and Los Angeles, Black Women in Film Atlanta and the National Academy of Television, Arts and Science Southeast.
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?
I don’t believe that any road is smooth. This is where I get my excitement, push my determination to excel despite my childhood circumstances with the odds stacked against me or from people not supporting me from the inception of launching my philanthropic projects. My motive and character were questioned. I did not let the naysayers stop me and continued on my mission to help people and build an outlet for the indie film and television community in Atlanta. I never gave up. To date, I have not made a dime off my philanthropic projects. I have raised over $100,000 through the Georgia Entertainment Gala and over $60,000 through Get Connected Atlanta and awarded these funds to organizations such as Hosea Feed The Hungry, Red Cross, Angels Among Us, Atlanta Children Shelter to name a few. I have also helped many local filmmakers apply to film schools and paid for submission fees to film festivals through my efforts.
Autumn Bailey Entertainment – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Autumn Bailey Entertainment headquartered in downtown Atlanta, GA and Century City, Los Angeles, CA is a company responsible for the development and physical production of new media, film, and television program. The company also has many distribution deals. Autumn Bailey Entertainment currently focuses on serving niche markets in Film & TV Production, option development, principal photography and distribution.
Autumn Bailey Entertainment produces high-quality documentaries, short films, Feature films and TV shows.
I am most proud of making good art that can resonate to the masses, stories that have a real impact and seen it come to the screen worldwide.
I think my willingness to be open, candid, being a people person, connect with people on a business and personal level which I care a lot of about sets me apart from others. I am driven with no boundaries.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Having been able to give my Aunt (mom) a copy of my film with my name in the credits and sitting with her to watch it and seeing the smile on her face as my name rolled up on the screen. Additionally, helping the countless number of up and coming film and television community members of Atlanta whom I have touched by connecting them with agents, casting directors, letter of recommendation, paying application and submission feels brings me much gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Address: 34 Peachtree Street, Suite 500, Atlanta GA 30303
- Website: http://www.abentertainment05.com
- Email: autumnbailey2005@gmail.com
- Instagram: autumnebaileyford
- Facebook: Autumn Essie Bailey-Ford
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