Hidden Gems: Meet Russell Wyche of Mann Robinson Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Wyche.

Hi Russell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story is a story of hard work, resilience, and the “knowing” of where I am supposed to be in life. As a young entrepreneur, I owned two clothing stores in Hampton and Norfolk, Virginia called Usual Suspects. This clothing store venture would ultimately lead me to Atlanta in 2010 where I opened a boutique in Buckhead called Coposhi at the corner of Peachtree and Pharr. Moving to Atlanta during the recession was challenging and at times seemed impossible. However, I knew Atlanta was where I would thrive. The relationship between fashion and music created a new business venture as I opened my first recording studio at 139 Ralph McGill. Shortly after opening the studio, the next part of the business was developed and COOLBOY Publishing launched. COOLBOY partnered with producers and writers to shop music to record labels and artists for placements. After a few years, it was time to find another recording studio and that’s when I met Mann Robinson and a new business relationship began. My second studio location was 236 Forsyth downtown Atlanta. It was at this studio that I would find a new passion and write and direct my first short film. By 2019, I partnered with Mann Robinson and we began working on the hit film “Super Turnt”. I am now the President and Producer at Mann Robinson Studios. We opened a 20,000 square foot studio in the Westend of Atlanta 2021. I am also an actor making my debut in Super Turnt, with Sebastian and On Ten to follow all releasing this year.

The reason I say my story is one of resilience is due to the amount of challenges that were overcome during the process of finding my true purpose. Throughout the course of creating this life, like many entrepreneurs, I have seen many businesses fail. I have lost everything from money, homes, cars, relationships, family, friends, and even my sanity at times. I have done it all from liquor importing to real estate investing to selling antiques and even a stent in corporate America where I was furloughed due to Covid. I reached rock bottom and never gave up and never took my eyes off the prize. I faced adversity and those times where life served a punch, even if I fell, I got back up. That’s truly the key to all of this, find your purpose or at least know where you want to be and never give up until you reach your goal. I’ve been trying to “make it” for years and I didn’t get on TV until I was 40. At this point, there is nothing in the way of greatness and my dedication to winning is unmatched.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been points in this journey where the going got tough. Dealing with loss can be taxing mentally and can affect your outlook on the future. When a business fails, it creates doubt, fear and uncertainty. Before the recession hit in 2010, my retail business was booming, my locations were grossing over $1million in sales. Life was great and then boom the bottom fell out and many businesses closed due to the economy. I lost everything and my back was against the wall. What do I do now? Life has a weird way of working things out and I was offered an opportunity to move to Atlanta and open another clothing store. I was sold on opening next to the “Streets of Buckhead” development that lost funding soon as I opened my doors and never completed. The business survived a few years but did not survive the economic downfall. I started to apply for jobs because I knew I would soon have no income. I applied for food stamps, went through a divorce and took my first job ever at the age of 32 as a rental car employee. This was a very humbling experience because I go from the CEO to entry-level trainee and in the service industry. I now had to adapt to an employment culture that I truly did not fit, however, the natural business ability in me allowed me to climb the corporate ladder to a regional position. While working in corporate America, I never gave up on the entrepreneur spirit within me. I often found myself burning the candle at both ends, working from 6:30am to 6:30pm then go to the studio from 8pm – 3am. I was exhausted but I knew where I wanted to be. After finally gaining some success in the music industry and then my main producer jumps ship, moved out of state and we then lost the studio due to the sell of the building. At this point, my business that I had dumped my hard-earned money into seemed to be failing. After finally rebuilding my personal finances, I then lose my job to COVID. But again, life has a way of working things out and I was able to transition into my new role with a bigger studio. All that to say fail gracefully and be able to take a hit and keep going.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mann Robinson Studios is a full production studio located in Atlanta, GA founded in 2021 by highly acclaimed director Mann Robinson. Years of experience in the film industry has fostered a perfect atmosphere for creatives to expand their production capabilities. The 20,000 sqft warehouse-style studio boasts 20 Foot ceilings, 32 Foot Green and White Cyc Walls, ample space for set building, and silent AC/Heat as just a few of the offered amenities. Creating films, sitcoms, videos and other various media at Mann Robinson Studios presents endless possibilities for productions in a controlled environment.

Our Moto, “We do this for the Culture”, is a statement that drives the motives of Mann RobinsonStudios. We continue to impact the progression of the film industry for independent filmmakers by creating a voice for the unheard. We strive to meet the needs of clients and our audience through diverse initiatives. This dedication to the culture has led to partnerships with companies such as Nickelodeon, Atlanta Black Star, Urban Flix, BET, Amazon Prime, Tubi, Apple TV, NetFlix, and various celebrities.

In addition to the production studio, Mann Robinson Studios has also produced award-winning feature films streaming on VOD services. A few of the features include: Turnt 2018 (Amazon Prime, Roku), Troubled Waters 2021 (Bet+), Super Turnt 2022 (Tubi) with others slated to release in the near future.

Mann Robinson Studios strives for superior excellence in a competitive industry by cultivating a company emanation focused on quality, value, customer service, and professionalism.

Mann Robinson Studios offers premium services to supersede our individual client’s necessities and goals. We offer studio facilities for films, videos, photography, event space, and production offices.

Mann Robinson Studios also offers various production services. Our in-house production professionals are results-driven and focused on delivering quality products.

How do you think about happiness?
The pursuit of happiness begins with gratitude. I appreciate the process whether positive or negative. Reminds me of a story I heard about Mother Theresa. There was feces in the street and everyone walked by in disgust, Mother Theresa walked by and pointed out the rose growing next to it.

Creating a legacy makes me happy, adding value to my family name and leaving something behind for them; impacting the culture.

Contact Info:

• Email: russwyche@mannrobinsonstudios.com
• Website: mannrobinsonstudios.com
• Instagram: @coolboyproduction
• Facebook: Russell Wyche