Today we’d like to introduce you to Samad Davis
Samad, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a rough and tough city of Newark, New Jersey which gave me an unmatched level of resilience. I also grew up in my father’s law firm and learned a ton about law, contracts, negotiations and entreprenuership. I’ve always been creative but never had an outlet to understand the art of creating content and the rules of engagement for that matter, until one of my employees at one of the resturants I owned decided to resign in order go to film school (Film Video & Arts) in New York City. Eighteen months later I ran into him at the post office one morning and he told me how much of a great experience it was for him and that I should consider it. At that point in life I was no longer happy being in the restaurant business because I no longer felt passionate about running my restaurants so I was looking for something to pivot into and hopefully embrace a new chapter in my life. I went home, called the school and they invited me to take a tour. I enrolled and learned every aspect of film and television creation (writing, directing, producing, editing,cinematography art direction etc).
I classify myself as entrepreneur / content producer who so just happens to be creative, not a filmmaker. I totally believe the present and future is all about entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs know how to see opportunities where most see problems. They know how to connect the dots and problem solve along the way. The business of Film and Television consist of actual business being transacted. Creative works are constantly moneitzed by the studios, networks and streamers. The key is for a content producer to fully understand how to successfuliy commercialize their ideas and content; meaing make content that makes money and makes a profit.
Alright, 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 always thought as an entrepreneur in an industry that thought completely opposite of me. Everyone one enjoyed standing in line waiting to get greenlit by a studio or network, which was fine becuase back then they paid big money and your name would potentially be in lights. However, no one owned anything. They didn’t and still don’t own their Interlectual Property “IP” which is part of the generational wealth creation I spoke about earlier. When you pass away your estate would still own your IP for whatever projects you owned for generations to come. Those titles or works could be relicensed again and again over time; thus bringing in more revenue to the estate beyond one’s life. This only works if you own your content. I started out with this business model. People thought I was crazy for turning big deals down. To this day I still maintain that model and own IP. Now that the industry has been completely flipped on it’s head, those who used to be the big guys and gals in the industry are finding it very hard to cope in this new entertainment business we are in now. It’s completely and entrepreneurs game now. My turf. My comfort zone. I’ve gone from being called crazy to the person people call for advice.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an entrepreneur who’s portfolio consists of IP ownership of film & television content, financing & production of film and television content, real estate development and mining.
I am most proud of the work I’ve been doing in the film and television space for 25 years and the work I’ve been blessed to do across 18 countries in Africa for the past 17 years. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the beauty and opportunities Africa had to offer the world creatively, if only creatives there had the proper tools, information, funding and opportunities to create at a high level. I knew early on that the world could appreciate story telling from Africa if only people in Hollywood were willing to collaborate with creatives in Africa and to assist in Industry evolution there. I’ve had the pleasure of bringing countless celebrities from Hollywood and experts from behind the scenes in Hollywood into various parts of Africa over the years for one project or another. Each time we would be sure to make their experience a beautiful one so that they would go back and spread the word that Africa was definitely a place that their peers should consider when thinking of projects to get involved in. I have my own quote; “Hollywood isn’t a destination, but rather a level of execution!” I standby that. The aim is to make great content that can be appreciated and enjoyed the world over no matter where its produced or whos stories are being told. I developed a format called “Top Actor” which is a competitive reality show that unearths and trains the next generation of working actors. That show was very succesfull in Africa. In fact when Viacom launched “BET Africa” in Africa, they bought the series I created and already independently produced so that when the channel went live it was able to launch with my series “Top Actor SA & Top Actor Africa”. That serie launched so many working actors careers in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. It’s made a huge impact in the industry. These actors have gone on to do subsequents movies and series that stream globally on platforms like Netflix.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Go to places where you are inspired and where people who are doing what you want to do are. Introduce yourself. Ask questions, without being pushy or a pest. Ask if its okay if from time to time you can reach out for advice (advice only).
What works well for me is not having a terrible attitude and being humble. Delivering on what I say I’m going to do or what I’m obligated to do. Keeping my word. When problems arise, which they will, finding fair and respectful solutions. Communicating affectively with my team(s). Not burning bridges. Never talking down and or disrespectful to people; from the bottom to the top, treating every human being with respect and dignity. Knowing that life and business is a marathon, not a sprint. Not loosing myself after finding new levels of success. Loving what I do. Loving who I work with. Grounding myself everyday through meditation and prayer before I engage with people each day, so that I that I bring the best version of myself to the table always. Integrity. Integrity. Integrity. Knowing that everyone gets used and that It’s okay to be used, as long as I am not misused and or I don’t misuse anyone else.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @samaddavis
- Facebook: Samad Davis
- Twitter: @samaddavis
