Life & Work with Cedric Smith of Brookhaven

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cedric Smith.

Hi Cedric, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story starts in Columbia, South Carolina, in a two-bedroom apartment shared by four generations — my mother, my older brother, my grandmother, and me. My mother worked two jobs while going to school, and my grandmother became the backbone not just of our household, but of the neighborhood. She was the caregiver everyone trusted. When parents needed someone to watch their kids, they brought them to us. Our home was always full — of people, of noise, of life.
What we did together most was watch movies. We had stacks of them. When everyone was finally free, we’d gather in the living room and watch for hours. I didn’t know then that I wanted to be a filmmaker — I just knew I loved how a scene could make you feel something deeply without saying a word. That feeling stayed with me.
My older brother was the real storyteller. He created entire worlds — games, characters, storylines — and pulled me and my friends into them completely. Watching him create made me fall in love with imagination and investment. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was my first exposure to directing and writing. Growing up, my favorite actor was Jim Carrey, and I was drawn to directors like Keenen Ivory Wayans. I loved ’90s films — Juice, Scary Movie 2, Remember the Titans, Ace Ventura. They were funny, emotional, bold, and full of personality.
In middle school, a friend asked me to write a short story for his English class — last minute, before his final period. I ignored my own work and poured everything into writing his. He got an A. The teacher wanted to publish it in the yearbook. He declined, knowing it wasn’t his story — it was mine. That was the first time I realized how naturally storytelling came to me.
As I got older, sports became my focus. I played football, basketball, ran track, and kickboxed. Film didn’t feel like a realistic career — sports did. I was disciplined, studious, but extremely timid until high school. Sports pulled me out of myself. They made me confident, bold, and fearless. More than anything, they taught me how to lead. Under Friday night lights, when it was time to step up, I did — not for myself, but for my team. That mindset still defines me as a director today. I’m willing to make short-term sacrifices for long-term vision — for the art and for the people creating it with me.
During my senior year in 2016, I was invited to an All-Star football game for high school players across South Carolina and received an offer to play at a Division II college. For someone from where I’m from, that meant everything. We couldn’t afford college, and it felt like I had earned a future — like my mother could finally breathe.
That same week, while heading to track practice, I got a call from my godmother. My mother had been in a car accident. I rushed to the hospital, not panicked — until reality hit. I lost my mother that day. I was 17 years old, with a 3-year-old little sister, grief, responsibility, and no sense of direction. I wanted to quit everything.
After the funeral and the All-Star game — where I won Offensive MVP — the school I planned to attend withdrew my scholarship. At that moment, I felt completely tested. I wore masks. I performed strength. I acted happiness to keep others standing while I was breaking. Without realizing it, that was where my acting truly began. But I also lost touch with what I loved most — creating.
Later, I understood something clearly: I hadn’t been chasing football for myself. I was chasing it for my mother — to give her peace. When that dream disappeared, I had to rediscover my own.
In my later college years, I saved up and bought my first camera. I started filming everything — not for perfection, but for experience. I kept writing, sharing “billion-dollar ideas” with friends, and attending film events in Charlotte and Atlanta. Atlanta kept calling me back. I never planned to move there, but every visit felt right — like alignment. The talent, the collaboration, the hunger to be seen and heard, especially among Black creatives, was undeniable.
I moved to Atlanta and founded KONKRETE Productions — Independent in Spirit, Solid in Vision. I worked my way up on a reality show from camera operator to assistant producer, but eventually realized that if I stayed comfortable, I’d never build what I came to build. I never went to film school, but I learned fast. I studied the greats — Spike Lee, Tarantino, John Singleton, Ryan Coogler — until I realized my goal wasn’t to film like them, but to find my own voice. Over time, I developed my style through writing, directing, producing, self-funding, and learning the business behind the art.
Today, my focus is bigger than myself. KONKRETE Productions isn’t just my platform — it’s a home for creatives who have something to say but haven’t been given space to say it. I’m building a team of professionals who trust my leadership and allow me to help bring their visions to life, whether I’m directing, acting, or producing.
I’m releasing my first feature film in summer 2026 on platforms like Tubi and Prime, while already in production on a second feature. This is only the beginning. KONKRETE Productions is for the people — for voices that deserve to be heard. We’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.

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?
It’s never a smooth road when you’re chasing a dream, especially a dream with no limits, no ceilings to hit. Some of the struggles along the way was the rejection. No one ever wants to hear NO, but NO doesn’t mean to stop, it’s a redirection. It’s a chance to learn adaptability, to adjust to your environment and to grow into a space that’s really meant for you. Another struggling I’ve always faced is confidence within yourself when you face hard times, when you hear those negative comments about your art. Always remember that someone will love it, and it will touch someone in a way that they needed it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a filmmaker, actor, and producer, and the founder of KONKRETE Productions, an independent production company built on the idea of being Independent in Spirit, Solid in Vision. My work primarily lives in narrative film and television, with a strong focus on character-driven storytelling, psychological tension, and emotionally grounded stories — particularly within horror and drama.
I specialize in developing projects from the ground up. That means writing, directing, producing, and often acting within the same project, while also overseeing the business and logistical side of production. I’m known for being hands-on, detail-oriented, and deeply invested in both the creative vision and the people behind it. I approach filmmaking as both an art and a responsibility — to the story, the audience, and the team.
What I’m most proud of is building a company and body of work without a traditional film school path, learning through experience, collaboration, and persistence. I’ve developed multiple projects, secured funding independently, and created opportunities not just for myself, but for other creatives who may not have had access to a platform.
What sets me apart is my leadership style and long-term vision. I’m willing to make short-term sacrifices to build something sustainable and meaningful. I don’t chase trends — I focus on authenticity, strong performances, and stories that stay with people after the credits roll. KONKRETE Productions isn’t just about making films; it’s about creating space for voices that deserve to be heard and work that stands solid over time.

How do you think about luck?
I grew up in a very religious household, I was always taught never to believe in luck. Everything good that happened to me were blessings and all the “bad luck” were nothing but lessons to be learned, situations that were meant to shape me into the man I am today. God is the best planners.

Pricing:

• Directing/Camera Operator: $350
• Producing/Editing: $1,500/$300
• Acting: $100(day)/$400(leading role)
• Writing: $500-$4000 (depends on length)
• Full Project Rates $8,000

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quentincedrantino?igsh=MWVkaGs1MXB0dnZkaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedric-smith-66903b343/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@KonKreteProductions1