Today we’d like to introduce you to Chey Loran.
Hi Chey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Four years ago, I would have never had thought I would have a film company. Accomplishing something greater than myself is something I would always be grateful for. It all started when I was in elementary school, a charter school called “Bronx Arts,” where I learned to express myself through the arts. But growing up, ironically, I had a strong will for becoming a Surgeon (crazy right), while there was another side of me that just always loved acting/arts. It really became my passion when someone I personally was filming an episode for, a TV show called “The Last OG.” That experience pushed me to another level—I really wanted to try my hands in the movie industry. I didn’t know where to begin, but I knew I wanted to leave a legacy behind.
Now fast-forward three years later in 2021- I officially registered my company as an LLC, and I am now filming two feature films. And looking ahead, in 2022, I am creating a website and a streaming service on my website. I eventually want to have a streaming service of my own, catching this streaming service boom. I honestly didn’t think I could get to where I am now. A lot of people might want to see my fall, and indeed I have stumbled a few times, but I always stand up to the occasions and turn things around.
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 think I’d be lying if I said everything was a smooth sailing road for me. But life does have up and down; things just always work out in the end when you have a clear vision for what you want to achieve. First and foremost, I managed to get an early start. I’m 23, but I started my company when I was 19 years old. I think because of this, a lot of people held that schadenfreude, waiting for me to fail. I think it was also hard for some of the cast due to the fact they couldn’t take criticism from a kid, who they considered a rookie.
My second challenge has been to learn about the industry the hard way, in particular the darker side of it. I have no problem going the extra mile for others, be it in the industry or not. Everyone needs to start somewhere, and I must say, that was how I got started. But my willingness to offer opportunities to others became my Achilles’ heel. I have come to realize in the industry, while others are watching behind their own backs, they might also take any possibility of stabbing yours. That remark that they’re rooting for you might be a vicious façade.
It’s rather ironic that while this is an industry that requires people to look after one another, individuals with pure intentions are hidden gems and are scarce. I’ve learned to have thicker skin and watch behind my own back. I consider myself rather fortunate, having gotten somewhere at the age of 23, but I have been stomped over as a stepping stone for others to get advance themselves—financially, career-wise. Some might say this dog-eat-dog trend holds true across disciplines. But hey, like a certain company’s slogan—“making progress every day!” At 23, I’m learning the rope along the way.
It’d be deemed flattery if I said I encapsulated the American Dream. But indeed, I wasn’t born to an entertainment/film family; I needed to start from scratch. I appreciate the fortune of having come across people who’re generous enough to help me. For that reason and the traumatic experiences of being manipulated, I’ve come to be selective of who to hang out with. My mom once told me, “Stopping you all to people that reach out to you first. Stop putting your water into someone’s cup that can’t even handle their own water. Not everyone deserves your kindness, your hard work, or your determination to be on the same path as you.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Lost Lion Film Studios is my film company many years in the making, eventually going public and registered as an LLC in 2021. The mission of Lost Lion Film Studios is to give voices to those who feel oppressed or marginalized in the conventional society. When creating Lost Lion Film Studios, I knew I didn’t just want to be the CEO, the overseer, but also one of the Directors, getting the hands dirty, if you will. The process of getting Lost Lion Studios registered was indeed nerve-racking but the end result came out rewarding. Thus far, two feature-length films have come out under the Lost Lion banner, gradually putting Lost Lion on the map. Now, I have the privilege of working with rising stars; I am forever grateful. The past eight months have been my hibernation period. I can’t wait to vow to audiences with what Lost Lion has been cooking.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I have family in Georgia. I use to go every other year. I also used to live in Georgia for a couple of months before I move back to New York when I was younger. Regrading what I like Georgia is the historical building that they have. Atlanta is so artistic and so diverse. I think Georgia has a lot of enriching history that I do love to explore. I’m excited to be filming there next month.
Contact Info:
- Email: lostlionfilmstudios@gmail.com
- Website: https://lostlionfilmstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostlionfilmstudios/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostlionfilmstudios
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4hGeUKt1ZVwq4bwqCPdjqQ
Image Credits
All credit go to Lost Lion Film Studios LLC
