Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Greene.
Hi Richard, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After moving to Atlanta, a friend connected me with an Atlanta-based film producer. This pivotal connection leads to working my way up the complex industry hierarchy. Within that year, I worked on forty-three music videos with artists like Gucci Mane, Lil Baby, Migos and Jaquees. Starting as a PA (production assistant), I gradually moved my way up to Producer. After many music videos, I found my passion for Television and Movies.
Fast forward two years later. On Christmas Day 2019, I started my own content creation company, Brave New World Media, assembled a team and attracted investors. Brave New World’s first project was “Ian Burke, The Dreamweaver” and is now working on a distribution deal with Netflix.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In this industry, it’s rarely a smooth road. Sometimes however, all the lights turn green at the same time and there is no traffic. From a spiritual standpoint, that’s how you know you are on your life path. Success should be easy, all of the setbacks come from the preparation to receive the blessings. In my preparation, I’ve faced many setbacks like false starts, false people, not knowing how to market. Every time each setback has been a huge learning opportunity. It made me stronger, and I never make the same mistake the same way twice. Some struggles include patience. We look at our peers and their successes and compare it to ourselves. When they say patience is a virtue, they are right! We all work on divine timing, when it’s time for you, it’s time. Patience sucks sometimes
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on left brain and right Brain. When I’m in my analytical / Left Brain side, it’s all about business. This is when I’m in my plotting, planning, looking toward the future frame of mind. In this mindset, I’m Dealing with lawyers, Investors and other Executives. This can be a dirty game and you have to be able to jump in the mud if need be. It’s very egotistical, very gangster at times. The music industry can be a monster. When you start dealing with real money, people around you begin to change, people you thought were your friends switch up. My business side often consists of keeping order amongst my partners.
On the Contrary, My Right brain wants to float off into the galaxy. What if a spaceship landed in Decatur? How can we tell this story? Human Life experiences. In this area, I found my best asset as a writer.
As of now, most of what I’m known for is being a producer/director. Most people have no clue how creative I can be.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to people just starting out will be these two things…
1. Play nice in the sandbox. When I got started, someone wise once told me to play nice in the sandbox because you NEVER know who’s going to end up being who. Everyone starts out small but, you might count someone out and they may end up being your boss someday so treat everyone equal. This hit home and prepared my mindset for this industry.
2. All leaders know how to follow too! When it’s your project, you are the King/Queen of your world. Meaning, if I’m working with another director, it’s not my job to try to tell them what to do with their vision. It’s my job to do whatever it takes to help them accomplish their goals. You gotta kill your ego to survive in this business. On the flip side, when I’m the king of the world, I don’t want to deal with other leaders who have a problem following. Some of the people who came up in my class didn’t understand this and we haven’t seen them on anymore sets. There are lots of people around the world who would kill to be in your position, don’t squander it over ego! You have no idea the amount of work I put in to get where I am.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @richgreene6
- Other: https://vimeo.com/535974944
Image Credits:
BTS photos, self-owned
