Today we’d like to introduce you to Choice Skinner.
Hi Choice, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have ALWAYS been connected to entertainment in some way. My mom says that at 2 years old I was able to put the correct side of a record on the record player to play and hear a song. This year will be 40 years of Purple Rain starring Prince. I was so enthralled when I left the movie theater as a teen that I decided I wanted to be in entertainment that very day. I wanted to be able to affect people the way Prince and the cast of that film made me feel, when I viewed it.
Purple Rain affected me to the point that I joined a musical group and put myself under the tutelage of my long-life friend William Anthony, who now goes under the moniker of “Billy Stunning” aka *(Shaddiy). He was a musical genius in his teens and taught me the theory of music theory, harmony, and technique, but mostly he taught me to appreciate and develop a love for funk.
Between him teaching me music and my mother having music constantly around us while exposing me to the history of Hollywood and film, I realize now that unbeknownst to them, they were preparing me for Hollywood and content creation.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t. Most of what I’ve accomplished has been outside of the Hollywood system. Other than auditioning, there weren’t any opportunities for me as an actor, writer, or film director during the early to mid-part of my career. I had to become proactive, self-fund, and create my content on almost 100% of the projects I’ve done.
Becoming a multi-hyphenate was born out of me due to necessity. I’ve been called a “unicorn” which translates to being a rarity. Hollywood doesn’t care about talent as much these days and most of the programs and grants are awarded to young people of DEI that DON’T include guys like me, which makes it even more tough and extreme battle to find financing and resources for projects.
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?
I’m an extremely hard worker. Sometimes I take on more work than I should but I’m eventually able to complete my tasks. I specialize in making people feel something when viewing my performances and my content.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve encouraged and motivated so many to stay the course and accomplish their dreams and objectives in their careers. I am also proud of people being motivated by my films. What sets me apart from others is that I honestly make my content for the audience. Whereas others constantly mention that they do what they do for themselves.
Any big plans?
I have learned a lot about people and myself in the past 4 years since COVID. With a newfound understanding, I have a clearer perspective on appreciation and discipline. I plan to develop and bring to life every script I’ve ever written, I would like to either have first-look deals or picture deals with some of the studios that would help me in that process so that I’m not stressing about how to fund my ideas. I’m looking forward to helping other filmmakers like James M. Black.
This young man is a unicorn like me and is so tremendously talented. Hopefully this year, I will fund and shoot, and co-direct alongside Tony Germinario our Southern Gothic horror film “The Legend of Ciscero”, fund and shoot “Henry’s Courage” the story of WWI recipient Henry Johnson and the 369TH regiment of the Harlem Hellfighters and work my short film “2 Killers In A Car” through the festival circuit. Anyone out there reading this and would like to help financially I’m open to discussion. LOL.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.darkanent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkan2000/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceJSkinner/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choiceskinner/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/darkanent
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Darkanentertainment
Image Credits
Darkan Entertainment and The CW Network
