Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Blake.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sierra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My name is Sierra Blake. I started my company Bicus! Productions in 2016 while I worked at Ace Hardware attending Savannah College of Art and Design taking courses to help me become a better screenwriter. At that time, I wanted to tell stories that involved the day-to-day struggles of Black people. During this time, police brutality was at high around the country. So, I called my friend Kareem McMichael to star in a film I wrote entitled A Luta Continua.
This film depicts how a Black man faces the world despite the cruelty Black men face in America. A Luta Continua was accepted into the Savannah State University Film Festival and gained traction online from many people in my community. In Spring 2016, I joined the GA Film Academy; I met a team of talented filmmakers under the instruction of John Grace. With the GA Film Academy, I co-wrote a film entitled Happy Family and that was accepted into the Single-Take Film Challenge and nominated for Most Entertaining Film and Extraordinary Cinematography.
During Summer 2017, I worked as a Production Assistant on the set of a UK television show entitled Living The Dream starring Kim Fields, Leslis Jordan and many others. I learned more and more about how to better operate on-set, how to manage production and be as effective and efficient as possible. So, in the fall, when I began working on Tabitha’s House, a film focused on a woman in the Savannah community who discovered her purpose of running a non-profit to help single women with children who are homeless, I was better able to direct and co-produce my project. I put all of my resources into this project and it brought me so much joy to help someone trying to help other people. While filming this project, I knew I was on-purpose with my vision for Bicus! Productions and I was privileged to work with an amazing team of people, especially my co-producer Kareem McMichael. Everyone helped to elevate the on-set experience of this production.
Tabitha’s House was accepted into Savannah State University’s Film Festival, winning Best Documentary; Accepted into The Georgia Documentary Film Festival and nominated for Best Georgia Documentary. In January 2018, I moved to South Atlanta, I filmed videos and vlogged for local artists and companies. I began to garner more work in photographer after working as with Donna Permell as a Photographer’s Assistant at local events such as the Luda Day Festival and various shoots at her studio. I continued to direct and produce for companies such as Goddess Body Boutique and Carswell Realty. Atlanta is a melting pot filled with culture and pride. I went on to complete another film entitled A Sunday Kind of Love, which walked the audience through the life of Black women in the LGTBQI community. This film was accepted into the Out on Film online Festival and nominated for Best Film.
As a filmmaker, it is my job to tell the ugly truth and highlight beautiful moments in that truth, which propel people to be better versions of themselves, voluntarily or involuntarily. Currently, I am working on my next film project and filming commercials for companies in the Atlanta community. Bicus! Productions will continue to grow in the Southeast Region and around the world, I believe.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road has not been smooth, whatsoever. There were many times where I felt like it was impossible to get my films made, but I kept going because I am determined for my vision to get out and into the world. I didn’t make a lot of money at Ace Hardware or as a substitute teacher to film my projects and feed my crew. So, I saved up my income taxes to get my film done and feed my people who volunteered their time. I had to use credit cards to get my films into festivals for a wider audience to see my films. I appreciate the journey because it continues to teach me patience and makes me a better filmmaker. Telling stories that touch people is my dream and I am willing to continue to do what it takes to bring my visions to life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bicus! Productions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Bicus! Productions is a film, videography and photography company. I am a filmmaker; I write. My company is known for telling raw and bold truths of the Black community through film and photography. So, when my clients enlist my services they get a full experience beyond what they expected. Whether I am filming a film or commercial or doing photography, my clients end up with a story to remember and tell their friends and family about through still and/or moving images. What makes us most proud as a company is the ability we have to touch people and provide them with an experience they never thought they would have in their wildest dreams. I take the everyday person’s story to inspire the community and create memories that will last a lifetime. This is what sets Bicus! Productions apart from others.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, Bicus! Productions will be a world premiere filmmaking and photography company. I plan to be the next Billionaire following in the footsteps of TyIer Perry; and other filmmakers that inspire me, such as Ava Duvernay and Steven Spielberg. I look forward to capturing the stories and truths of people all around the world. I want people to experience filmmaking and photography on another level. Bicus! Productions will create opportunities for other filmmakers and photographers around the world. My company will be a platform to birth new talent that will continue to push the envelop and produce cutting edge images, still and moving.
Contact Info:
- Website: bicusproductions.com
- Phone: 678-221-4653
- Email: bicusproductions@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bicusproductions
- Facebook: Bicus Productions
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7205503/
Image Credit:
Bicus! Productions photographer Sierra D. Blake
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