A Conversation With host Floyd Marshall Jr – Details, episodes & analysis

In a recent episode of A Conversation with Floyd Marshall Jr., cinematographer Michelle Clementine, one of the few African American and Latina cinematographers in the industry, shared her journey, insights, and experiences. The interview, titled "Black Women In Focus," highlights Clementine's unique perspective as a trailblazer in a field historically dominated by white men.

From Humble Beginnings to Cinematic Excellence

Michelle Clementine's career began with an internship at the TriBeCa Film Festival in 2005. After earning her B.A. in Film Production from Brooklyn College, she joined IATSE Local 600 in 2010. Her journey took a significant turn in 2018 when she participated in the inaugural Cinematography Intensive for Women at the American Film Institute. This program led her to Los Angeles, where she honed her skills on various narrative films and television shows.

During the interview, Clementine reflected on her early days in the industry, sharing how she overcame initial doubts about pursuing a career in cinematography. Despite her love for photography, she initially dismissed it as "a white man's sport." However, her determination and passion for storytelling through visuals kept her on the path, eventually leading her to where she is today.

Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

Clementine candidly discussed the challenges she faced as a woman of color in a predominantly male industry. She shared how she was often advised to pursue roles more traditionally associated with women, such as producing or writing, rather than cinematography. However, her resolve to stay true to her passion for camera work led her to push through these barriers.

"Men are gonna men," Clementine remarked, addressing the gender dynamics she has encountered throughout her career. She emphasized the importance of not letting these challenges deter women from pursuing their goals. Her approach to dealing with the aggressive communication often found in the industry was shaped by her upbringing in New York, where she learned to develop a thick skin and persevere.

Giving Back to the Community

One of the most inspiring aspects of Clementine's career is her commitment to mentoring and supporting other women of color interested in cinematography. After gaining experience and recognition in the industry, she began leading training sessions for Black women interested in pursuing a career in camera work. This initiative eventually led to her appointment as the chairwoman of the women’s committee for the western region at the International Cinematographer’s Guild.

Clementine's dedication to fostering a community of women in cinematography is evident in the success of these training sessions, which have drawn large groups of women eager to learn and grow in the field. Her efforts have not only provided invaluable opportunities for these women but have also helped to diversify the industry.

The Importance of Preparation and Relationships

Throughout the interview, Clementine underscored the importance of being prepared on set and the value of strong relationships in the industry. She highlighted how preparation allows for creative flexibility, enabling cinematographers to adapt to unexpected challenges on set. Additionally, she emphasized that building and maintaining relationships is crucial for career growth, as much of her work has come through word-of-mouth and recommendations from colleagues.

In closing, Michelle Clementine’s interview serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, talent, and determination required to succeed in the film industry.

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In the latest episode of "A Conversation with Host Floyd Marshall Jr.," premier Makeup Artist and Special Effects expert, Magen Grays, sat down to discuss her journey in the film and television industry. With over 20 years of experience in Hollywood, Grays has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Andy Cohen, Ciara, and French Montana. In this interview, she opens up about her creative process, the challenges she has faced as an African American woman in the industry, and her passion for blending traditional beauty with special effects.

From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Success

Magen Grays didn’t always envision herself working in Hollywood. She started her career in high school, where she pursued cosmetology with a dream of becoming a hairstylist. With her grandmother and aunt both working in the beauty industry, Grays was naturally drawn to the craft. However, it wasn’t until she stepped in to do makeup for her sister on a music video set that she realized her true calling.

Grays recalls the moment that changed her life: "There was no one on set who could do the makeup for the lead artist, and I was asked to step in. That experience of being on set, seeing the lights and cameras, ignited something in me. I knew then that this was what I wanted to do."

Blending Beauty with Special Effects

One of the highlights of Grays' career is her ability to seamlessly blend traditional beauty makeup with special effects. In the podcast, she discusses how she was thrown into the world of special effects makeup by chance and how it has become one of her greatest passions.

"I was on set one day, and they needed someone to create a gunshot wound effect. Although I wasn’t trained in special effects, I improvised with what I had—chips, bananas, and granola. The results were surprisingly good, and it sparked a deep interest in special effects for me," Grays shares.

Her journey from that impromptu creation to mastering special effects makeup has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Grays emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, especially in an industry as dynamic as film and television. "You have to be adaptable and constantly educate yourself. The more you know, the more valuable you become on set," she advises.

Breaking Barriers in the Industry

As an African American woman in Hollywood, Grays has faced her share of challenges. She recounts how she had to prove herself time and again to be recognized as a qualified department head. Despite the hurdles, she remains committed to paving the way for other artists of color in the industry.

Grays is passionate about mentorship and believes in the power of representation. "When I’m leading a project, I make sure my team reflects diversity. It's important for everyone to feel represented and comfortable on set," she says.

The Future of Makeup in Film

Looking ahead, Grays is excited about the future of makeup and special effects in film. She believes that the industry is moving towards more inclusive and innovative storytelling, where makeup artists play a crucial role in bringing characters to life.

Her advice to aspiring makeup artists is clear: "Find your niche, master it, and always stay curious. The film industry is full of opportunities for those who are dedicated and passionate about their craft."

Watch the full interview with Magen Grays on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn to get more insights into the world of makeup and special effects in Hollywood.

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Janaya Black, the President and CEO of Black-Smith Enterprises, recently sat down for a podcast interview to discuss her journey in the film industry and her passion for storytelling. Along with her husband, Rockey Black, Janaya has delved into the world of independent filmmaking and theater, creating a diverse portfolio of projects that showcase her talent and creativity.

Starting as an author in 2004, Janaya wrote and published her first fiction novel, "The Breaking Point," which eventually led to her foray into filmmaking. After collaborating with her husband on a trailer for her book, Janaya discovered her love for the art of filmmaking and went on to write, direct, and produce several film projects and stage plays. Some of her notable works include "Turn of the Cheek," "Street Code Broken," "Sons of a Preacher," and "God Forgives, I Don't."

During the podcast interview, Janaya shared how she and her husband entered the film industry with little to no experience but were fortunate to connect with seasoned professionals who mentored them along the way. Their commitment to building relationships and their passion for storytelling propelled them forward, leading to the creation of impactful and engaging projects.

One of the key aspects of Janaya's creative process is her dedication to rehearsals and ensuring that her actors have a strong understanding of their characters and the story. By allowing flexibility for actors to bring their interpretations to the characters while also maintaining the script's integrity, Janaya strikes a balance between creative collaboration and staying true to her vision as a writer and director.

The interview also touched on Janaya's transition from filmmaking to stage plays, where she adapted her books into theatrical productions. Despite the challenges of the rehearsal process in theater, Janaya embraced the opportunity to explore a different form of storytelling and engage with live audiences.

Reflecting on the first time she heard an audience react to her work, Janaya described it as the "best feeling in the world." The validation and connection with viewers and theatergoers affirmed her passion for storytelling and the impact of her creative endeavors. As the President and CEO of Black-Smith Enterprises, Janaya Black continues pushing boundaries and exploring new entertainment avenues. Through her dedication to her craft, her commitment to relationships, and unwavering passion for storytelling, Janaya Black's film vision continues to take flight, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and industry professionals alike.

For more information on Janaya Black and her upcoming projects, visit www.black-smithenterprises.com. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from this talented writer, director, and producer.

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In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Ny McGee. She is an entertainment reporter, screenwriter, consultant, and founder of the multimedia company NAYUTOPIA. Ny shared her story of how she got in the entertainment business and became a report. 

Ny McGee BIO:

Ny MaGee is an entertainment reporter, screenwriter, consultant, and founder of the multimedia company NAYUTOPIA. She has over 15 years of experience working in the film industry in areas including production and post-production, marketing, distribution, and acquisitions. She has worked for legendary film producer Roger Corman, Quentin Tarantino's production team at Miramax, the late Larry Flynt, MTV/ VH1, Hallmark Channel, Paramount, Jim Henson Co., Parade Magazine, and various LA-based companies representing above-the-line talent. 

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In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Landi Maduro, a professional singer, filmmaker, and producer.  Landi shared many interesting topics about her career. One highlight of our conversation was the topic of the role of Executive Producer vs. Producer. Here is an excerpt of our conversation:

Floyd Marshall Jr:  - Please explain what is the role of an Executive Producer vs. Producer? I want people to understand this.

Landi Maduro: "So, executive producers are usually the ones who bring in money. Sometimes if this person is very well known, they may be just getting the executive producer title because of their name. So if you see something with JJ Abrams on it, he may not have necessarily put the money in, but his name carries weight. So you want his name on your project. Right? So a lot of times, that's what the executive producers do. Either if they are able to get you eyeballs, or they're bringing financial means to the project to push it forward. "

Landi Maduro Bio:

Landi Maduro is no stranger to making her own path. She has worked professionally as a singer and actress for over 10 years. However, unhappy with the lack of roles available to African American women, she decided to go a different route and explore writing, producing, and photography. The first project she produced was, "I Can't Pretend". She developed a fondness for producing and discovered a propensity for wearing many hats.

Next, she co-produced and starred in "Sheroes". The dual role as co-producer and star was an exhilarating experience. Not content to stop there, she decided to take on the ultimate challenge of directing. She made her directorial debut shooting the infomercial for the book, "Faces I Have Seen" and she has continued to direct and produced short films, features, music videos, small business commercials, business tutorials, and documentaries since launching her production company, Bluechild Entertainment, in 2012. Her most fulfilling project to date is The Silent Killer: Prostate Cancer In The African American Community. With this documentary, she challenged herself as a writer, producer, and director and began touring and lecturing nationwide, advocating prostate cancer awareness. 

She is also the proud leader of Women of Color Filmmakers. This organization supports and provides motivational speakers and educational programs to female filmmakers as they pursue careers in film and television.

Connect with Landi Maduro:

Facebook

Website

Non Profit

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In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Angelique Marshall - Filmmaker and  Author of Augmented Reality Books for Children. We discussed the release of Angelique's first children's book, the (Alphabet Book), and how she came up with the concept for the book.  

Angelique Marshall BIO:

Angel's Awesome Books was founded by Angelique Marshall, an author of augmented reality books for children, mental health counselor, and founder of the successful film production company "Lique Production." Lique Productions specializes in producing independent films, music videos, commercials, and theatre productions.

A natural visionary, Angelique has always had a knack for combining her love of film with her passion for helping people. Combining her two passions led her to the entrepreneurial world, which provided an opportunity to help children with their mental health needs, learning disabilities and tell stories using augmented reality. Her first book is the Alphabet Book, an augmented reality children's storybook that brings the alphabet letters to life with sound effects and narration. For children, AR stories are exciting for many different reasons. First, it's fun to interact with the characters on the page through the use of AR. Second, connecting to characters through their visual and auditory senses makes learning engaging and easier for these children. Angelique's goal is to empower children to succeed in school, live happy, healthy lives, and appreciate the beauty of reading.

As far as her mental health career goes, Angelique Marshall has a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and has serviced children in the mental/behavioral health and early intervention field for 20 + years. Angelique provides families with instruction to improve child's cognitive development, motor, language development, play skills, behavior management, and social interaction. Angelique develops an individualized Developmental Behavior Assessment plan that outlines the child's physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social development.  Angelique also develops individualized Applied Behavior Analysis programs. Angelique has led teams by implementing treatment plans devised for behavior modification. Angelique also has provided children, adults, and families with individualized and group mental health therapy.

Where to buy the Alphabet Book with Augmented Reality:

Google Books

Amazon

Download our AR app

Connect with Angelique:

Facebook

Youtube

Twitter

Instagram

In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Craig T Williams, Film Writer/Producer, and Editor.  Craig shared with me the importance of rewriting your script. "Rewrites are important because there has to be a moment during the process of creativity where you understand the story you're telling, and sometimes you don't understand that story until you've written it 3 4 5 6 times."

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Craig T Williams BIO:

Craig is a Writer/Producer and Editor. He was just accepted into the WarnerMedia Access Writers Programs (formerly known as HBO Access.) Craig’s one-hour TV pilot “How Ya Like Me Now”, about the 80’s rap rivalry between Kool Moe Dee and LL Cool J, won 2nd Place in the 2020 Page International Screenwriting Competition. It was also a finalist in the 2020 Film Independent Lab, 2020 Cinestory TV Retreat & Fellowship Competition, and the 2020 Stowe Story Lab Fellowship. It was also selected for the 2019 IFP Episodic Lab. And was a finalist in both the Sundance 2019 Episodic Lab and the 2019 Tracking B TV Writing Competition. 

His feature screenplay “Hanging By A Thread” has Viola Davis attached as Executive Producer.

“Allergic” a 30-minute comedy, won the ABFF/Turner best original 30-minute comedic pilot in 2018. It also made the 2nd round of Austin Film Festival.

During the pandemic, he wrote a 30-minute dramedy “Call Me Daddy” - Logline “Tired of waiting for Mrs. Right, a 40-year-old emotionally stunted man decides to have a baby on his own to be the father he never had,” has won praises from Gail Lerner (EP Blackish, Will and Grace) Liz Garcia (Showrunner, P-Valley) and Diane Ruggerio-Wright (Showrunner, iZombie, Veronica Mars)

Craig and his extraordinarily beautiful and patient wife are approaching their 20th wedding anniversary. They have a spirited 16-year-old son and they make their life in the heart of New York City. Craig serves on the Board of Directors of FilmShop, a Media Producers and Independent Filmmakers Collective. He is also a member of the Harlem Dramatic TV Writers Workshop and the Black TV and Film Collective. Craig is a writing mentor for The Craft Institute, The Writers Room 5050 Foundation, and for teen filmmakers at Reel Works Mentorship Program in Brooklyn.

Craig has traveled the world. He loves tennis and makes a kick-ass Mac and Cheese that has brought guests to their knees. 

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In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Angel Devilishly, better known as the "The Angel."  She is a film composer in Hollywood, and that's not something that you often hear of a female film composer and scorer. If you have decided that that's the road you want to take as far as film scoring engineering, anything like that, this is the perfect guest for you. 

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Angel Devilishly BIO 

Brooklyn native, composer, The Angel has combined her early skills as an electronic music record producer, recording artist, and remixer to become one of a handful of women to have scored studio and independent features as well as network and cable T.V. Pioneering an eclectic sound, The Angel has been tapped to bring fresh sensibilities to her film and T.V. score, since relocating to L.A. from her adoptive city of London. As a composer, The Angel has created cutting edge scores for feature films like BOILER ROOM and U.K. cult hit, KiDULTHOOD, as well as hybrid organic/traditional score for T.V. series including the FOX FBI drama STANDOFF, the TNT Jada Pinkett Smith medical drama HAWTHORNE, and Ava DuVernay's DOJ, themed CBS pilot FOR JUSTICE to name a few.

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In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Clarissa Thibeaux that plays the role of Bree Solano on the new Netflix hit series Genteflied. Clarissa also shared how she got her start as an actress.  

Classica Thibeaux BIO

Dynamic actress Clarissa Thibeaux has positioned herself as a one-to-watch. In the upcoming second season of Gentefied, Thibeaux will be making her Netflix debut as Bree Solano, a successful queer advertising executive specializing in finding emerging artists. She commands the boardrooms with a suave attitude, and she'll charm you into buying seeds during a drought.  Initially, Thibeaux broke ground portraying one of the few black LGBTQ+ characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). First introduced in the second season of Hulu's hit action-drama "Runaways," Thibeaux can be seen starring as Xavin, a natural shape shifter who can alter her appearance at will. "Runaways," which is part of the MCU, follows a group of teenagers who band together and run away from their homes after finding out their parents are super-villains in disguise. The teenagers must come together in order to atone for their parent's actions and discover the secrets of their origins. Season 3 of the series premiered on December 13, 2019. 

Born and raised in Northern California, Thibeaux had dreams of becoming an entertainer from a young age. She studied Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Performance at San Diego State University. Upon obtaining her degree, Thibeaux had a slew of short films and regional commercials already under her belt. She made the move to Los Angeles where she booked her first big project on Amazon's "Bruno and Earlene Go To Vegas" where she played a rookie cop named Cookie. Additional credits include: Hulu's "Flight 666," "Ice Sharks," the short films "Soul Survivor," "Other Loving," and the Fountain Theatre's award-winning production of "Hype Man: A Break Beat Play."

When she isn't on set, Thibeaux enjoys spending time with her dog Elphia, watching movies, hiking, and learning to knit. In these Covid days, Thibeaux has taken every necessary precaution to stay healthy. On the charity front, she's involved with the Cancer Support Community LA, which provides free activities, support groups, and counseling to those who have been impacted by cancer. As well as Pablove, a foundation that both raises money for groundbreaking medical advances in childhood cancer and helps children fighting cancer to have a creative voice through the art of photography. She also loves to support charities pertaining to the foster system, underprivileged youth, and environmental development.

Thibeaux is based in New York City. Find her on Instagram @Clarissa, and on Twitter @ClarissaT.

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In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Yolonda Brinkley, the creator of Diversity in Cannes.

Yolonda Brinkley BIO:

Yolonda Brinkley, the self-proclaimed global disruptor, is the creator of Diversity in Cannes, the independent film movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival. Since its 2010 inception, with Yolonda at the helm, the initiative has emerged from a simple filmmaker symposium to a comprehensive movement, providing a platform for globally diverse filmmakers to be seen and heard at the Cannes Film Festival. More specifically, Diversity in Cannes promotes the presence of underrepresented content creators telling stories specific to marginalized populations and celebrates their achievements at the world’s most prestigious film festival. 

In eleven years, Yolonda has hosted hundreds of filmmakers from five continents, received thousands of short film submissions from at least 35 countries including, India, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Turkey, UK, and the US, and has welcomed esteemed panelists, garnering a European Diversity Award nomination for her independent efforts to diversify the global film industry. 

Having only scratched the service of possibilities, Yolonda’s expanding her efforts to include the production of her very first short film, “Justice Denied,” inspired by her cousin Kevin Brinkley, who was wrongfully imprisoned 40 years for a crime he didn’t commit, which will make its world premiere at the 2022 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase. She’s proud of her accomplishments to date and excited to celebrate 12 years of independently promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival and invites you to follow her journey. 

Submit Your Short Film: The Film Collective