Daryl Sledge
KEEPING IT REEL: THE MESSENGER OF FILM
Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas & Divos!
LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! This Golden Divo Interview is all about ‘Keeping It Reel” in the film industry. My guest to the club is none other than my childhood and High School friend, my other brother from another mother, whom I have admired from afar and near. Everything that he has set his mind to go after he has accomplished; he has a calling on his life, and he answered the call graciously as the ‘Messenger of Film!”
Golden Divas and Divos, have you ever thought about the life of a film producer and independent filmmaker? Probably not; some of us perhaps never even gave it a second thought to what producers and filmmakers go through to deliver us all of those entertaining stories. But, I know I am guilty of looking up the IMDb to see who is starring in the movie or television show and the reviews (the theater critic in me can’t help it). We are the consumers of the FINAL projects of plays and movies that we go and see, and we reap off of the hard labor of fruition that these creative souls give us in theater and on television. From conception to circulation, it is a process to make the magic happen. There are seven stages of filmmaking (development, pre-production, production, photography, wrap, post-production, and distribution). First, you have to put in the work to make it happen, from devising the film’s concept, finding money to produce it, and making sure you hire the best cast and crew. Then it’s editing time, marketing the film, and distributing it so that the producers can make their money back.
Whew! This sounds like a lot; because it is. Golden Divas and Divos, this is why I am shining a ‘BRIGHT’ light on my next guest at Club Fifty. To know someone personally who is putting in all of that work makes me proud. His hard work is paying off, and Club Fifty is here to share his journey with you. When I think of this creative soul, I think of my friend making his mark in the film industry world, with his enterprising personality grinding his craft to perfection in New York. He is a natural-born leader and thinker with some very contagious vibes that will draw you into the world of creative arts. Whether writing a new script, negotiating an old one, reviewing a script that came across his desk, or directing a new project, you best believe that his days are long. However, his work is original and fresh. His creative approach to bringing a story to life is an excellent characteristic of self-expression, taking his assignment to the next level with thought-provoking films.
I recently caught up with my friend in New York last month. It has been decades since I have seen him in person. However, we stayed connected with social media. My husband and I told him that we will be visiting New York soon, and he made it his mission to tell us (tourists) what to see in his beloved city. I must say, he went the extra mile taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us from Connecticut to catch up with us during our visit there.
Instantly, I was so happy to connect with him and hear all about his new adventures and endeavors and where life has taken him on his journey of creation. Our conversation was nostalgic as we journeyed back to our childhood and high school days. You see, you don’t have to talk or see someone every day when the friendship is real and valuable. We were cut from the same cloth, so growing up in the same neighborhood with similar values made us family no matter what state we settled in as adults.
Golden Divas & Divos, I am so proud of my friend/brother and his accomplishments. He has stayed humble and true to his calling, making waves in the film industry and creating massive work that connects with so many people on all levels. So with no further ado, I will like to introduce you to my friend, the Award-Winning TV/Film producer and Independent Filmmaker, Mr. Daryl Sledge.
But…before you dive into this exclusive interview check out this short slideshow of ‘The Messenger of Film!’
https://www.facebook.com/100050973042950/videos/705744310564525/
MEET DARYL SLEDGE
Daryl is a TV/Film producer and Independent Filmmaker. He was born in Chicago and received his primary and secondary education there. Upon graduating High School at Percy L. Julian, Daryl attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, a premiere HBCU, majoring in English literature. Additionally, Daryl is a former student at Spike Lee’s Forty Acres and a Mule Film Institute for aspiring filmmakers at LIU Brooklyn. He is single and currently married to his work, and he loves to travel internationally.
Daryl Sledge produced the award-winning HBO Best Short Form Film “2nd Life” and Saatchi & Saatchi’s Achievement in Film Feature Documentary “THAT DAUGHTER’S CRAZY.” In addition, he produced the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway One Woman Show “FRIED CHICKEN and LATKES,” which chronicles the life of Rain Pryor, daughter of comic legend and icon Richard Pryor. He is also known for “I AM LEGEND” and “AMERICAN GANGSTER.” Daryl wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning film un•bind. He’s in prep with three new projects. He currently works at TBS, and he lives in Brooklyn.
Welcome To Club Fifty Daryl!
“Not sure I can say, I pursued it, as I believe it pursued me. It’s my calling, and I am answering that call.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH DARYL SLEDGE
C50: What made you pursue the film industry?
DS: “Not sure I can say I pursued it, as I believe it pursued me. It’s my calling, and I am answering that call.” Also, I can say I am a messenger, and I use film and all forms of moving images to spread my message.
C50 What does the term ‘The Mothership’ mean?
DS: The name Mothership is derived from the original Law & Order series, and since it’s the first of all Law & Order franchises, it is known as The Mothership. Those of us who worked on the original series is known as the family of The Mothership.
C50: Daryl, tell us more about your upcoming project(s).
DS: I am in prep for a very small independent film that I wrote, and I will produce it. It deals with a senior citizen who is addicted to Crystal Methamphetamine. In addition, I am the Executive Producer of a new Animation Series that Warner Media 150 funded, and I have optioned the rights to a novel, which now I am developing into a feature film. The novel’s subject matter is heavy, as it deals with Pedophilia in 1960s Chicago.
C50: What is your favorite genre of films/short docs?
DS: Psychological Thriller. Why? I love suspense and creating from an angle that is really not the point, one that isn’t what it seems or appears to be.
C50: Do you think it is essential to become a successful filmmaker to go to a film institute?
DS: I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but if you’re fortunate enough to work on a movie/tv/commercial set, you will gain practical knowledge, and that is what it takes to succeed on a set or in the industry- practicality.
C50: Which particular filmmaker has influenced you the most?
DS: My idol Academy Award Winner Spike Lee; I was fortunate to study at his film academy for four months and Academy Award-Winning Director Oliver Stone. But, as of lately, I am deeply inspired by Academy Award-Winning Director Barry Jenkins.
C50: If you got the opportunity to remake a classic, which one would you convert?
DS: I don’t think I’d want to remake any film at this juncture. But, with film, as with all forms of art, it is what it is, and what makes Art unique is that it stands on its own and original legs.
C50: Daryl, is this a complex industry to break into? What roadblocks did you face when you were starting out?
DS: No, it really isn’t hard to break into. Yes, in terms of creating a project, that proves time-consuming, but not in the industry itself. It’s about who you know and how badly you want it.
What were some of the roadblocks I had to face? None. Once you’re in the industry, if you work hard and prove ambitious, you will go wherever you want to go. So, if there were a time when I did not get a particular thing, it was due to me not being prepared.
C50: Can you tell us about the most significant moment in your film career?
DS: I’ve had some good times in the industry. But my most significant time is coming soon. So, I am working on getting there.
C50: Which book would you love to make a film out of one day?
DS: SULA by the great Toni Morrison. I want that so very much.
Bonus Question
C50: Do you have any advice for young filmmakers out there?
DS: Find a mentor who has accomplished what you want to achieve and wrap them around your finger. Don’t be lazy, and work hard. And mostly, listen.
C50: There you have it’s Golden Divas & Divos, the unconquerable, Film/Online Content Producer/Creator, Daryl Sledge, the messenger of filmmaking, who is making his mark in the film industry so the world can see.
Daryl, thank you for sharing your journey with Club Fifty.
Divas and Divos, next Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Mr. Sledge will be our guest on our radio show ‘Let’s Stay Together Talk.”
You can tune in at www.soarradio.com or Listen LIVE on Facebook on our Let’s Stay Together page from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
