We recently connected with John Wayne S. III and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, John thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?

Throughout my journey, I’ve committed to embracing challenges rather than seeking the path of least resistance. This mindset has guided me to approach each project with thorough consideration, aiming for the best possible outcomes, regardless of the effort required.

For instance, a significant innovation in our operations has been the decision to produce original music and scores for our productions. While this endeavor entails considerable financial investment and demands extensive time and effort, the benefits far outweigh the initial challenges. Not only does it provide an additional revenue stream, but it also creates a valuable asset that can be passed down to future generations.

Although the returns may not be immediate, especially when tied to film or television projects, the long-term passive income generated from this investment is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the principle of delayed gratification, where the sacrifices made during the creation process eventually yield substantial rewards.

John, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Growing up, my path seemed clear: medicine focused on geriatrics. But as life often does, it took me on an unexpected journey. An opportunity to work on an indie film, “Scenes for the Soul,” crossed my path and sparked a fire within me for filmmaking. Starting as a humble production assistant on that project, I immersed myself in the entertainment world and haven’t looked back.

Ambitioned, I jumped at collaborating with Grammy-nominated producer Steve “Silk” Hurley. Initially, I joined as a publicist, but my dedication and talent quickly propelled me to Director of International A&R. In this role, I honed my skills, managing agent teams across the United Kingdom and Japan, gaining invaluable insights into the global music scene.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats – twice serving as a label president and managing numerous artists and producers. But eventually, I felt the pull back to my creative roots, leading me to establish my own production company. Drawing from my wealth of experience, I breathe life into compelling narratives, producing over 200 music videos for both domestic and international artists and crafting five feature films, including “Red All Over,” “Plugged,” and “Ebony Hustle.”

Now, with two documentaries set for release this year – “Ballin Abroad” and “The Greenwood Ave Project” – I’m dedicated to solidifying my presence as a commanding force in the industry. My upcoming feature film, “Balanced,” is a passion project that mirrors my journey in many ways. It chronicles the story of a dreamer who stops at nothing to make their aspirations a reality.

Through the highs and lows of my career, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about what it takes to succeed. My passion and unwavering commitment to excellence drive me to continually push the boundaries of creativity, striving to deliver storytelling that resonates universally. It’s a humbling experience to have people join me on this journey of storytelling, transcending borders, and captivating hearts. Ultimately, I aim to leave an indelible mark on the soul of each viewer, ensuring that my work lives on forever.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Let me tell you about a challenging period of my life that tested my resilience in ways I never imagined. After directing and producing “Red All Over,” I found myself amid a painful divorce.

The emotional toll was staggering. Divorce, for me, felt like a devastating loss, akin to mourning the death of a loved one. For three long years, “Red All Over” sat untouched on my hard drive as I struggled to find the creative energy to move forward. Emotionally drained and grappling with personal turmoil, I couldn’t bring myself to release the film despite the encouragement of peers and friends.

But amidst the darkness, there was a flicker of hope. Despite the overwhelming stress, I refused to let adversity define me. I summoned every ounce of strength and resilience and finally emerged from despair. Signing a distribution deal marked a turning point, breathing new life into “Red All Over” and setting the stage for its success.

This experience taught me a profound lesson: life throws curveballs at everyone. It’s not about deserving only the good; it’s about navigating the challenges and emerging stronger on the other side. Through perseverance and determination, I conquered my demons and paved the way for the next chapter of my journey. And that is the essence of resilience – pushing through the darkest times to emerge into the light, stronger and more determined than ever.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I remember a pivotal moment when I realized the need to embrace change and pivot toward a new direction.

After dedicating several years to creating music videos, I began to recognize the limitations of this path. While music videos provided ample creative freedom and steady income streams, they lacked the potential for long-term sustainability and the creation of intellectual property.

Realizing the importance of leaving a lasting legacy for my growing family, I boldly decided to shift my focus toward television and film. It wasn’t an easy choice; I had become known for my expertise in music videos, and transitioning to a new realm required stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing a whole new creative process.

However, I was driven by a deep-seated desire to create projects with lasting impact that would sustain me in the present and contribute to my legacy. This meant relinquishing the familiar terrain of music videos, diving headfirst into the world of writing, and creating opportunities in television and film.

The transition was challenging, requiring me to adapt to new workflows and approaches to creativity. Yet, through determination and a willingness to embrace change, I navigated this transition and forged a path toward new horizons. Today, I’m proud to say that I’m creating projects that resonate on a deeper level, laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the confines of any single project or client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/londyntownpictures
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwaynesiii/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwaynesiii
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wayne-s-iii-747ab67/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnwaynesiii
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/bNl9N7YnOBY?si=osSwU4n_otRZoSpn
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@johnwaynesiii