We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kenneth Tisdale. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kenneth below.

Kenneth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

Well, for me, it all began a few years ago when I began to really delve into watching Marvel Movies. They were such great cinematic pieces. Even up to this day, I view them largely as a work of art. From the writing, to the directing, all the way down to the assistance on staff. They all came together to make something extraordinary.

After seeing Marvels first Black Panther film released, some years it gave me an immense amount of inspiration to draw from. I began to tell myself that I was capable of orchestrating something as impactful as that. I looked up who directed the film and found Ryan Cooglar. I looked at a lot of his work over the years and became motivated by the fact that there was a successful, Black man at the helm of these projects and wanted to capture that same success.

I began to buy equipment, study and immerse myself in the process of filmmaking and that, ultimately, lead me to where I am now in my journey. It’s been a helluva experience to say the least.

Kenneth, 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?

I began my journey as a local dancer. Something I continue to do today. I’ve impacted many lives over the course of my years in doing what I do. However, I’ve walked into a new chapter in my life as a filmmaker and director and that’s something I’m proud to say. This is something that I’m hungry for. I’ve yearned for moments to be able to create and head impactful film projects for as long as I can remember.

It just simply wasn’t something I seen being conceivable until the last few years. The thing that sets me apart from a lot of other people is the fact that the money isn’t the most important thing to me: it’s positively touching the minds and lives of the people. That’s always been the goal for me. The money will come as a byproduct of that, but it’s not the main goal for me.

I want to leave a mark. So I take everything that I so seriously and put everything that I have into it.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

The thing that I believe non-creatives may struggle with is the understanding of the mindset of a creative. Though I don’t think there are many differences between the two, I believe that the sheer dedication, resilience and unbridled confidence you have to go into this space in is something that few will understand because of how a creative has to go about attaining their individual goals. It’s almost like pushing all of your chips into the middle of the table: it’s all or nothing. At least that’s what it feels like. So, for us, we end up kind of walking down this road where very few understanding what we’re trying to do because of how we have to go about getting from point A to point B.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to make sure that I leave a legacy for my children. Like many other parents, their future is vitally important to me. I want to continue being an example that they can follow, even when I’m gone. Even if they never decide to be apart of the filmmaking industry in any way, or do anything that I’ve ever done, I want them to pursue their goals relentlessly. It takes courage to go out into the world and go after what you want fearlessly. You’re going to meet scrutiny from people that don’t understand, there will be people that don’t agree, you may lose friends, family and loved ones along the way, but, no matter what happens, stay the course and be true to you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Stgthemc or thenovastudios
• Facebook: Kenny Tisdale
• Twitter: Nvoken_

Image Credits
@kithephotographer @majorkiphotography @5kvisions