We were lucky to catch up with Anthony Golden recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anthony, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The Mosley’s, a documentary that I am working on revolving around my grandparents and their 77 years of marriage. We start with my grandfather and grandmother’s first meeting and end with my grandfather celebrating his 100th birthday, with his 9 kids, 19 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

Another project is Mr. Musa’s magical piano. An animation that I am currently developing. An animated series that takes place in a world where civil rights were never achieved by people of color. With the help of a washed up pianist named Mr. Musa; Kris, an inexperienced high school composer, plays a magical piano that allows him to travel back in time and save black history as we know it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started off as an actor. I love acting with a passion but I feel I was an actor who was abducted by Filmmaking as the artist Mos Def would put it. I studied acting at Boston University, but in our final year we were forced to take a filmmaking class and I fell in love. I knew I wanted to tell stories, but after putting myself behind the camera, I knew that was how. I went on to study filmmaking at University of Southern California where I received my MFA in film/tv and developed my skills. There I was inspired by some classmates of mine like Shaina Ghuraya and Rohil Khatke to create a company called Rebuilt Minds. There, we created work all around diversity, from barbies with wheelchairs, to a personal story about a young black male falsely accused of stealing a laptop. We tell them all here. We make films of all sorts for the voices that have been silenced for so long.

What I am very proud of is the fact that I keep finding these amazing people to call my friends in the industry. Each person I’ve worked with has been a Godsend for me and I am very grateful. I know that I don’t know it all but I love surrounding myself with people who are masters of their craft, including my wife who I consider the stage manager of my life. These people whether we are friends or co workers have been incredible and inspirational. Anyone who works with my team or I, should take joy in the fact that they become like family when working with us, ask Aleta Barthell. Honestly she has become one of my favorite people because of her patience and her love towards every project we work on together. She is the epitome of a team player and I learn so much from her every day. I take pride in letting everyone know that no one is greater than the project. We are the “Avengers.” All capable of successful solo films, but together the marquee reads “Avengers”.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Support your friends. Share their work. We are so quick to share art and music of artists we never met but when it comes to our friends we are silent. Use whatever platform you own to support your friends. I have paid more of Beyonce’s bills than she has ever paid of mine. But I have had friends who have seen me try to raise money for my projects and have donated. Even if it’s a dollar, it’s more money than Beyonce has ever given to any project I have worked on. I live by this.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

When my parents say they are proud of me. I know that is a simple answer but it’s the truth. My family has been through so much to make sure I reach my goals. So when I win in life I want them to know it was because of them. I used to not think about winning awards like Oscars, or Golden Globes, but when I think about my parents, I think about how cool it would be for them to have an award like that on their shelf that shows all their work paid off. Also another reward is knowing that my wife is with me. No matter the successes or flops, I
have a woman who smiles at me through it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: rebuiltminds.com https://anthonygoldenjr.com
• Instagram: @agoldenfilms @rebuiltminds
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agoldenfilms/
• Youtube: agoldenfilms rebuitminds