We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alton James. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alton below.
Alton, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment I’ve made in myself is the dedication of time and money to learn. Initially, I was quite dead set on only being a tv and film composer when I began my career. However, as I scored several independent films, that turned into the filmmakers needing help on the audio, sound effects, and sound mixing side of things. As a result, I learned how to do those, and then I catered my studio to enable it to offer those services as well. As I developed as a songwriter (writing actual songs for films and not just music to film), I found myself knee-deep in the world of musical theatre. I’ve now been writing for theatre for the last 5 years in addition to working primarily in film for the 5 years prior to that. Fast forward to today, and I now also find myself behind the camera as a writer, producer, and director. My current project, Serus, has my hands in every aspect of post-production on all sides—editing, audio, and music. Dedicating myself to learning at every turn has led to my growth and discovery of the love I have for all things visual media!
Alton, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey as a creative is unconventional to say the least. My undergraduate and graduate degree work spanned earning degrees in English, African American Studies, Music, and Educational Leadership and Policy (B.A., M.A., Ed.S, and Ph.D.). Since high school, I had aspirations to ultimately work as a film composer. But, I knew I also wanted to teach and give back as well. With that said, studying English laid the groundwork for my love of storytelling and the art of moving people emotionally. Subsequently, teaching gave me the knowledge of how to deliver information and galvanize an audience. So, after completing all my studies, I began scoring independent films in Michigan. After being recognized for my ability to write music to picture, I began being asked to help on the audio side of film—sound effects, foley, mixing. etc. Therefore, after years of closely working with filmmakers and writers, my interests exploded in all things film. As a creative and owner of Alton James Media, I now serve as a full production house for visual media. We can provide music, audio, sound (design, editing, and mixing), writing, producing, directing, and production planning. These have even led to my development and production work with podcasts, musicals, and literary works.
Consequently, I solve a myriad of problems for clients. My company is able to pre-plan/execute content from pre-production through post-production and serve as the audio, music, and visual anchor. With foundational roots in all things storytelling, Alton James Media can help any client bring their ultimate vision to full fruition. I believe that my experience in every aspect of media sets me apart from traditional companies/vendors. I can speak the language of each department and aspect of the creative process—intimately knowing the roles and responsibilities (and the technology) required to create the best products. That ability is what gives me the utmost pride in my work and what I can offer clients to deliver for them. With the goal of always staying on the cutting edge, my studio is now outfitted with Dolby Atmos sound, and Dolby Vision will be added in the coming weeks.
Given that my roots originate in Education, I aim for all my creative endeavors to bring everyone together. The ethos of my work reiterates that we’re all just human beings—not our perceived identities. By focusing on the universal, I believe that I highlight and bring out the best of humanity in my creative works—and what true creative art can do for the audience—bring rich contemplation, joy, and growth for their lives.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by the research I’ve done in academia and in the academic setting. Because science and the social sciences prove with empirical evidence that our identities are contrived (made up), I always want my art to bring all people together. I’ve not concerned with the petty and meaningless differences that society points out. I firmly believe that true art speaks to everyone and is unequivocally universal. The goal of seeing humanity without social constructions and stratifications drives me to create timeless and universally appreciated art. Hence, the mission of my art is the same as the podcast Secular Erudition that I produce: “To reclaim our humanity, we must renounce our identity.” This simple sentence drives my love and concern for all humanity and my desire to see it inextricably unified.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I don’t mean to be somewhat vague when answering this question, but I really wish I fully understood the power of YouTube and independent content earlier in my creative journey. Of course, I have known about YouTube and have used it since its inception, but in the last few years I’ve found bonafide experts giving away priceless knowledge. Finding these jewels is something that I appreciate immensely. Expert YouTube channels have profoundly democratized education and learning. While many could get discouraged by not being able to earn a credential or degree from YouTube, I spend my time doubling down on knowledge—learning it, applying it, and then making it useful for clients and the well-being of everyone around me. Once people recognize your skills (rather backed by a degree or not), they will see the value you bring. That has been invaluable to my growth, learning, and business—especially over the last 5 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.altonjamesmedia.com
- Instagram: @alton_james
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altonjamesmedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alton-j-3b31821b1/
- Twitter: @alton_james
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@altonjamesmedia