We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anthony McMillon II. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anthony below.
Anthony, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
My hope is that my legacy with being able to expand and inspire fellow creatives around the world. I want ‘Crestwood Productions’ to grow into a multi-media platform that not only creates quality content/films but also helps others create their own projects as well. I aspire to accomplish, create and collaborate on projects through the media of film, TV, and radio/podcasting. Outside of the actual company itself, I want to be able to continue the legacy that my father started. My dad meant the world to me and it breaks my heartbeat that I have to go on this journey without him. He not only set an example for my brother and I, but also set the tone for how hard work will take you places in life. And if it’s in the Lord’s will, I want to be able to set the bar even higher. I will achieve this by keeping the foundational teachings/gems that my family taught me, carrying myself with integrity, never forgetting where I came from, and most importantly, by giving back.
Putting South Jersey on the map and inspire the next generation of young creators that they can also be from a small town and live out their dreams
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
My name is Anthony McMillon II. I am a photographer, videographer, and writer. My journey all started with photography in my junior year of college. I was encouraged by one of my professors (Mrs. Oliano) at the time to take her class. She was one of the individuals that saw a creative vision in me that I didn’t really see in myself. The following semester, I would take her advice and give her photography course a try. At the time, I didn’t really have too much of an interest in being a photographer. If I’m honest, my interests were to pursue something more of the lines of film and even to act. But as I learned more about photography throughout the course, my love for the craft would start to grow. After that course was over, I would continue to take pictures for friends and family who were interested in being in front of the camera. The more pictures I took, the more people would compliment my work. It felt good to know that I was given the ability to not only create something that people liked but could also last a lifetime. This new side hobby would lead me to create, ‘Crestwood Productions’. A creative venture that started with photography, has since expanded to videography as well. The goal is to continue to grow this company and branch into other aspects of media such as filmmaking and production.
I specialize in portrait, and editorial photography and portrait/creative videography. I also created a new ‘mini-interview’ series called ‘Crestwood Conversations’ on Instagram. This would give individuals the opportunity to share their unique stories through reels. One of the biggest accomplishments I’ve achieved as a photographer so far was the opportunity to take behind the scene photos for the short film ‘A Worthy Punishment’. An independent film, that is available on platforms such as Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Apple TV.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
It sounds so simple, but the most rewarding aspect of being an creative is being able to bring an idea that has been in my head to life. Having the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded or even clients to tell visual stories that can last a lifetime is very fulfilling. Just to be able to organize a concept, brainstorm ideas on set, and hear different perspectives about the final product is exciting to me. It gets to the point where it doesn’t feel like “work”—rather another opportunity to express myself as an artist.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
To fund my business, I would use the money that would earn from my current day job to save up and eventually purchase the equipment that I need. Because, photography is such an expensive side business, I try to budget properly, do research on the particular equipment that I have my eyes on, and work with the tools that currently have. doing so allows me to learn and stretch the boundaries with the things that already have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crestwoodproductions.myportfolio.com/introduction
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestwood_productions/