Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arkier Burton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Arkier, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission for my film production company, PNerdy Films Productionz is to ensure that the genres of Horror, Supernatural, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Sci-Fi, & Fantasy are truly inclusive. Not just saying it for the sake of saying it and or to avoid “Cancel Culture” but, to actually create a space for Black Americans in particular within the diaspora to see themselves in roles both in front of the camera & behind the scenes. Creating a legacy where children who look just like me can see & know that they too can be in spaces within the entertainment industry other than comedy & drama which we are oftentimes subjugated & confined to when there’s more to our stories, culture, & history than that. It is meaningful to me becuase growing up while I did see some representation, I didn’t see enough. Being an artist wasn’t necessarily celebrated amongst those who I thought would support me & because of the genres I focus on, it makes things even more difficult but not at all impossible. I am determined to create a foundation such as this one with an everlasting legacy left behind in this world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Arkier Burton, my professional name is Prince Onyx. I am an independent filmmaker residing in Chicago, IL where I was born & raised. I have known since the fifth grade that I wanted to tell stories (as I used to day) which I later learned the term I was looking for was to be a filmmaker/screenwriter. I started out writing fan fiction and later grew into writing & producing original material. I started my ongoing film series, Confusion in 2015 that follows supernatural beings & their world within the city of Chicago. I always felt as though Chicago doesn’t get enough representation in cinema and so my work is a love letter of sorts for and to my city.
I direct, write, produce & even act in my work. When it comes to working with clients I come in with the role that has been established after we meet. So, if someone needs a proofreader, assistant director, production coordinator/project manager, program coordinator, co-director, co-writer I’m always ready & happy to bring another creative’s vision to life.

One of the challenges I face is usually around funding. Being Independent, everything is self funded so there will be times where hiatuses are taken in order to take care of things behind the scenes.

What sets me apart from others are a multitude of things. From my passion to my creative ways, abstract outside of the box thinking, determination, & soul. I put my all into this as it is what I believe in wholeheartedly.

I am proud of my work with Confusion as it has been seen overseas in several countries from Athens, Greece, Sweden, Berlin, Germany to Dubai, India & Norway. To my new supporters, something about me is that, I’m phenomenal, a light in a valley of darkness, witty & worth the investment. I believe in me so that others will follow suit as they peruse their dreams & career.n

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Not everyone can come with you. In life we meet people who we think are going to stay with us till the end and when it doesn’t happen, we get upset and then lose focus on our mission from The Most High because we’re focusing on what we deem as “loses” when in reality these were lessons to learn from along the way. Stay the course. Keep the faith. Remain focused!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During the 2020 pandemic when all hope seemed to be lost, I was ready to give up. Then in 2021 when we started back production & that got interrupted by personal family matters & life I had been so detached that I thought I was leaving my profession for good & conforming to what society wants me to be. Yet, here I am today still doing what I set out to do all the way back to when I was 11 years old. Resilience isn’t taught in schools, however, in the school of life, you will learn just how important it is to never give up especially when faced with opposition & adversaries. You can & will overcome. What’s right for you is right for you & won’t miss you. This is your story, it’s already written. So shall it be done.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: PrinceoftheGO, PrinceofGotham1, ConfusionFilmSeries
• Facebook: Prince ONYX
• Twitter: @PrinceONYXWRLD
• Youtube: Prince Onyx, PNerdy Films Productionz, ConfusionFilm Series
• Soundcloud: Prince Onyx
• Other: TikTok: Prince Onyx
  Bluesky: PrinceONYXWRLD.bsky.social