Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Anjalique Mc. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
The life of a filmmaker is definitely challenging at times. As much as I love it, there are times I’m looking up at the ceiling like, “God… help me out here.” Come to think of it, back in March I had a moment. It wasn’t a, “I want to quit” moment because there isn’t a plan B for me. However, it was more like, “dang, should I get a job?”
So backstory, I left my job the end of 2019. Yup, I walked out with my head held high. I told myself I will never work another corporate job in my life, especially if it didn’t line up with where I was headed in the tv/film industry. For income, I started a video production job and took on additional gigs. Life was a breeze, money was coming in, I could freely focus on my film projects and then COVID. Back to square one.
Now, being that there isn’t a plan B for me, all I could do was keep my head up, work hard and stay focused. If God brought me this far, giving up would mean I didn’t trust him. He’s proven he has my back so no regular job for me. Plus, I’m one of those individuals that believes, the minute I get a “regular job” would be the same time a door opens. I worked way too hard to miss my blessing/opportunity for comfortability of a paycheck.
Ooo, I forgot to add, in March I did fill out a few applications. I know. But thank God they all came back with, “we decided to move forward with someone else.” The relief! Now, back too navigating this independent filmmaker’s life. Trust, I’m making progress.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a millennial filmmaker, screenwriter, director and producer based in Atlanta, Georgia. For the last several years I have focused on independent projects working with up and coming actors starring in Judah and the Black Messiah, Step Up, All American, The Godfather of Harlem and many more. But, I first garnered attention for my work on the hit youtube web series, Side Chick (currently streaming on Tubi). The show focuses on millennial relationships and gained over 4 million views, 35K subscribers and was named 1 of 7 Best web series by Essence Magazine.
I re-launched my website, The Story Of Agency which is a tv/film production company based in Atlanta. Through it, I plan to create independent stories from TV shows to feature films. Most importantly, focusing on creating narratives for Black and Brown people. I’m currently in development with a feature film as well as a TV series. Most of my projects are for the Millennial generation, specifically, females 25-40. I’m a conscious storyteller and I understand the power of storytelling which is why I’m careful with the stories I produce and attach myself too.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a filmmaker is being able to uplift and inspire others. We’re all looking for encouragement on our journey and to be able to do that through storytelling is beautiful. I also love creating opportunities for others to live out their dream.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Wow! I definitely had to unlearn the whole, “just get your foot in the door,” mentality. I interpreted that statement to mean, do what it takes, even if it compromises your beliefs. I’m not one to waiver when it comes to what I believe or my faith so walking away from deals wasn’t an issue. The part I had to unlearn was that you can truly get in the door with me being me.
A huge network had interest in my tv pilot. There were some things discussed that we didn’t agree on. Instead of caving in to maintain the offer, I pretty much expressed how I felt, shared what I wasn’t willing to change and they respected me for speaking up. I know that may be a rare situation, but is it? Often times we don’t speak up for the fear of losing the opportunity. In this situation, everything worked out fine.
So, I look at situations from the lens of, if its for me, it wouldn’t force me to compromise my beliefs.
Contact Info:
- Website: thestoryofagency.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashmcart3/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymc1/
- Other: https://tubitv.com/movies/673041/side-chick?start=true