We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Barry McLeod a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

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

Divorce N’ Us is a romantic comedy play I wrote, directed, produced and starred in. I composed the soundtrack, and I won an award at a theater festival in Shreveport, L.A. for this play. This is the first production that I deliberately strategically structured to present a full hour and fifteen minutes of non-stop fun with laughs and tears. The idea was to have only a two-person cast, one set, one act, and multiple layers of substance to make for a positive message that “everyone” could relate to.

DNU tells the story of a separated husband and wife who meet to amicably plan their divorce together. But things don’t go exactly as planned!

I committed and charged myself and my co-actress to perform a superb job where anyone on any level, and from any culture, could see themselves in our roles, and be entertained with a challenge pertaining to their own realities in a romantic relationship, where true love is at stake.

As one spectator said, “Barry, you mowed everyone’s lawn with this show”! After presenting DNU to several audiences in different cities and states, I knew I had hit the bullseye of the plan! I can confidently present DNU to any audience, on any stage, anywhere, and trust that every person will walk away saying the very same things/compliments as every other person from all previous shows.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a child I learned to draw people, animals and mountains. Also, I played drums in church. These are the very gifts that allowed me to discover myself and my potential. With each of these talents I grew into a more passionate creative, eventually learning how to fuse them all for the same magical purpose. I allowed what was naturally in my heart and soul to mesh with my mind and this allowed me to go to new heights.

I played in R&B bands, produced fashion shows, worked as a hairstylist and makeup artist. And from there I created choreography for my shows where I cast various talent. Somewhere in that space I came to understand that I was an entrepreneur. And I was wearing multiple hats and loving it all.

Eventually, I had to snap out of the whirl spin and learn to develop a plan with structure. And I had to learn some marketing and promotions and become far more deliberate in my thinking and planning and strategizing. This is where things got more serious and I had to trust my vision.

It may be more accurate and important to always know what it is that you “do not want” as opposed to what you do want! This is how I came to ensure what I needed as a brand!

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

Being a creative person is a unique thing because nobody can stop you from thinking. If one puts their goals and mission into a mindset that offers them real hope, it is that actual place where they will find freedom. From there, creativity takes on a new journey, and when a vision is started and put into place with passion and tenacity, you become unstoppable. Being an artist of mind and soul, layered with being a creative, is the ticket for going forward. And nothing can stop you if you are carefully calculated.

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

I’ve had “two” different situations to happen to me that nearly broke me! The first was when I had a sudden unexpected illness that landed me in the hospital for two weeks. I became vulnerable and weak, even in spirit. It took a long time for me to bounce back to a place of hope and making the efforts towards gaining my confidence back. But not long after I finally got my footing back, the doctors gave me some news fearing I might get the ‘C-word’! Now, I’m horrified and falling back into the long dark hole of depression and fear. It took me all of three years to realize that I was going to be alright and that I must charge and will myself back into the saddle of creativity; and to continue the work of my dreams. Losing focus was a part of the unwanted process and trying to trust that I would be fine health-wise, was quite a challenge. But The Creator had plans for me and I had to establish a covenant with Him and learn better to trust and believe in His Voice, and keep trying with all that I am. And I am “still” here because I refuse to abandon The Creator of ALL THINGS!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.barrysmcleod.com, www.bbingn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrys.mcleod/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrySMcLeod
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-s-mcleod-b4949134/
• Twitter: https://x.com/BarryMc12441812
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPtp0pdEC2vpd2qiep5h-4Q

Image Credits

I know who I am, and what my natural talents and gifts are! I’ve demonstrated my value and I understand it. I believe in my dreams. And I’m constantly writing, directing and producing more art for the world!!

As a child, I started out with art and music! Eventually, I learned how to combine the two. This morphed into dramatic and visual arts where I’d write my imaginary …world from a very self-contained creative space. (In the beginning, I didn’t even have a clue of a concept! THE CREATOR just started walking me in the right direction.)

The late Professor James Haskins critiqued my first screenplay and told me I had the potential to be a screenwriter. Somewhat of a mentor to me, I learned from him, and took off like a rocket in search of a destination. This turned into over ’20’ screenplays, over ’18’ stage plays, and ‘4’ books while directing, casting, producing, acting and touring some of my work. What a thrill!!

I have a new suspense thriller movie titled HOUSE OF APRIL 1ST and it is really good! The Accolade Global Film Competition 2024 has selected this film to be screened, and the Venice International Film Festival selected this film as Best Feature Film 2024.

The Golden State Film Festival 2024 and The California International Film Festival 2024 has screened my political drama THUG FOR PRESIDENT. The Golden State Film Festival 2023 screened my short film, Love Ain’t This 1, and The Indie Short Fest 2022 selected my comedy sitcom The Duval’s as a semi-finalist.

Atlas Entertainment and Wishmaker Films are just two companies that considered some of my work in the past, and I’ve also placed quarter finalist in several screenplay competitions. I’m formerly represented by a WGA Agent.

I continue to work with community organizations and churches for student scholarship fundraising, community outreach, feeding the homeless and more.

Currently, I’m still writing, directing and producing films, sitcoms, web series and more; to include music production and editing.

I don’t sit around and wait for the phone to ring anymore. I keep putting the work in! When the time is right, more success will happen …right on time!

Holler at me for more information or to discuss a project…

BSM …tHe riGhT KinD oF DifFerenT!