We recently connected with Carl Reid and have shared our conversation below.

Carl , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been fortunate enough to be supporting myself solely from my creative endeavors for well over a decade now. I moved to LA from DC about fifteen years ago with the goal of writing and directing features. I had to pay my dues for a while, writing a lot on spec and taking feelance gigs that didn’t pay much. But eventually, that sweat equity pays off when people start to read your samples or recommendations are passed around after positive work experiences. Those were tough times and lean years, but they were essential in building a reputation around my creative abilities.

I’d encourage those just starting out to dig in deep and keep pushing during those trying times when you doubt yourself and whether or not a creative career is for you. It takes a lot of determination and patience, and most of all, it takes the right people to see your work and give you an opportunity to transition into a full-time professional. All of that typically takes time. Of the many people I initially met who moved out here around the same time I did, I’ve found that those of us who stuck it out were able to get a break eventually and find success in the entertainment industry. I wish that others hadn’t given up so soon on their ambitions.

I think what would have been nice to know earlier on is how much more opportunity comes your way when you take your career into your own hands. With the production and post-production technology available to filmmakers today, anyone can create quality work on their own to show the world what you can do. Things really took a massive step forward for me when I decided to create my own production company, Redbird Entertainment, and I found myself shepherding projects forward that had just been sitting on the shelf, waiting for a sale. You will always be your biggest advocate in the earliest stages of your career, so having a proactive strategy about getting your work out for public consumption is key.

Carl , 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 name is Carl Reid. I’m a writer, director, and producer for TV and film. I’ve worked on numerous projects that have appeared on HBO, Amazon, Comedy Central, Starz, Tubi, and in theaters across the country. I’ve been a producer and writer on several features for Hulu through the independent production company, WorthenBrooks. Additionally, I am one of the partners at Redbird Entertainment, where I’ve co-produced award-winning features with the likes of Morgan Freeman and provided production services for major brands like The Knot. My sales company, Dept. H, focuses on selling independent features to domestic studios, networks, and international buyers.

There are two Redbird projects that I am very proud of playing an integral role in. The first would be our upcoming documentary, “MAMA!”, which follows three mothers in Minnesota who lost their children to law enforcement violence and then turned their grief into inspiring feats of activism. The second project is called “Grounded”. It’s a comedic, superhero TV show, but my partner Enrico Natale and I (along with the incredible efforts of brilliant VFX artist, Mark Renton) conceived of and shot it all during the pandemic of 2020. It seemed like an impossible task initially, with so few resources available to us, but by activating a world-wide community of creatives, we pulled it off and gave people something to work on during one of the most trying times in recent memory.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I think the most important thing about being a professional creative is believing in the merit and potential of your art. I was told growing up that a career in film was impossible and that it wasn’t even worth my effort to try. You also face a ton of rejection when you first attempt to sell your work or bring your art to life. So, it was very crucial for me to realize that there is no single pathway to success, and that success, in and of itself, is determined by how you define it and what goals you set out to achieve.

I don’t believe that everyone necessarily needs to be in debt to a fancy school to learn how to make a film, or that you have to get an agent to start promoting your work, for example. We’re often told that taking a conventional route that involves various gatekeepers is the safe, assured way to break in, but I’ve found that with all of the tools and direct access to audiences and clients now available, you no longer need to wait on someone to give you the greenlight to create. The only thing that really matters, in a professional sense, is whether or not there is an audience out there that will commercially support your art. Every other negative opinion is ultimately just noise. If you can find a way to promote your own work to the marketplace and build a following, any professional artistic goals are possible.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a professional creative is seeing the impact that your work can have on people’s lives. Feeling the gratitude from the family members associated with some of the civil rights cases we’ve brought to the big screen is the most moving experience I’ve ever been a part of. Additionally, hearing that your film inspired someone to pursue their artistic dreams or to start their own company means the world to me. I try my best to offer a helping hand up when possible, because I know what it’s like to be on your own in an industry that can be very unforgiving (particularly to minorities striving to sit in decision-making positions). Art can truly change people’s lives when the ambition behind it is great, so I think it’s extremely important that those of us in the media space remember the potential impact and obligation behind the stories we choose to tell.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.redbirdentertainment.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbirdentertainment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedbirdEnt/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/carl-reid-45075b180
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@redbirdentertainment/featured