We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Charles CROUCH. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Charles below.

Hi Charles, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve always been a creative. My main focuses were poetry, writing, and music. I have long been an avid writer, and music producer. I started off music production simply to have original music as the backdrop to my poetry. It eventually evolved into me producing for other hip-hop/R&B artists locally and nationally on a small scale. I was doing a lot of poetry slams, open mics, etc. I eventually began writing books on subject matter that I held near and dear to my heart; the state of young black men, fatherhood and poetry.

The realization that filmmaking and photography were my true calling dawned on me unexpectedly. It wasn’t until my beloved brother and former colleague, Corbin, proposed the idea of launching a visual media company together that I grasped the profound significance of these art forms in my life. Behind the lens, I discovered my purpose: to weave narratives that touch the very depths of the soul.

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.

Corbin and I started this company on a whim. I posted a video about my son’s first day of Kindergarten. The video was about how I kind of took in another kid who was at the first day of Kindergarten without his parents. It was a touching story. I had no intentions of this going video going, etc. It ended up touching a lot of people unknowingly, and garnered a couple thousand views. Later that day, Corbin reaches out to me and said, “Hey man, we need more positive stories like this.” We met at a local Starbucks that weekend, and 4C Visuals Group was born. We had video experience, no anything. We had a vision. That’s all.

After buying some consumer level equipment, we decided to interview some friends that were entrepreneurs. It was nice, but it lacked “soul”, and personal connection.

I had long been an advocate for black males and mental health. At age 26 I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I knew that many black men probably suffered with this unknowingly. My original plans were to write a book on the topic, and I had already started on the manuscript. One day I was sitting in my “office” (den…LOL), and I was looking at all this newly acquired video equipment I had purchased as a result of our new venture. The thought came to me, “Why not do a documentary on black men and mental health?”

With no real video experience, absolutely no filmmaking acumen, and no formal schooling; Corbin and I agreed to embark on this venture together.

It was then that the true identity, purpose and vision of 4C Visuals Group was born.

Inspire through purpose. Fulfill through action.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely.In a world overrun by negativity, slander, and the darker aspects of society, it’s evident that we’re craving a change. Our company doesn’t shy away from this reality; instead, we embrace it with fervor. Our mission isn’t just about producing content; it’s about diving deep into the essence of humanity itself.

We are on a relentless quest to unearth the truths that lie beneath the surface, to confront the hidden demons that plague our society. That’s why our debut documentary strikes at the heart of a crucial yet overlooked issue: the mental health of black men.

We’re committed to shed light on this often-neglected topic, to spark conversations that can lead to real change. This ain’t just about making films; it’s about making a difference. Although we strategically focus on issues that affect Black Americans; we strive to make our films digestible for everyone.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After the success of the first film; there was an overwhelming response to make a part II that was more solution based. The first film mostly focused on personal stories (mine included), and what depression for black men looked like.

As well all know, around March 2020, the whole world stopped. There were no more interviews, etc. We had to pivot. The year 2020 was tumultuous for everybody. However, it was particularly harrowing for black men. COVID-19 happened, Kobe died, George Floyd was lynched right in front of our eyes in real time, Ahmaud Arbery happened, an unhinged election happened, Brianna Taylor happened, protests happened, job loss happened, our friends and family members were dying at an alarming rate, etc. It took a toll on us; collectively as black men.

As a result, we pivoted from doing a part II on solutions, and pivoted to doing a part II solely dedicated to how the year 2020 took a toll on the collective mental health of black men. Again, it was being overlooked by society. The year 2020 was tough on the majority of people. However, we lost heroes, family, friends, and our humanity in a sense.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linqapp.com/4c_visuals_group?r=link
• Instagram: @4cvisualsgroup
• Facebook: @4cvisualsgroup
• Linkedin: @4cvisualsgroup
• Twitter: @4cvisualsgroup
• Youtube: @4cvisualsgroup