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

Alright, Eric thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The film “HBSU? Historically Black Sellout U?” has been the most significant project I’ve undertaken. As a former football player and a devoted college football fan, I’ve engaged in numerous debates regarding the economic impact of prominent black athletes attending major universities rather than Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through my research, I gained insights into the consequences of top recruits generating billions of dollars for Division One colleges, while HBCUs suffer significant financial losses. As a creative filmmaker, I grappled with finding the best approach to express my feelings and those of others on this topic. So, in 2021, amid the pandemic and without any financial backing, I took on the roles of producer, writer, and director to bring “HBSU?” to life.

Eric, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am the founder of Stay Woke Studios, hailing from the chilly city of Cleveland, Ohio, but relocated to sunnier climes in the South. My enduring interest in creative pursuits led me to craft 18 feature screenplays over a decade. In 2017, I wrote, directed, and acted in one of my two short films. Finally, in 2021, during the pandemic, I took on the roles of producer, writer, and director for my first feature film, “Historically Black Sellout U?”

My creative journey began with screenwriting, during which time I applied for fellowships and grants while entering numerous screenplay contests. Frustrated by my lack of success in these endeavors and with the encouragement of a supportive partner, I ventured into creating short films and eventually established my own film production company in 2020.

Stay Woke Studios is committed to producing feature films from a diverse perspective, focusing on delivering entertaining and thought-provoking content. I’ve noticed a gap in the market for diverse film projects with franchise potential, intellectual depth, and positive representation, and I aim to fill that void.

I take great pride in the diversity of individuals I’ve hired for my cast and crew, offering opportunities and experience for creatives and crew members to advance their careers. Additionally, by showcasing diverse individuals in my work, I aim to challenge negative stereotypes and perceptions.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After reading “The Obstacle Is The Way,” I swiftly recognized how relevant Stoic teachings from this book would be in my journey to create my first feature film. Post-shooting, complications began to arise. My editor, regrettably, misrepresented his progress, claiming to work on the film’s cut when he wasn’t. Subsequently, I had to pursue him for a deposit he was reluctant to return. This left me with a substantial amount of unedited footage requiring scene editing, color correction, and grading. Notably, I had no prior experience editing a feature film. To overcome this, I devoted countless hours to watching instructional videos on YouTube and reading articles on the subject. Through these efforts, I managed to produce a decent cut of the film.

The lessons I gleaned from this experience were invaluable. It reinforced the notion that encountering obstacles on the path to fulfilling one’s dreams is inevitable. In fact, if you’re not encountering problems, it suggests you haven’t chosen a destination or packed your bags yet. Life comprises a series of stumbling blocks, and embracing these challenges is how growth occurs, ultimately leading to the achievement of one’s goals.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe society should offer creatives the necessary resources, such as convenient access to financial support and ongoing education. Creative individuals hunger for these resources to facilitate their growth and development. This includes providing them with the time and freedom to explore activities that may inspire them.

Furthermore, fostering diversity is vital. We should create multicultural and inclusive environments that embrace various languages, ethnicities, and sexualities, thereby accommodating different perspectives that challenge established thought patterns.

Lastly, I advocate for mentorship. Mentors play a pivotal role in nurturing an individual’s creativity, encouraging mentees to take intellectual risks and deviate from the norm. This fosters opportunities for individuals to discover their unique qualities and talents.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hbsu.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbsu_film/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089254638760
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdeal/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AReelDeal
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi1COhACdjBO–uZ1s0IPng
• Other: https://staywokestudios.com/

Image Credits
Eric Deal Jimmy Willis III