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

Gadrien, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

Every idea starts from the mind. I’ll sit and think about an idea for months or weeks before I start writing it all out on paper. When Ghetto Global was first formed it was something we talked about, it wasn’t until I was in prison when the meaning or definition came to be. I wrote out everything I wanted to do with my company from beginning to end. By the time I got out of prison, I was ready to begin the process. The seeds I planted I knew would blossom but it took time every move was strategic. I knew that people wouldn’t understand it in the beginning. I trusted myself and began to see light at the end of the tunnel. Ive had to sacrifice, Ive had to lose, but nothing could stop me from what I knew in my heart. Always remember to believe in yourself even when no one else does, you have to be the driving force to not only change your life but to create it as you see fit.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Gadrien Williams, known around many states and cities as simply Manny. I am the owner and Key operator of Ghetto Global Productions, we specialize in film, photography and editing mostly. I started off professionally in the film industry on several major movies and television productions. What sets me apart is my knowledge on set and my ability to write, direct, produce and edit as if I was a one man band. I am most proud of the fact that I don’t gate keep the knowledge, skill or experience needed to survive in this industry, I want to see everyone eat. I have two films dropping this year finally but I’m not done by far, my drive to become better leads me to want to produce more until I can say that I have truly mastered something.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Shooting my film titled The Base was not an easy task. I wrote the script in 7 days, casted in 10 days and watched it fall apart in a couple hours sort of speak. Due to the unprofessional behavior of some cast and crew members I had to delete and start over. Recasting was one of the worst feelings ever, knowing I put so much time into something and watching it crumble was very depressing, I lost friends, my sons moved to Cleveland with their mom, I lost my house, my storage and spent every single dime I had on the old cast. This did not destroy me, I prayed and got too myself for a second and restarted the process, my 14 day project turned into a 6 month class of learning and rebuilding. I became relentless in my goal to finish the production. I’ve learned so much in this process and I am thankful for the experience now I understand what and what not to do, having boundaries with people and I feel I am a better Director/producer because of this. I can’t wait to bring my movie to a tv or a phone near you.

Any advice for managing a team?

When managing people you have to first separate personal relationships from business relationships. I found out that most friends will never truly respect your position in business if they only see you as their homeboy/homegirl. Set rules, set boundaries, plan, strategize and then complete the goal or mission. I like to treat my cast and crew like family to build that community, no big I’s and no little U’s. Also trust is important in any team, communication, one’s ability to maintain accountability, all of these keep a team strong and healthy. If your team lacks any of these things, it’s on you to find the team who doesn’t.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ghettoglobalproductions.com
• Instagram: Ghetto Global Productions
• Youtube: Ghetto Global Productions

Image Credits

All images are credited Ghetto Global Productions