We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karlton T. Clay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karlton T., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Growing up I was obsessed with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Whether it was at school, at church, or in the neighborhood, I would gather my friends together, and we would play Power Rangers by “fighting older kids” as if they were villains. Then, I would come home and write about our adventures. It wasn’t until I think I was in the 3rd or 4th grade when my teacher was reading us a book that I realized that I wanted to be a writer professionally. I used to watch soap operas with my grandmother and sitcoms, and I would study the credits specifically who wrote the episodes. While I attended Davidson Fine Arts School, I began my studies in the arts and my desire to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally continued to grow. After my leukemia diagnosis, God gave me the name of my production company, Victory Productions, and I began the groundwork of writing and producing starting off in theater with my first stage play that I produced and directed in 2003.

Karlton T., 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 have always loved to write. He began writing at a very young age. However, on March 18th, 2002, at the age of 16, Karlton was diagnosed with acute lymphoma leukemia. During my time in recovery, I grew closer to my family and my relationship with God strengthened. Also, from this experience, VICTORY PRODUCTIONS was born. I graduated from Davidson Fine Arts School in 2004 and graduated from Georgia State University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in film and television production.

Under Victory Productions, I have written, produced, and directed several theatre productions, short films, 17 series (in which this year marks my 20th anniversary in creating shows with my first series premiering in 2006), and 18 feature films, which can be streamed on Peacock, Tubi, Roku, and Amazon Prime.

I am also the author of a 4 book series entitled As The Earth Spins, which was published by Expand Knowledge and is available at Lulu.com, and I am the author of three poetry books: Ebbs & Flows (2020), Raw-N-UnKut (2022), and I Am Me (2024), which are also available as EPs under the moniker KayCee Thee Poet on all digital platforms. In 2023, I released “Titan Warriors: The Alignment Of Power,” and the first issue of my first comic book series, “CHOSEN.” With “CHOSEN,” I have released four issues, and I am working with my illustrator Cameron T. Wilson on the fifth one.

Currently, I am the creator, executive producer, and host of THE KULTURE, which is an entertainment and lifestyle show that highlights mainstream and independent entertainers and entrepreneurs. Special guests have included R&B Legend Johnny Gill, legendary actor Richard Lawson, Keith D. Robinson, Nakia Burrise, Karan Ashley, Brandon Hammond. and more.

In everything I do, I hope to remain true to who I am and be that beacon of hope that will inspire others to follow their dreams. My motto: Grow as you go, which springs from my favorite scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

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

There was a time where I was completely done with being a filmmaker. I was extremely burnt out, and I could tell that it was starting to reflect in my work. So I decided that I wanted to step away from filmmaking. However, I could never walk away from being a creative. So I decided to pivot and focus on my book and comic book. Stepping away from filmmaking gave me time to really focus on what I am truly passionate about, which is writing. Writing gives me peace. Writing gives me comfort. I was able to attend conventions in different cities and met lots of people. Also, I tapped in to opportunities at the news station that I work at. I began producing and hosting Celebrating Black Excellence 365 and that’s also during the time THE KULTURE was birthed.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The biggest mission that drives my creative journey is being a beacon of light and hope for people to follow their dreams. I am hoping to continue to give other artists and creatives opportunities to be seen creatively and artistically. There was a point in time where I wanted my shows to be picked up by a major network, but now, I am in a space where I want to create opportunities in the independent space where I and those who are like me can continue to grow and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thevpntv.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/KARLTONTCLAY
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/karlton.clay
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/karltontclay
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@KARLTONTCLAY
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/karltonsworld