Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kevin Eugee Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kevin Eugee, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Being a creative is truly not an easy task, especially if you’re an unknown artist just starting out. I have fortunately been able to earn a full-time living and solely rely off my creative work for the past fourteen years to fund my lifestyle. Have I had moments where things weren’t so bright and had nights where I didn’t know where my meals were coming from, yes. Maybe even having some of those moments now due to the current strike. However it seems to be apart of the industry unless you have a wealthy family or parents to assist in the hard times. Everyone has had ups and downs in this field. Even the most famous and rich people in the world have slept in their cars trying to make their dreams come true. I’m surely no different from anyone in that aspect. I’ve too slept in a car trying to make my dreams come true. I’ve been very happy that I’ve been able to live out a few of my dreams in this lifetime.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Kevin Eugee Wilson a Founder, Executive Producer, Director, Showrunner and Writer. A graduate with a Film and Media Arts degree from Northern Illinois University. CEO & Founder of a full content creative film, television, video production, & live events company; Sylver Lining Media Group. In 2009, I decided to make the trek to the west coast to Los Angeles, CA from Chicago, where my career has blossomed. Before moving to Los Angeles I worked on countless film and live event shows with several production companies and the number one entertainment company in the world, Live Nation.
Since moving to LA I have worked on countless film, unscripted, reality, digital, live shows, and commercials; for networks such as NBCUNIVERSAL , CBSViacom, Bravo, E!, Ebony, Nike, Food Network, Lionsgate, BET, Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook to name a few. I have worked with the biggest celebs in the business. I also was the Showrunner with Amazon Music + Rotation on the exhilarating show “Connected with Wayno.” Which can still be viewed on Amazon’s Twitch channel.
My production company Sylver Lining Media Group, executive produced and was the I was also the Showrunner of “Laugh Tonight with Damon Williams,” an eight episode stand-up comedy series streaming now on Urbanflix digital platform. As well as co-created “Know Cap Tv” during the Covid-19 pandemic. Know Cap was a streaming informative news like show for Millennials & Gen-Z; to understand and break down all things currently going on in the world during that time.
I have been told I am known for being the calm in the mist of the storm while on set, and for my uncompromising devotion to quality and efficiency. I am firmly committed to the development and progression of a loyal, equal & diverse film culture. And that is what sets me & my company apart from others. Our deep attention to detail, and major experience with culture moving shows, projects and events.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is creating something literally in your brain and watching it come to life. Then putting it out to the world for them to emote about. Rather if they love it or hate it, cry or argue about it. Change their view, life, or situation even if it’s just one person. That is what’s most rewarding to me. Just to know that my art, my creativity made someone feel a way. No matter what that way is. That’s most rewarding!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In my view the best thing society can do to support creatives and artist, is to continue to buy the art and not just view it on the black market. Make room for us, have compassion for the art and the artist. Pay us our worth! With the strikes going on right now that’s a major issue. Being paid properly and correctly. Allow us to have 401k’s and health benefits. As freelance workers which most of us are we are not offered those benefits. Why is this not treated the same as any other industry where someone works for payment? Show up for us like we show up for you every week with the blood, sweat, and tears that go into creating these shows and films. We create and just want to be compensated properly for our lifetime creations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gofund.me/d96f87f0
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sylmediagroup?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wilson-01019452
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sylmediagroup?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/4t2lahYZ2eQ
- Other: https://linktr.ee/SylverLiningMediaGroup?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=3a7506a6-abf3-453d-8f1b-5cc2ce3930f1
Image Credits
I own all photos.