We recently connected with Millennial X and have shared our conversation below.

Millennial X, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

The legacy we aspire to build is one of empowerment and transformation, particularly in the film and television industry. We hope to be remembered as people who not only broke barriers but also built bridges for others to cross. Our aim is to leave a legacy where people of colour see fewer obstacles and more opportunities in expressing their narratives and talents.

We envision being remembered as a catalyst for change – people who not only dreamt of a more inclusive and diverse industry but also took concrete steps to make it a reality. Through initiatives like Millennial X, We hope to set a precedent for how mentorship and education can be tools for social and professional advancement.

We would like to be remembered as mentors who didn’t just teach, but inspired. People who believed in the power of stories to heal, connect, and transform societies. We want to be known as leaders who listened, creators who collaborated, and a visionaries who valued every voice.

When people reflect on our contributions, we hope they speak of the tangible impact we made – the careers we launched, the stories we brought to life, and the barriers we dismantled. More than anything, we want to be remembered for how we made people feel – empowered, valued, and capable of achieving their dreams.

Ultimately, our goal is to leave a legacy that continues to inspire and support aspiring filmmakers and storytellers long after I’m gone. A legacy where our contributions are seen not just in the projects we’ve worked on, but in the thriving, diverse community of artists who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of film and television.”

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.

Introduction and Background:

Hello, I’m Carlos Anthony, a national best-selling author, screenwriter, producer, and event organizer. My journey into this industry began with a need to express and heal myself through storytelling. Growing up in an environment where children were expected to be seen and not heard, I found my voice through storytelling, initially orally and theatrically, and later through writing as a form of therapy.

Joining me on this journey is Jollene Phillips, a talented screenwriter, writer, producer, and project manager. Jollene has worked with some of Toronto’s most talented individuals. Her motivation stems from a desire to break down the cliquish nature of the industry in Toronto. She believes in inclusivity over gatekeeping, which resonated with our shared vision.

Early Challenges and Breakthroughs:

My path wasn’t straightforward. I faced psychological challenges and had to overcome the limitations of my environment. The turning point came when a naturopath suggested I release my trauma through writing. This led me to pursue writing more seriously, but financial constraints and a lack of industry connections were significant hurdles. Thankfully, mentorship under Pauleanna Reid opened doors for me, allowing me to network and learn from industry professionals.

Collaboration with Jollene Phillips:

Meeting Jollene Phillips was a pivotal moment. Our collaboration began with a shared passion for storytelling and a commitment to breaking down industry barriers. We co-developed the project “Addicts,” learning invaluable lessons about the industry and storytelling from our mentor, Morgan Long. Jollene’s insights and expertise were instrumental in shaping the project and our approach.

Millennial X Initiative:

Our shared experiences and challenges led to the creation of the “Millennial X” program in partnership with CBC. This initiative was born out of a desire to dismantle gatekeeping in the film industry and provide comprehensive filmmaking education and resources to marginalized individuals. We designed a curriculum that covers every aspect of filmmaking, from ideation to production, ensuring participants are fully equipped for a career in film.

Services and Impact:

Our program offers a range of services, including grant writing support, pitch preparation, access to industry executives, and free equipment rentals. We address the educational and financial barriers that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing careers in film.

Our Unique Approach:

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to filmmaking education. We don’t just teach writing; we guide our participants through the entire process of bringing an idea to life, including packaging, pitching, producing, and securing funding. This comprehensive approach ensures our participants are not only skilled but also industry-ready.

Pride and Message to Our Audience:

We take immense pride in the success of our participants, many of whom have secured significant grants and opportunities. Our message to potential clients, followers, and fans is clear: we are here to support your filmmaking dreams every step of the way, without gatekeeping. Our resources are open to all who are passionate about making their mark in the film industry.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Our overarching mission with the Millennial X program is to fundamentally shift the socio-economic landscape for people of color in Canada, empowering them to become their own champions in the film and television industry. We’ve observed a tendency where individuals often wait for opportunities to be presented to them. Our program is designed to invert this dynamic, enabling participants to create their own opportunities and forge their own paths.

Our vision extends beyond individual empowerment. We aim to catalyze a broader transformation in the industry, increasing the diversity of programming not just in Canada but globally. Representation matters, and our goal is to see a world where diverse voices and stories are not just included, but are a central part of the narrative fabric.

Currently, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) mandates that 30% of people working in TV and film should be people of color. However, this goal remains unmet, largely due to systemic barriers like limited resources and access. This is where Millennial X steps in. In just one year, we’ve assisted over a hundred individuals, and we’re just getting started. Our hope is that with each passing year, we’ll not only inch closer to meeting the CRTC’s mandate but also surpass it, setting a new standard for representation in the industry.

Ultimately, our aim is not just to meet quotas. We want to inspire a seismic shift in how stories are told and who gets to tell them, ensuring that people of color have the tools, skills, and platforms to share their narratives with the world.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Carlos Anthony

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the habit of enabling people, especially in the context of mentoring artists. Initially, I didn’t realize that by doing too much for them, I was inadvertently hindering their learning and growth. In my eagerness to help, I often found myself doing the heavy lifting in developing their screenplays or manuscripts. I would go as far as physically writing out parts or even drafts for them. This approach, I later realized, was not only counterproductive for their development but also draining for me creatively.

The turning point came when I started collaborating with Jollene Phillips. I noticed that the quality of my own work began to suffer, and my stories started to lose their distinctiveness. This was a wake-up call. I recognized that by over-assisting my mentees, I was not only depleting my creative energy but also blurring the lines between their creative voices and mine.

The solution was to start delegating more effectively. I shifted my mentoring approach to focus on guiding my mentees in what they needed to do, rather than doing it for them. This change was transformative. It freed up my time, allowing me to refocus on my projects, and it empowered my mentees to develop their skills independently.

The creation of the Millennial X program was a further evolution of this approach. By structuring the program to assist groups of people simultaneously, and later transitioning to a virtual format, we were able to extend our reach and impact. The introduction of office hours was also crucial in establishing healthy boundaries with both alumni and new participants. This structure ensured that while we provided the necessary support and guidance, the onus of learning and creating remained with the mentees. It was a lesson in the importance of empowering others to find their own path, rather than walking it for them.

Jollene Phillips

A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the tendency to be overly controlling, especially in the context of our Millennial X program. Initially, I was determined to establish myself as Carlos’ equal partner. However, this led to an unexpected challenge: instead of being seen as a co-leader, I was often perceived as merely his assistant. This misperception was frustrating, and in my efforts to counter it, I found myself taking on an excessive workload.

The irony was that the more I tried to prove my leadership through taking on additional tasks, the less I appeared as a partner and the more I seemed like a support staff. This approach not only failed to achieve my intended goal but also led to a personal crisis. The extra responsibilities I assumed in the program began to take a toll on my performance in my 9 to 5 job, leading to burnout.

Carlos noticed this and advised me to start delegating tasks. It was a challenging shift for me, as it required placing trust in others and stepping back from the urge to manage every detail. However, when I finally embraced delegation, the transformation was remarkable. Not only did it alleviate my workload, but it also allowed others to step up and demonstrate their capabilities. This change in approach was a turning point for me. It helped me to redefine my role within Millennial X, moving from a position of control to one of collaborative leadership.

Through this experience, I learned the importance of trust and letting go in a leadership role. It’s not just about the quantity of work you do; it’s about the quality of your leadership and the ability to empower others. This lesson has been invaluable in my journey with Millennial X and in my personal growth as a leader.”

Contact Info:

• Website: millennialx.io
• Instagram: millennialx.io

Image Credits
Behind the Scenes Footage from Film Set and Classroom is from Sean Diamond Screening Photos from Black Tux Photography