We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Renika McQueen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Renika below.

Hi Renika, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I named it after my last two son’s. Their names are Chase and Conner.

Renika, 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 a Correction’s Officer turned Independent filmmaker. I worked in corrections for 17 years but the whole time I worked there, I always wrote. Writing has been a big part of my life since I was a little girl. I worked the midnight shift for many years of my career and doodling and writing helped to keep me awake. I used to write short stories and my coworkers would read them and encourage me to finish them. After being introduced to a prisoner who was housing at my facility, who had written a book and gotten it published by a large publishing company, that was my push, my motivation. So in 2007, I self published my first book, Deceitful Passions. Then twelve years later I turned that book into my very first film. In 2021, I released my second film, Cain and Abel. I have movie number three, A Family Divided that I’ve submitted to several film festivals and I am currently filming my very fist series, The Stranger in our House.

I am most proud of the fact that I stepped out on faith after a few years and decided to follow my passion of filmmaking. I want my targeted audience to just enjoy my movies, my storytelling and see my growth with each production. I want people to know that I am not just in this for the money but that I’m passionate about making good, quality films. I want to improve with every production.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Social media definitely helped me build. I post my movies regularly on IG, Twitter, Facebook and sometimes Tik Tok. I also pass out fliers when I am out and meet people. I started following other independent filmmakers and just networking mainly via social media. I try to attend different events that will help me get closer to the goals that I am trying to reach and just stay active on my platforms even when I don’t feel like it. Also, just being pleasant and a good person helped. You give good energy, most times you will receive it in return.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Grants for filmmaking. I pay for all of my productions out of my pocket. It can be pretty expensive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.renikamcqueen.info
• Instagram: chase_and_conner_productions
• Facebook: Renika Mcqueen
• Linkedin: Renika Mcqueen
• Twitter: Hey_Renika
• Youtube: Renika Mcqueen