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

Alright, Sydney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I named my business Shades of Cinema because it truly reflects the vision I have for my career and the legacy I want to create. As a passionate writer and producer, I’ve always been deeply drawn to the world of film, especially horror and psychological thrillers. Initially, my company was called Sydney Dee Studios, but I never felt a real connection to that name—it was more of a temporary placeholder.

In 2023, I took the time to rebuild my business plan and refine my brand identity. I realized that I wanted my production company to be a place where I could bring timeless films to life, not just from my own ideas but by adapting the work of other writers as well. That’s when Shades of Cinema was born.

Our mission is to craft authentic, captivating narratives that resonate deeply with diverse audiences, sparking powerful connections and emotional responses. By collaborating with award-winning filmmakers known for both their academic and creative excellence, we aim to develop stories that stand the test of time, offering lasting significance and universal appeal.

Sydney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Sydney Denise, an Atlanta-based screenwriter and producer with a passion for storytelling. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business from Savannah State University and a master’s degree in film from Georgia State University. While pursuing my graduate studies, I had the unique opportunity to study film and writing in Ecuador, where I immersed myself in the local culture and explored the representation of Afro-Ecuadorians in media.

My most recent and proud film, Gotcha, has gained notable recognition, premiering at esteemed film festivals like Bronzelens, Afrikana, On Set ATL, and the San Diego Black Film Festival. It’s also currently being featured on AspireTV, which has been an exciting milestone for me.

In 2023, I founded Shades of Cinema, an independent media company focused on producing and promoting diversity in cinema. Before diving into narrative film, I spent over nine years in marketing, where I specialized in digital and social media strategies, helping brands tell stories that truly resonate with their audiences.

My love for films, particularly the horror genre, is the driving force behind my work. I’m also deeply influenced by the writings of Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, Nikki Giovanni, Alice Walker, and Maya Angelou—all of whom inspire me to create stories that engage audiences on a profound level.

Through Shades of Cinema, I’m committed to creating timeless films that connect with global audiences and inspire fellow filmmakers to bring their own visions to life on screen. I feel in film, we still don’t have a large diverse variety of films that get green lit and I am hoping to contribute more of that as well as adaptations from black authors.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

This year marked a pivotal moment for Shades of Cinema. As a grassroots company, I’ve always self-funded my projects, typically working multiple jobs to raise the money needed for my films. However, this year, I decided to take a different approach, shifting to affiliate marketing and merchandising to support my work. This shift required me to focus on building a community and finding authentic ways to promote my brand without feeling forced.

One of my personal passions is graphic design and fashion, so I combined the two to launch a Shades of Cinema merchandise line. It has been a rewarding success so far. The products I create are centered around other creatives like me, offering designs that make us feel seen, heard, and inspired. This new direction has allowed me to grow the brand while staying true to my vision, connecting with others in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

Shades of Cinema’s merchandising business operates through an eCommerce platform, primarily using Wix and Etsy. While I utilize both, I prefer Wix because it offers a more seamless experience for advertising and managing the business. Through social media advertising, I promote our merchandise, and Wix allows me to closely track the entire customer journey—from product views to items added to the cart, all the way to the checkout page. This insight helps me create targeted advertising strategies that encourage customers to complete their purchases.

One of the biggest advantages of Wix is this ability to monitor and analyze customer behavior, making it easier to optimize marketing efforts. However, one drawback is the transaction fees Wix charges with every purchase, which can quickly add up. While the platform offers great tools, the fees are something I have to constantly factor into the business strategy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shadesofcinema.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shades0fcinema/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/Shades0fCinema
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShadesofCinema