We recently connected with Tez Dixon and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tez thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
If I had to pick a most meaningful project that I’ve worked on, it would have to be my short film, Delivery Attempted (2023). The reason being is because I was inspired by an actual real life event. I was delivery driving at night and I came across a driveway. A man was walking my way and said “I wouldn’t go down there if I were you.” Of course I was concerned, but I was also curious. I thought maybe there were dogs or either a prejudice family. I wasn’t certain. Nevertheless, that one sentence from him inspired me to create the film. It is of importance and holds significant value considering the fact anything can happen to any delivery drivers approaching the wrong area. Though the film is clearly about race, the overall message in general is that delivery drivers must be alert at all times. No matter who you are.
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.
I’m Devon Martinez Dixon (better known as Tez Dixon). I’m a film director, actor, producer, writer, etc. Founder of indie production companies, Thrill Shooter Films and Cinema Goatz. I write, direct, and produce majority of my projects as I feel I have complete creative control without watering anything down. Since I was a teenager, I’ve always wanted to get into filmmaking, so I purchased the cheapest DSLR I could get my hands on and began to make mini short action films. I attended Belton Honea Path High School and took Radio/TV Broadcasting at the nearby Career Center. There, I learned more about camera work and how to use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit my films, which I still use. A lot of my work pertains to social issues such as mass shootings, racism, etc. I feel that it’s important to tackle on these subjects, especially since it’s unfortunately apart of the real world.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Some may struggle to understand why a lot of my projects consists of a social issue or anything of that matter. They may tend to think why don’t I focus on the fun and positive aspects and drift away from the negative material such as racism and mass shootings. Truth be told, negative material is all around. When you hear a police siren, when you turn on the TV, etc. Negativity surrounds us. While I make other material as well, I can’t sit and pretend that a tragic event didn’t just occur. I like to focus on social issues because people want to forget and brush them off as if it didn’t happen. My reasoning for having an urge to focus on these particular matters is to wake people up and to be prepared for anything and whatever life may throw their way. It’s better to know what’s going on in the heat of the moment than to be lost in the wind.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I’m on a mission to provide people with entertainment within the cinema world while delivering a message at the same time. As an indie film maker in South Carolina, my goal is to stand out and become a leader. I believe in opportunity. Talent is everywhere, not just in particular cities. As a rising film director in the game, I enjoy working with newcomers and rising stars as well. We have a lot in common and we can all say we were in it together from day 1. When that time comes to work with already established actors, it will come. For now, my projects deliver the messages that I intend for them to deliver quite well.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVMRZF9gcKbEJkYk4w4cHQ
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12234041/