Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Travis Lockley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Travis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

As an independent storyteller in today’s entertainment industry, I am constantly reminded of the unique perspectives and narratives we bring to the table. Although we face challenges to success and profitability in competing against established names and top-tier corporations, we persist. There is a demand for new stories, diverse voices, and original ideas, and we, as independent artists, strive to deliver precisely that. However, we need more support. Many people criticize how large corporations handle these aspects of production without realizing the limited risks these entities are willing to take on. This dynamic creates a barrier for us, independent creators, who must constantly innovate and take creative risks to stand out. Yet, we face challenges in gaining the necessary support and recognition.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Travis Lockley, known in the creative world as Vince Loc, a published author with a background in multimedia audiovisual services. My storytelling journey began at Full Sail University, where I graduated with a Film & Video Production degree. As Vince Loc, I have created my most prized work, which is a futuristic sci-fi action series called ‘The Catalyst’. The franchise is currently in the development phase, with the first novel ‘The Catalyst: Project Titan’ having been released in 2020 and the sequels scheduled for release later this year. We plan to release the graphic novels, animations, and games in 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively.

“The Catalyst” is not your typical sci-fi action series. It is a unique journey that follows the story of Donovan Gregory, an ingenious inventor who creates nanomachines capable of evolving humans. Unfortunately, Donovan’s investor, Gabriel Gralyn, exploits his invention, which forces Donovan to create a saboteur persona to neutralize any potential threats that may arise when his projects fall into the wrong hands. The series delves into philosophical themes such as the nature of morality and how personal circumstances can shape one’s actions. It features a diverse roster of characters from around the world whose paths unexpectedly converge, making them unlikely candidates for the next stage in human evolution.

My work is a fresh take on the classic struggle between heroes and villains, set in a society experiencing a technological renaissance. I have a clear vision of adapting ‘The Catalyst’ series into films or a TV show that offers audiences a unique perspective on the superhuman theory, one that resonates with everyone and provide an enjoyable experience.

The goal is to build a franchise that spans multiple platforms. The graphic novels will complement the main storyline explored in the six-part novels. To maximize growth and exposure, I am expanding the series, by creating action figures, games, and animations to enhance the universe’s vast mythology. This approach appeals to a wide range of audiences and attracts fans.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey with ‘The Catalyst’ began in 2017 after I traveled to LA to pitch it as a movie. Although initially hesitant about the story’s reception compared to my other screenplays, I decided to pitch ‘The Catalyst’ last during my meetings. Surprisingly, it received the most positive feedback, igniting a fire of potential within me. Recognizing the opportunity, I decided to pivot, turning the screenplay into a novel to retain rights and expand the story into a trans-platform product, as it was suggested during my trip.

In 2018 and 2019, I attended various Comic Conventions nationwide to market and generate interest in the franchise. However, just as anticipation was building for the novel’s release in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, disrupting plans and dampening the momentum. I remained resilient despite additional challenges with job loss and travel restrictions. I stood strong and stayed focused, determined to overcome all the obstacles that came my way. I used storytelling as escapism, continuing to work on the novel sequels and preparing for a comeback.

Despite the setbacks, I remained focused and driven, understanding the importance of pursuing my dreams with the same determination I would apply to someone else while an employee of a company. Now, four years after the pandemic, I am ready to return to the grind. With conventions reopening, I am poised to release the second and third sequels to ‘The Catalyst,’ fueled by the unwavering belief in my vision and the resilience that has defined my journey. I invite you to join me on this exciting journey and discover the world of ‘The Catalyst ‘.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, particularly as a storyteller, is the ability to connect with others on a deep and emotional level through my work. A story has the power to evoke feelings, provoke thoughts, and inspire change in ways that words alone often cannot. I create a world of escape for those seeking a break from the mundane realities of life, offering a vision of what our future reality could be. This ability to touch the hearts and minds of others, to make them feel seen, heard, and understood, is incredibly fulfilling. Moreover, the act of creation itself can be profoundly therapeutic and cathartic. It allows me to explore my own emotions, experiences, and ideas in a meaningful and transformative way. Particularly in the realm of expression, storytelling enables me to communicate in ways that are not always practical in reality. Ultimately, being an artist is about sharing a part of yourself with the world, making a lasting impact, and knowing that your work has the power to inspire change in someone else’s life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thecatalystsaga.com/
• Instagram: @thecatalystsaga