Today we’d like to introduce you to Director Ab.
Hi Director, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out making music a long time ago and I made some good connects back then but I just couldn’t get over the hump. This will keep us here all day but the more important thing to remember in all of this was that I always knew how to network back then. Things happened with the people I was making music with and I started moving solo and starting doing basic videos about trending topics. Those videos started going viral everywhere, and I just made more and more videos. The production quality was trash but it didn’t matter, the people tuned in anyway and the views were rackin up. Once he Covid-19 lockdown hit, my productivity went through the roof. I was making short films, directing music videos, shooting features, everything. I took advantage of all that available time. Many film festivals, awards, and networking events later, I went to a networking event at Netflix HQ in NYC. I remember I told someone in advertising that I was gonna work with Netflix one day. I don’t know when, and I don’t know what project but I know we will. He laughed it off, which is understandable, but I was serious. A year later I was presented with an opportunity to work with them on a film called ‘The Whisper Man’ with Robert De Niro, Michelle Monaghan, Adam Scott, & Michel Keaton in the camera department. I took it, and the rest is history.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not, when I started this journey everyone knew I was serious, but they weren’t taking me seriously. Everything was all good when we’re sitting around talking about our hopes and dreams. Then some of my dreams became reality and the energy was real different. I know I’m the villain in alot of people’s story and at this point I don’t care anymore. I’m a man of progression, the same person I am today is not the same person I was 2 months ago, if people can’t see the vision or it makes them uncomfortable then that’s on them, not me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a filmmaker, media personality, & now mixologist. I work behind & in front of the camera. I also own a production company ‘Moonlight Media LLC’, we do everything from event recaps, to documentaries and feature films. I’ve done alot of things but I’m really proud of just the growth and unwavering dedication. I’ve been abandoned and find ways through so many obstacles, but I always found a way to move forward and accomplish my goals without compromising my integrity. I plan on winning an EGOT and when that happens I’m probably going to take a 2 month vacation.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think people need to be real with themselves when it comes to networking. Do you really want to build with someone or do you just want another IG follower? Stop looking to get lightning in a bottle with your first connect and give things time to play out. Follow up, put your best foot forward, be concise and intentional with your communication, and always have something to present them. Instead of just asking ‘hey what can you do for me?’, show them what you’ve done and give them ideas on how you can work together. Every major holiday reach out to them with a quick message because out of sight, out of mind and you need to be visible, that’s how opportunities happen. If they have an event, show up and support, if they put out a new product, buy it. It doesn’t work with everybody, but you’ll see who’s receptive and who’s not, that’ll make it easier for you to figure out who’s really trying to build something.
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