A Conversation With host Floyd Marshall Jr

🎬 Talent alone won't build a lasting career in Hollywood. So what does it really take?

In Episode 176 of A Conversation with Floyd Marshall Jr., actress, producer, and humanitarian Nia Miranda shares her journey from Detroit to Hollywood and the lessons she's learned about building a sustainable career in film and television.

Known for her role in G.R.I.T.S. on ALLBLK, Nia gets candid about auditions, choosing the right representation, making career sacrifices, and building relationships that create opportunities.

She also takes us behind the scenes of her independent film Soil and explains why filmmakers must take ownership of their careers instead of waiting for their big break.

Whether you're an aspiring actor, independent filmmaker, or producer, this conversation offers practical insights into navigating the entertainment industry, staying committed to your craft, and creating your own opportunities.

🎧 Listen now and discover why discipline, relationships, and knowing your purpose matter just as much as talent.

#IndependentFilmmaking #ActingCareer #NiaMiranda #AConversationWithFloydMarshallJr #FloydMarshallJr

On A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr., Floyd and Co-Host Okema T. Moore sit down with Fanshen Cox, founder of TruJuLo Productions, co-author of the Inclusion Rider, and host of Sista Brunch.

Fanshen shares insights on film financing, production budgets, finding investors, distribution, and creating opportunities outside traditional Hollywood systems. She also discusses representation, the business of filmmaking, and why understanding your audience matters.

Whether you're a filmmaker, producer, or screenwriter, this conversation offers practical insights to help you approach your next project with greater confidence.

🎙️ Listen now and discover why making a great film is only part of the journey.

What makes a screenplay truly ready to shoot—and what should filmmakers fix before spending money on production?

In this episode of A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr., Shannan E. Johnson—Development and Current Programming Executive, Screenwriter, and CEO + Head Consultant of The Professional Pen (TPP)—shares practical insight for filmmakers and screenwriters on developing stronger scripts, finding story problems before production, building a creative team, and understanding the business behind filmmaking.

Shannan also breaks down why screenplay development matters, why the first 15 pages can make or break a read, how filmmakers can approach nontraditional pitching, and why your creative voice still matters in the age of AI. She also discusses her immersive pitch experience for The Weight of Silence and how filmmakers can create stronger proof-of-concept opportunities.

If you’re an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, or creative developing a film or television project, this conversation offers valuable guidance on story development, production readiness, pitching, and treating your creative work like a business.

#AConversationWithFloydMarshallJr #FloydMarshallJr #ShannanEJohnson #TheProfessionalPen #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #ScriptDevelopment #IndependentFilmmakers #FilmIndustry

Writer, producer, director, and casting director Angela Davis joins Floyd Marshall Jr. and Co-Host Okema T. Moore for a candid conversation about independent filmmaking, micro-budget production, casting, screenwriting, and building the right creative team.

Angela shares how she transitioned from more than 25 years in theater to film, why filmmakers should stop waiting for permission to create, and what it takes to move a screenplay toward production while protecting the integrity of the story. She also discusses the making of her psychological thriller ALMOST, the importance of authentic casting, knowing your audience, building genuine industry relationships, and using community support to stretch a limited film budget.

For independent filmmakers, writers, producers, directors, and actors, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for turning a creative vision into a real production.

Haitian American filmmaker Elisee Junior St Preux joins A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr. and Co-Host Okema T. Moore for a powerful discussion about independent filmmaking, Haitian identity, Black and Caribbean representation, mental health, fatherhood, and persistence in the film industry.

Elisee shares how he went from being a self-taught creative to building a career as a director, writer, actor, and founder of SOIL Pictures. He opens up about crowdfunding, navigating rejection, film fellowships, balancing creative work with financial realities, and why filmmakers should stop waiting for permission and make the work they believe in.

The conversation also explores his feature film The Tropic Sun and His Eyes, shot in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. Elisee discusses his mission to challenge negative portrayals of Haiti and create more loving, vulnerable, and emotionally honest depictions of Black and Caribbean men, fathers, and families.

This episode is especially valuable for filmmakers, writers, actors, producers, independent creatives, and anyone interested in Black cinema, Haitian storytelling, film financing, representation, and building a creative career with purpose

Princess Elmore breaks down the business behind an acting career, including personal branding, social media visibility, professional headshots, acting reels, networking, and ongoing training.

She also explains why actors must learn to market themselves and treat their talent like a business.=================

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Connect With Floyd Marshall Jr:

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Award-winning filmmakers Tchaiko Omawale and c. Craig Patterson join Floyd Marshall Jr. and Okema T. Moore for a candid discussion about filmmaking, screenwriting, world-building, animation and artificial intelligence.

Tchaiko explains how her global childhood shaped her curiosity and storytelling, while sharing insights from Solace, BEAST, Fist of Mothers and her television directing career. Craig discusses directing Roy Wood Jr., experimenting with new production technologies and creating the animated short ChikaBOOM!.

Together, they explore BlackStar Film Festival, ethical AI use, creative collaboration, motherhood, Black feminine storytelling and the importance of protecting human artistry as filmmaking technology evolves.

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Connect With Floyd Marshall Jr:

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Actress, writer, director, producer, and singer Timeca Marie Seretti joins A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr. and Co-Host Okema T. Moore for an inspiring conversation about her 20+ year career in entertainment, her recurring role as Anastasia Belleclaire on CBS’ Beyond the Gates, and the discipline it takes to build a lasting creative career.

From her beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to working across television, film, music, and production, Timeca shares honest lessons about studying the craft, learning the business side of show business, creating opportunities through Wild Child Entertainment, and mentoring the next generation of artists. She also opens up about her “villain era,” her approach to character development, women-driven storytelling, and what it means to keep pursuing purpose through every creative season.

This episode is perfect for actors, filmmakers, producers, writers, creatives, and fans of Beyond the Gates who want a deeper look at the artist behind Anastasia Belleclaire.

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Connect With Floyd Marshall Jr:

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What does it take to build a successful career in film while staying true to your creative vision?

In this episode of A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr., co-hosted by Okema T. Moore, award-winning director, executive producer, and creative visionary Tia A. Smith shares her remarkable journey from an internship at BET to leading award-winning projects in film, television, documentaries, and branded entertainment.

Tia discusses her transition from producer to director, the inspiration behind her acclaimed short film The Heir, and why she believes the best storytellers refuse to be boxed into a single role. She also shares valuable lessons on leadership, networking, mentorship, career pivots, authentic storytelling, and creating work that leaves a lasting impact.

• 🎬 Building a career from BET to Hollywood leadership
• 🎥 The making of The Heir and its deeply personal story of family, legacy, and inheritance
• 💡 Why curiosity and continuous growth are essential for creative success
• 🤝 The importance of mentorship, collaboration, and opening doors for others
• 🌍 Creating stories that reflect both cultural identity and the universal human experience
• 🚀 Advice for aspiring filmmakers, producers, directors, and creative entrepreneurs

Whether you're an independent filmmaker, producer, writer, actor, student, or simply passionate about storytelling, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiration from one of the entertainment industry's most respected creative leaders.

Subscribe to A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr. for in-depth conversations with award-winning filmmakers, producers, actors, and industry innovators who are shaping the future of entertainment.

Award-winning filmmaker and director Christine Swanson joins A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr. for a powerful conversation about filmmaking, television directing, emotional storytelling, independent cinema, and surviving Hollywood as a Black woman director.

From studying under Spike Lee at NYU to directing acclaimed projects like The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel and Basement People, Christine shares practical insights for independent filmmakers looking to build sustainable careers in film and television.

In this episode:

• How Christine Swanson broke into filmmaking
• The difference between TV directing and film directing
• Why emotional storytelling connects with audiences
• The realities of Hollywood gatekeeping and studio politics
• How filmmakers can thrive outside the Hollywood system
• The importance of mentorship, preparation, and relationships
• Lessons from directing Basement People
• Trauma, healing, and storytelling in Black communities
• Advice for aspiring directors, writers, and indie filmmakers

This episode is a masterclass for filmmakers, storytellers, screenwriters, directors, producers, and creatives looking for honest industry advice and inspiration.

#AConversationWithFloydMarshallJr #FloydMarshallJr

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Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:

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Connect With Floyd Marshall Jr:

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