A Conversation With host Floyd Marshall Jr

In this Episode of A Conversation With (Building Tables), we discussed "What makes a good story?" with special guest Tiffany Yancy (screenwriter and actress) and The Angel (film composer).

We all agreed that a good story connects with the audience. It's something that makes them feel something, whether it's happiness, sadness, anger, or fear. It's a story that stays with your audience long after they've finished watching your film.   Our discussion ranged from what we believe to be the essential elements of a good story to what we feel are the most prominent mistakes writers make. It was a lively conversation, and we all learned a lot!

Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:

ifapfilmcollective.com

In this episode of  A Conversation With (Podcast), I sat down with Keena Ferguson, a multi-talented actress, dancer, writer, and producer who has been in the business for 15 years. One of many things we discussed was the power of manifesting and how to use it to get what you want in life. Keena shares her personal experiences with manifesting and advice on how to change your mindset and start manifesting the things you want in life.

======================

Keena Ferguson BIO:

Keena Ferguson is known for her bright warm smile, strong presence and agility as an actress. She hails from Jefferson City, MO the “Show Me State” and she was most definitely born to be in “Show Biz”. A show off since birth, a dancer since the age of two and a stage actress at the tender age of 6, Keena was destined for a life in the arts. Graduating from The Ohio State Uni- versity with a BA in dance she immediately moved to LaLa land and within months of her move, Keena landed a co-hosting gig for the BET series The Way We Do It opposite comedian Ricky Smiley. Shortly after that show aired she shot an international Coca-Cola campaign with Gram- my winning artists, Common and Mýa. Since then Keena can be seen on many popular com- mercials like Home Depot, Bud Light and Android to name a few.

Keeping with her artistic versatility Keena first appeared dancing alongside Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) in the action-comedy blockbuster The Rundown. From there she danced with many notable artists like Kelly Rowland, Marc Anthony, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and many others. Keena also had the honor to perform on stage at the Lady of Soul Awards and Latin Grammy Awards. The next stages she performed on took her around the country as one of the leads in the Will Smith produced play The Bachelorette Party. Once that tour came to a close, with a quick click of your remote you could see Keena on TV screens in hit shows like Two in a Half Men, Boston Legal and Victorious. One of her favorite projects was being featured on Steven Spielberg’s On the Lot where she was praised for her “natural and authentic talent.”

Always a fan of great storytelling and being able to immerse oneself into a character, Keena has thoroughly enjoyed playing a variety of complex film roles including: an American Muslim woman in the thriller Red Line, a conflicted under appreciated sister in the award winning film Daughter of Fortune, a commanding high-end art thief in the action film Forever No More, writ- ten by Rosewood’s executive producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll. Keena is also the writer, producer and star of the short film Kai where she plays a trendy woman with a strange addiction. Kai went on to screen in more than 35 film festivals internationally and was picked up for television distri- bution. Those multifaceted roles prepared Keena for her most challenging, but most accom- plished feeling as an actress; when she performed her one woman show Keena UnBranded. Playing over 10 different characters intertwining dance and live music, Keena UnBranded con- firmed to Keena (and her audiences) that the power of honest artistry was a way to not only en- tertain, but also inspire.

Keena’s latest project is the theatrically released film American Hero where she played Doreen opposite Stephen Dorff as his frustrated no-nonsense ex-wife and mother to their son. She also stars as the concerned mother in the new NBC show Game of Silence, the disciplined and fun volleyball coach on Amazon’s Gortimer Gibbons Life on Normal Street and the sassy friend in the movie Trew Calling.

Whether it’s acting, dancing, producing or any of Keena’s other talents, you can be sure that this Show Me State native will definitely Show up and Show out!

Connect with Keena Ferguson:

Website: https://keenaferguson.com

A Conversation With Bianca Bethune was definitely an interesting experience. Bianca is not only an accomplished tv and film actor but also the owner of Sun Scape Productions. She discussed her start in the business, scoring her role in Bad Boys III, and what she's working on now. It was great to hear about her journey and what she's doing to make her dreams a reality. This episode is not to be missed!

======================

Bianca Bethune BIO:

My name is Bianca Bethune I am a tv and film actor. Specifically, a child actor known for the role of Megan Burnett in the Bad Boys franchise.  I have been featured in other shows like Criminal Minds, Everybody Hates Chris and a heavy recurring role on ABC Family's Switched at Birth. I've established my production company this past year where I house my podcast, how-to masterclasses, and film projects. My company is called Sunskape Productions, its mission is to help others find their own light, your higher self arising.

View all projects, trailers, and short films on Instagram- @thebiancabethune_ 

Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:

ifapfilmcollective.com

This episode of "A Conversation With" is all about business credit and how to protect yourself from lawsuits. Our guest, Candice Shantell Patrick ESQ, is an expert in trademarks, contracts, company setup, consulting, and lawsuits. If you want to set up your film business correctly, you need to listen in!

====================

Candice Shantell Patrick ESQ BIO:

Candice Shantell Patrick is a passionate attorney who gives each client her all--even if it means late nights and early mornings! Attorney Patrick received her Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude. She went on to be accepted into both the Texas Bar and Federal Court. 

Since being admitted to the Bar, Candice has served the community with legal representation in business, criminal, family and civil law. She has been featured in the Voyage Dallas as a Rising Star and contributed to the success and victory of many families. 

In her spare time, Candice enjoys traveling, yoga, and spending time with her family in the garden. 

Website: https://www.shantelllaw.com

Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:

ifapfilmcollective.com

In this episode of "A Conversation With," I had the opportunity to speak with Shaun M Mathis, a writer, producer, director, and owner of Anti-Productions. Shaun has worked with some big names in the film industry, such as Cam Newton, Killer Mike, Future, Jermaine Dupri, and Clifton Powell. We talked about his career and what it's like working with some of the biggest names in the business.

=========================

Shaun M. Mathis  BIO

Hailing from Waterbury, CT by way of Philadelphia, PA, Shaun Mathis began his filmmaking career in 2014 but it was in 2015 when he received his first break by being the co-writer & co-producer on the film Take Over Your Trap, starring 2 Chainz & Bankroll Fresh, the film went on to premiere at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival. The same year, Shaun wrote, directed, and produced his first feature film, The Plug, and secured distribution via Amazon Prime. The following year in 2017, Shaun wrote, directed & produced the award-winning documentary, narrated by legendary actor Clifton Powell, Miles in the Life” Story of a BMF Drug Trafficker, has over 10 million views via, Amazon, Tubi, Roku & Youtube. Most currently, Shaun penned the horror film, La Patasola, which will be released theatrically Jan. 14, 2022. As a writer & director, Shaun has worked with the likes of Cam Newton, Killer Mike, Future, Jermaine Dupri, Clifton Powell, and many others, and also currently have films distributed by AspireTV, BET+, Amazon Prime, Tubi and Roku. When not writing for filming with his company, Anti-Hero Productions, Shaun can be found in his role as president of the non-profit organization, Film Family, conducting Atlanta’s only writers' room, Shaun Mathis’ Writers Room Collective, or being a father to his 2 children, Jordyn & Egypt.

Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:

ifapfilmcollective.com

In this episode of "A Conversation With," I  had a discussion with three amazing Black Female Filmmakers  Landi Maduro founder of Blue Child Entertainment; K Elle Jones, founder of the KEJ Network; and Keema Mingo, filmmaker, producer, writer. We discuss how African Americans can build their own tables in the independent filmmaking space. We explore the challenges and opportunities of creating opportunities for ourselves in the film industry. This is an essential conversation for all filmmakers, especially African Americans.

About Building Tables from the Creator Floyd Marshall Jr:

"I came up with this particular concept of building tables because, when we're on "Clubhouse," we talked about that quite often building tables. So I was sitting there one day, and I said, you know what? Why don't I just create a segment called building tables where I bring some phenomenal industry people together, and we can just sit down and have a discussion about  "How do we, as African Americans filmmakers, begin to build tables." Because it's, it's, it's okay sitting at someone else's table, but it's better when you build your own."

Connect with Floyd Marshall Jr"

Instagram

Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:

ifapfilmcollective.com

In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Nicole Lovince.  Nicole is a woman on a mission. She helps women from diverse backgrounds create and learn to sustain a ritual self-care practice called "The Goddess Bath." The Goddess Bath is an intentional ritual bath that will transform you inside and out. I had the opportunity to sit down with Nicole and ask her about the Goddess Bath. She shared the benefits of this practice and how it can help women connect with their inner power and wisdom. If you're looking for a way to connect with your inner power and wisdom, or if you're simply looking for a way to relax and rejuvenate, then I invite you to try the Goddess Bath. Nicole Lovince can help you get started.

BIO: Nicole Lovine

============================

Nicole is a multi-hyphenate Lifestyle Brand -Actress, Singer, Wellness, Podcaster, Public Speaker, Host and Live Event Brand Ambassador. 

She songwrites, produces and perform original music under the name “Free The Unicorn” in the alternative metal pop r&b genre. She has roles in such films and tv shows as Pitch Perfect and Dear White People. Sharing the big screen with stars such as Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Monique, and Brendan Fraser. Nicole has performed live in front of a collective audience upwards of 30, 000 people. She has an extensive background in on-camera acting, live stage performance, and content creation. She uses her social media to share my intuitive insights and experience through art, entertainment, and the power of manifestation. Nicole is the creator and owner of The Goddess Bath Experience. She helps women from diverse backgrounds create and learn to sustain a ritual self-care practice called "The Goddess Bath" an intentional ritualist bath that will transform you inside and out. 

Connect With Nicole Lovince

Website: www.nicolelovince.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp45WICnAODXSEVM1E38zMw

In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Ny MaGee, an entertainment reporter and screenwriter.   Ny discussed her journey and struggles as a black journalist. 

Here is an excerpt of our conversation:

"When it comes to covering shows and films as a black journalist, we don't get a lot of respect; we're supposed to get they put us in a box.   Society puts black people in general in a box. Let's keep it real. So then, when it comes to being a reporter, they think we all just cover B. E. T."

========================

Ny MaGee BIO

Ny MaGee is an entertainment reporter, screenwriter, consultant, and founder of the multimedia company NAYUTOPIA. She has over 15 years of experience working in the film industry in areas including production and post-production, marketing, distribution, and acquisitions. She has worked for legendary film producer Roger Corman, Quentin Tarantino's production team at Miramax, the late Larry Flynt, MTV/ VH1, Hallmark Channel, Paramount, Jim Henson Co., Parade Magazine, and various LA-based companies representing above-the-line talent. 

Submit Your Short Film: The Film Collective

In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with Geno Brooks, an American filmmaker hailing from Chicago, IL, most known for his New Media projects, including the award-winning digital series THE THERAPIST, the greek life digital series BLACK BOOTS, and the latest love story JONES. Brooks was an integral part of a creative collective that amassed an audience of over 90,000. Now he has successfully built the digital streaming network and SVOD service, Artistic Standard TV, that showcases not only more of his original content but supports rising, bold, diverse voices and talent, giving them a space to hone their craft.

Brooks has sharpened his producing, directing and writing skills as fundamental support to Oscar & Emmy Nominated filmmakers such as Virgil Williams (Mudbound, Journal For Jordan), Ali LeRoi (Everybody Hates Chris, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson), Debra Martin Chase (HARRIET) and most recently Aaron Gilbert, CEO of BRON Studios (The Joker, Judas and the Black Messiah, Fences). Brooks is an active member of the Writers Guild of America, serves on the associate board of Colour Entertainment, and is grateful for the mentorship of former HBO Executive, Writer / Produce, Kelly Edwards, Writer / Producer Charles Murray (Sons of Anarchy, Luke Cage) and others. Brooks most recently directed 4 episodes and wrote the Season Finale for JOHNSON, which premiered on August 1, 2021 on Bounce TV to a groundbreaking 2.1 million viewers. Which was the largest opening in network history.

The Chicago Native is an active member Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and is no stranger to adversity so Brooks volunteers with the Young Writers Program, which encourages and cultivates young writers’ skills. Brooks’ experience over the last 10 years in social services not only adds to his storytelling ability but it also exemplifies his passion for cultivating the youth. The Artistic Standard's BEAR THE TORCH: BIPOC Mentorship & Apprenticeship program is where he's able to translate that passion into the entertainment industry, leading an incubator focused on providing Hollywood with rising BIPOC voices and creatives for the upcoming generations. Brooks is represented by Adam Robinson at The Rookery.

Connect With Geno Brooks: https://ArtisticStandardTV.vhx.tv

Submit Your Short Film: The Film Collective

In this episode of "A Conversation With," I sat down with SHukur, an actress.   One of the many things we talked about was Shukura's recurring role as a Prison Gaurd for NBC's New Amsterdam and how she when against a room of 6 feet tall men and got the part because she came ready for the role.

Here is a snippet of our conversation:

Floyd Marhshall Jr

Can you speak to being on set and just having the level of professionalism that you must have being on set and especially being a person of color on sets.

SHukura

This role was written for a male, male or possible female.

So I was up against like all men in the room, and I booked, I booked the role opposed to the men, six ft tall men, everything, but I booked it.

Floyd Marhshall Jr

So you're  5'3", you're not six ft tall, you're not a man by any stretch of the imagination, but you booked the role and that was because you came in ready.

========================================

SHukura BIO:

SHukura can be seen in the recurring role of Prison Guard Raina on NBC TV's New Amsterdam. SHukura can also be seen in a co-starring role in the final season and final episode of the Netflix award winning show, Orange Is The New Black. Her Television and film looping credits include HBO's The Wire and Warner Brothers Picture, Liberty Heights.

SHukura has also starred in both films and Web Series including the film, Blue Flame, the award winning,12 Steps To Recovery, The Trade (nominated for the HBO short film competition at the MVAAFF), Pocket Full of Nickels Te Adoro, and the digital series,The Department of ED.

SHukura’s numerous national and international commercials have gained her recognition with television audiences. Among the many were Coca Cola, Johnson and Johnson, Mountain Dew, KFC, Nintendo, MCI, Jello, Sony, Kellogg's Pop Tarts, Wrigley Spearmint Gum, Oxy Pads and three consecutive commercials with Wendy's. SHukura has also worked in voice overs for national radio commercials including Burger King, a PSA for domestic violence and a PSA for HIV.

SHukura is also no stranger to the stage. SHukura already knew she wanted to be an actor from winning each annual Storytelling Contest in her elementary school starting at age seven.

SHukura's studies in acting began at age eleven due to her being discovered by an acting teacher who insisted she attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Subsequently, SHukura's acting studies continued for consecutive years. Alongside the American Academy, SHukura attended a middle school for the performing arts where she majored in Drama. After middle school due to a knock out audition, SHukura was granted admittance to the prestigious world renowned Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts-the school made famous by the movie Fame, where she also majored in Drama. After college SHukura began pursuing a professional career in acting by performing in theater productions at some of New York and Los Angeles' finest theater houses such as Playwrights Horizons and The Ivar theater.

SHukura was selected as the winner of The Episcopal Actors Guild Monologue Competition and SHukura was also nominated for best actor by The Black and Latino Filmmakers Coalition for her performance in the movie Blue Flame.

Union Affiliations- SAG/AFTRA union member.

To find out more about SHukura, click on:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4215166/?ref

Submit Your Short Film: The Film Collective