We recently connected with Angela Green and have shared our conversation below.
Angela, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I developed my work ethic at a young age. I was taught the importance of completing what you start and given opportunities to handle projects on my own.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. After high school I attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, graduated with a BA in Telecommunications, and then took a gap year working in radio before entering Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis. While in law school I worked as an assistant event coordinator for the Madam Walker Legacy Center. I managed the weekend events and a staff that was made up of people older than myself. Considering my young age, my supervisor noted that she never received complaints from staff, or clients, on the Monday mornings after the weekend events in which I managed. While working at the center I met William and CJ Koen, the owners of a local gospel label. At that point I had never considered working in the music industry. While interning with that record label I decided I wanted to pursue a career in the gospel music industry. In 1998, I graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence and prepared to move to Tennessee.
I chose Tennessee because it is known for the Gospel and Contemporary Christian music industry. I moved to Memphis, TN because I had family there that I could stay with while preparing to take the bar exam. The plan was to pass the bar and then move to Nashville. However, I soon found a church home, made friends, and decided to stay. It was one of the best decisions of my life. Attempting to pursue an entertainment law practice in Memphis, TN exposed me to the areas of need for music artists in general. I couldn’t build a law practice exclusively on entertainment law. There was plenty of need for the service, but not enough artists that could afford to pay attorney fees. After years of grappling with how to help music artists in Memphis, I was introduced to the world of indie filmmaking. This led me to an idea that could help both music and film creators.
In 2010, I joined On Location: MEMPHIS as a board member and Vice President. At the time On Location: MEMPHIS was a film and music festival. During this time, I learned about the challenges of independent filmmaking and noticed those challenges mirrored those of music creators. In 2014, the current president, Lisa Bobal, retired and turned the reins of the organization over to me. The festival continued to thrive, but it became apparent that there was an opportunity to do more than just host a film festival. This realization led to a pivotal moment of reflection and change. I soon led On Location: MEMPHIS to embark on a journey of evolution. The challenges faced by artists in Memphis, where a high poverty rate and limited business opportunities. Both hindered their ability to build successful careers in entertainment.
On Location: MEMPHIS underwent a mission change, focusing on teaching entertainment business through real-life application. This shift laid the foundation for the organization’s new programs that formed the cinematic ecosystem. The first program to emerge was the Memphis Music Banq (MMB), a music licensing website for TV, film, and other visual media. My expertise as an attorney in the music industry combined with On Location: MEMPHIS’s history as a film festival created the perfect synergy for this innovative platform. The MMB ensured that music creators had properly protected their content before opening doors to licensing and scoring opportunities. It also educated filmmakers on the importance of licensing music and facilitated collaborations between composers and filmmakers.
To further support filmmakers and composers, the Auteur Club was established as an online network for like-minded creatives to connect, exchange ideas, and develop their cinematic skills. Members gained access to exclusive invites, industry professionals, and helpful tools and resources for their projects. The organization partnered with the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law to become the first entertainment law externship, giving law students valuable experience working on projects for the organization and its clients. Club members now have access to entertainment business consulting and contract drafting.
The final program, Memphis Movie Production (MMP), focused on workforce development for the local film industry. MMP provided production jobs on short film projects, allowing individuals above and below the line to gain valuable experience, build their resumes, and earn credits. This initiative aimed to help attract more film and TV projects to shoot in Shelby County, TN, by cultivating a pool of talented production talent. The first film “5th Step” was released April 14, 2024, and is available to rent by going to memphismovieproduction.vhx.tv
The impact of these programs on the local film and music community in Memphis has been profound. Artists and filmmakers who participate in the programs of On Location: MEMPHIS are now better equipped to run their businesses and generate revenue without having to leave the city. They have access to legal information, business consulting, digital distribution channels, and job training, empowering them to thrive within their own community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three things that I believe helped me the most are as follows: 1. My belief and faith in Jesus Christ. I was never afraid to set a goal and then strategically go after it. 2. My heartfelt desire to help people and convey that to my clients. I find joy in helping others reach their goals. 3. Maintaining a high level of integrity and honesty. Seeking mutually beneficial relationships has always been the cornerstone of how I conduct business. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to never forget that the most valuable asset, that they control, is their TIME. Never allow anyone, or even themselves, to waste it.
Okay, so before we go, we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking to collaborate with people in the film and music industry. This will include film producers, songwriters, composers, actors, script writers, financiers, film distributors, production crew members, authors, and directors just to name a few. Anyone who would like to connect with me may go to OnLocationMemphis.org/auteur and check eligibility to join the club.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.onlocationmemphis.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlocationmemphis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnlocationMEM/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-green-3808721/
- Twitter: twitter.con/onlocationmem
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnLocationMemphis
Image Credits
Kathy Lofton, Lofton Media
