Meet the Creative Visionary: Ron Tyler Jr., Founder of PAYUS Productions

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

Ron, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Keeping my creativity alive is like a daily routine for me. It starts with making a plan. I draw it out, putting my ideas on paper or my whiteboard, ensuring they’re not just floating around in my head. Then comes the execution part, turning those plans into action. Life can be unpredictable, and things might not always go as planned, but I don’t let that discourage me. I just pick up where I left off.

My motto is “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes.” It’s not just a saying; it’s how I live. As long as I’m alive and in good mental health, my creativity stays alive too.

Here are some steps I take to make things happen:

First, I break down big goals into smaller tasks. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, which I tend to lie a victim of (perfection); it’s about making progress every day. I’m also flexible with my plans, adjusting them when life throws curveballs. I celebrate the small victories – every little win counts.

Ensuring a daily connection with my creativity is not just a personal ritual but a vital aspect of my work. Whether it’s writing, drawing things out, or engaging in brainstorming sessions, I incorporate some form of creative activity every day. This creative routine not only keeps things exciting for me but also contributes to the process of working on my projects. Speaking of projects, particularly those involving new show ideas, the entire journey – from pre-production to post-production, marketing, and distribution – is undoubtedly a job that demands dedication and hard work. However, having a dependable team by my side significantly enhances the experience. Building a team is like having a support system that shares the load, aligns with the vision, and contributes to daily goals and executions. Teamwork adds a layer of excitement and efficiency to the creative process, making the entire journey more rewarding.

Now, let’s talk about mental health, which is super important, especially for a Black man like me in the entertainment industry, where things can be even tougher due to biases and stereotypes. Being Black in this space means dealing with higher expectations, more scrutiny, and the constant need to prove yourself. The journey to success is often steeper for Black professionals, and that takes a toll. So, taking care of my mental well-being isn’t just a choice; it’s a must. Relaxing, seeking support, and challenging the idea that mental health isn’t crucial – all of that helps me keep my mind healthy and my creativity going strong, even in the face of these extra challenges.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m here to spill the beans on my wild ride in the entertainment world. The journey of my life is filled with highs, lows, and a whole lot of staying true to myself.

Growing up in East Cleveland, OH in the ’90s was like living in a tight-knit community surrounded by challenges. Arts and sports were my secret escape from the neighborhood chaos, much like every other boy in the neighborhood. I give thanks to my dad for that; he always tried to keep me busy doing something productive. The streets were full of life, but they had their tough moments. Picture this: streets buzzing with people, each one with a unique story to tell.

Back then, East Cleveland had its own vibe – tough yet spirited. It was an urban blend of struggle and resilience. Life played out on the streets, where every corner had its own tale. It was a time when the neighborhood heroes weren’t in capes but in everyday stories of survival, even when lives and freedom were in jeopardy.

Think street football games on asphalt, where victories weren’t just about scoring goals but about beating the odds. These streets had their code, where respect was earned, and every corner was a stage for people with stories written or graffiti into the concrete. Drug dealers weren’t just shadowy figures; they were part of the community, brothers, and sons. Mowing their lawns and playing street football with them added layers to my understanding of toughness.

East Cleveland was a mix of danger and camaraderie. It was where I learned early life lessons and began my journey. Those streets became the foundation for my dreams, shaped my outlook, and set the stage for the person I am today.

Fast-forward to high school in Euclid, OH, and later, The Ohio State University. Business Management, Finance, and a dash of varsity football kept things interesting, but my heart was always in the arts.

After snagging that bachelor’s degree and spending six years in the banking world, I needed more. Truth be told, my soul was itching for something more expressive. In 2010, I made a bold move, packing my bags for the dirty south, Atlanta, Georgia – a city that was claiming the title of ‘Black Hollywood.’ Just like that, it became my next backdrop with dreams of stepping into the entertainment whirlwind.

Atlanta wasn’t just a backdrop; it was my stage. I found myself rubbing shoulders with big shots and ended up landing roles in major TV productions, such as Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Steve Harvey Show, VH1’s Single Ladies, BET’s The Game, and Being Mary Jane. Then came the big shift – from actor to producer and director – a natural move armed with experience, knowledge, and a crazy creative vision. And just like that, PAYUS Productions was born, setting up shop at Tyler Studios a few years later.

PAYUS isn’t just about creating reality shows, documentaries, and films; it’s about telling real stories. From indie productions to new shows like “Making IT BIG,” “Chasing Taste,” and “The Music Box,” I focus on unfiltered personal journeys and up-close chats with artists and talented individuals. It’s more than entertainment; it’s about creating experiences and personally connecting with the audience.

What sets me apart? I’ve transitioned from being in front of the camera to crafting stories behind it, giving me a unique perspective that enhances my work. I’m dedicated to lifting others as I rise, and you’ll sense that energy in everything I do.

So, whether you’re a client, a follower, or just a fan, know this: my brand is more than flashy lights and fame. It’s about forming connections that matter and leaving a good vibe behind. Whether it’s making shows, mentoring, offering internships, or teaming up with the community, I’m on a mission to make a difference and keep growing in this crazy industry.

Oh, and just a little FYI, it’s not “Tyler Perry Studios.” It’s “Tyler Studios,” named after yours truly. Funny coincidence, right? Both of us rocking the “Tyler” in our names, making moves in the same city. Big respect to Tyler Perry, but I’m crafting my own path, and who knows, maybe one day my brand will be as influential as his.

Last but not least, just before I set foot in Atlanta, I joined the Air Force Reserve while chasing my acting and entertainment dreams. My journey wasn’t all smooth sailing, but it worked out. After nearly 12 years, I hung up my military boots, paving the way for PAYUS Productions and my full-time gig as a business owner.

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?
Reflecting on my journey, three things that really made a difference were my ability to bounce back from tough times, being flexible and adapting to changes, and having a deep understanding of my work in the entertainment world.

1. Bouncing Back: In this industry, you face a lot of rejection and tough moments. What helped me was my ability to not let setbacks get me down. I persisted, even during the most challenging times.

2. Being Flexible: The entertainment world is always changing, especially in this social media era. Being able to roll with the punches, adapt to new challenges, and take on different roles has really helped me stay in the game.

3. Knowing My Stuff: Whether acting, producing, directing, or handling the business side, understanding my work has always been crucial. Continuously learning, improving my skills, and staying updated with industry trends has given me an edge.

For those just starting out, even to my current interns, my advice is simple: “Trust the process.” Even when things seem tough or confusing, every experience is a step toward getting better at what you do. Embrace the learning curve because it’s building you up for bigger things in the future. Remember, it’s not a race; take your time, keep learning, stay tough, and believe that your journey will lead to amazing opportunities.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Right now, one of the major challenges on my plate is securing funding for all the exciting projects and landing those game-changing sponsorship deals with my studio. It’s a big deal because, without the financial backing, some incredible opportunities might slip through the cracks. But here’s the real deal – I’m not giving up. Instead, I see it as a huge chance to take my brand to the next level.

So, my focus has shifted more towards in-house projects. Why? Because it’s about creating my own identity and having more control over the creative process. By doing this, I’m refining the pitch, elevating the quality, and, most importantly, focusing on the message. I understand that it’s not just about showcasing the projects but also aligning them with the values and interests of potential sponsors. Maintaining authenticity throughout this process is crucial, ensuring that my brand resonates authentically with both the audience and potential partners. It’s like building a signature style that sets my work apart.

Sure, it’s a challenging journey, but I’m all about turning those obstacles into steppingstones. It’s not just about overcoming hurdles; it’s about using them to climb higher. It’s a strategic move not just to be a part of the industry but to shape it with my unique voice and vision. And I’m determined to make it happen.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All image credits to Tyler Studios. Main picture by Tyler Studios / Photographer Terry Echo.

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