Meet Derrick Peprah

We recently connected with Derrick Peprah and have shared our conversation below.

Derrick , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from my cultural background and upbringing in Ghana, where I was raised to be tough, persevere, and create opportunities. These values have driven me to pursue my passion for filmmaking and to overcome challenges along the way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Derrick Peprah, an actor, director, and the creator of the sitcom ‘Oakland Mad House.’ My work spans various aspects of filmmaking, but I’m particularly passionate about bringing stories to life that resonate with and reflect the community of Oakland. ‘Oakland Mad House’ is a project close to my heart because it captures the essence and vibrancy of Oakland’s culture through humor and relatable storytelling.

What’s exciting about ‘Oakland Mad House’ is how it blends comedy with genuine Oakland experiences, making it unique in the landscape of modern sitcoms. The show offers a fresh perspective on the daily lives and interactions of a diverse group of friends in Oakland, showcasing the city’s culture, slang, and spirit in every episode.

As for upcoming events, we are actively working on expanding the reach of ‘Oakland Mad House’ and are excited about upcoming local screenings and community events that will allow us to engage more closely with our audience. We’re also exploring opportunities to collaborate with other local artists and businesses to create a broader platform for Oakland-based entertainment.

I invite everyone to join us in this journey and experience the charm and challenges of Oakland through the stories we tell at PepFilmStudios. Our goal is not just to entertain, but to create a space where Oakland’s culture can thrive and be recognized on a larger scale.

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?
Adaptability: In the ever-evolving landscape of film and television, being adaptable has allowed me to embrace new technologies, trends, and audience preferences. This flexibility has been essential, especially when launching projects like ‘Oakland Mad House’ that seek to reflect contemporary cultural moments.

Advice for others: Stay curious and open to learning. Whether it’s new software, filming techniques, or narrative styles, the ability to adapt and incorporate new ideas will keep your work fresh and relevant.

Storytelling Expertise: The core of what I do revolves around storytelling. Developing a strong narrative skill set—knowing how to build compelling characters, maintain pacing, and evoke emotions—is vital.

Advice for others: Read widely, watch diverse films, and write regularly. Critique your work and seek feedback. Understanding the mechanics of good storytelling through practice and study is invaluable.

Community Engagement: For a show like ‘Oakland Mad House’, understanding and engaging with the community has not only enriched the content but also built a loyal audience base. Knowing your audience and reflecting their experiences authentically in your work fosters a deeper connection.

Advice for others: Get involved in your community or the communities you wish to portray. Attend events, participate in forums, and engage with local stories. Use these experiences to inform your creative decisions and build relationships that can support and inspire your work.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always open to partnerships and collaborations, particularly with creative talents who share a passion for storytelling and a dedication to authenticity. I’m especially interested in collaborating with other filmmakers, writers, actors, and local artists who can bring fresh perspectives and enhance the narratives we create at PepFilmStudios and particularly with ‘Oakland Mad House.’

I’m also looking to connect with community organizations and businesses in Oakland to help root our projects even deeper into the local culture. These collaborations could range from location scouting to community events that promote our shared goals of cultural representation and artistic expression.

If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out directly through our official website, PepFilmStudios.com, or connect with us on social media at our Instagram @pepfilmstudios. We’re excited about the possibility of working together to create something truly impactful for the community and beyond.

Contact Info:

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