We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wayne Smith Jr. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Wayne , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Great question. For me personally I spent a lot of days where it was just me. Getting into the film industry was a journey and starting out only doing Background work it was discouraging at times. Not really having the support or not having the ones in my corner really believing that I could make it a living. I didn’t come from a great situation. It was hard for me growing up and when I get in certain rooms you can just feel the difference. Most people had the support or family/friends already in the business that helped them get to the position they are in. The hunger and passion I have for the art and craft really helped me grind and put in the work to get to a good spot. The process of a diamond being formed is something that always helped me keep my confidence and continue to strive. A Diamond has to be molded and formed through very high pressure and temperatures. Burned down by extreme heat but then turns into something worth so much. thinking about that always gives me that mindset that everything it took is necessary. Being the only one in the room that looks like me is a result of my diamond being formed. One day these visions and ideas I have will be worth millions. that’s the mentality.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Writer/ Director. Creating content with a real purpose and meaning behind it. We are in a time period where I feel like the true passion and art of film is kind of dying off. Everything Is all about streams and what’s trending in the world but I pride myself on being able to always tap into the true meaning of creating films. to inspire, to motivate, to generate conversations that allow your mind to really venture off and think about what was seen. My brothers, Trevor Brotherton and Corey Phillips have.a lot of things coming soon and we are so excited to be able to finally share our visions with the world. Bring back the true passion that is fading away.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back I would have to say Faith, Patience, and Consistency. Faith coming from God, this industry is a tough one at times. It took me about 6 years to really get to a point where I could be productive and throughout that process there was a lot of times where I would; feel like giving up and doing something else. I had to really keep the faith in myself and what my overall purpose is to keep going and striving for greatness. Pateince in just understanding that even when you get up to another level there’s still so ,much that goes into actually producing and creating something beautiful. My first unfinished project was the biggest test of patience. Taking a group of actors who never really did anything on a major level and trying to create something very powerful was very trying and at times my patience ran thin not only with them but even with myself. trying to do things on a million dollar level with a micro budget, Its hard putting limitations on your ideas and it was a struggle for me but the turtle beat the rabbit right? patience is key and learning how to stay productive while being patient was a quality I had to learn. Consistency in everything I do. My best friend, Nariah Finch really helped me understand how important staying consistent is. I have so many ideas and so many things I want to do, sometimes I can be all over the place and it reflects in the way people view you and respect you. Being a Man of my word and being consistent is something I still work on but it is a very Important part of being great and being someone people want to work with.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
God honestly. No weapons formed against me shall prosper. He didn’t say there wouldn’t be weapons he just said they wouldn’t prosper. So when those challenges come and keep coming that’s my source of strength and my biggest help in overcoming anything life has thrown at me and its been a lot, I promise you. Also just knowing that nothing great in this life comes easy. You have to go through the storm in order to appreciate a rainbow. You have to step and walk through the mud to understand how good It feels to be clean and walk on a solid path. life will always throw challenges but that’s what separates the great from the regular, How you let those challenges build you and mold you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: waynesmithjr_
- Email: waynejr907@gmail.com
Image Credits
Trevor Brotherton, Corey Phillips, Precious Hayes, Tyriq Withers
