An evening of immeasurable kinships set the tone for the first of many recurring film mixers hosted BBR Indie Films opened its doors to a sold-out audience on November 1st at Studio Movie Grille in Marietta, GA. The theater setting provided a quaint, yet sheik ambiance. Industry professionals, media correspondents and film makers were greeting with a welcoming embrace. Media correspondent Lori Hanford captivated onlookers amongst the official BBR Media backdrop while conducting on-camera interviews. Presentations were on par. The energy amongst attendees and spectators amassed an equal exchange. Organizers of the movie screening and networking mixer were met with an invaluable experience!
Founder, Oleathia “Butta B-Rocka Robinson is a multi-faceted executive film producer, director, screenwriter, Sag-eligible actress and international chart-topping recording artist/songwriter. CEO and founder of BBR Media Group, her feature film "Finding the Perfect Guy" has taken streams services like Amazon Prime, Tubi and Plex by storm.
PANELISTS:
Nakia Dillard is a noted producer, actor, coach and author with an extensive resume. He can be seen on the critically acclaimed reboot of The Wonder Years, The Wire, Black Lightening and BMF. Dillard is also the proud owner of Aikan Acts and has worked as a coach for Idris Elba.
Rory Walker is CEO and founder of VividRich HQ. A cutting-edge, all-inclusive 80k square foot film campus accredited Production Studio. Equipped with two locations, its 80k square footage studio has been accredited with staging renowned music videos, reality television shows and the BET Awards as well. Rory has had the privilege of writing and producing promos/trailers for NBC hits like New Amsterdam, The Voice, AGT Perfect Harmony and Grand Crew. That's in addition to spearheading notably, what is known as the third largest film production studio in Atlanta. All are encouraged to book a tour.
Actor, director and writer Brian Beegle is one of the top leading casting directors based in Atlanta, GA. Having casted nearly fifteen hundred commercials, television and film projects over a span of fifteen years and serves as an acting coach. As an actor, he is known for “We Are Marshall.” Beagle shares best advice for actors advising "when you come out of an audition, don't worry about whether you got booked. Instead, focus on what you can do better."
Music Supervisor Andrew Weaver is the co-founder of Triple Threat, a full-service music supervision company providing expertise in creative music supervision, soundtrack production, music clearance and licensing. Proudly serving Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Austin, New Orleans, London and more. The co-founder treks from Nashville to Atlanta in light of deeming projects.
FILM MAKERS:
“With Salt” -
Phyllis Toben Bancroft is a director, producer, and writer. She was the Supervising Director for the Emmy-nominated web-series, “Send Me,” winner of the BET Lens on Talent and director of the award-winning short film 'Burned.' Very personable with her interactions, much like her approach to new relationships. Based on a true story, 'With Salt' hits home says Phyllis. Opening up about it in this capacity purely addresses issues that are often unspoken.
“Complexity”
Brandon Leake is a director, writer, and season 15 winner of America's Got Talent, 3x Telly Award Winner, 1x SOVAS Award Winner, and 1x Emmy Award Winning Poet and Writer. This was truly a remarkable production. However, Leake insists, "writing and directing was hard as hell."
“Everybody Hates Kyle”
Warren Abercrombie is an actor, writer, producer, director, and TikTok influencer. What we learned about this hilarious production is that it allowed Warren to see himself in another light. "I didn’t realize how much he resembled the character he created for the film, until after it came to life."
“Service For the King”
Ashante “PT the Gospel Spitter Stokes is a producer, director, writer, actor, and gospel artist. He has won 12 film awards in multiple film festivals and 6 nominations. His film features some heavy hitters including Emcee Nice, a rapper and actor who won the Rap Hip-Hop Gospel CD of the Year and Gospel Hip Hop Radio Station of the Year at the 34th Annual Stellar Awards and has five top #1 songs on the Billboard charts.
“The Secret War”
Eddie “G” Goree is an award-winning producer, director, and writer. In just a short time, we learned what an astonishing level of work Eddie G brings forth in multiple facets. It speaks volumes and most certainly matches his energy in real time.
“MBAM”
Bobby Huntley is a director, producer, writer, and editor. He has toured around the world, showcasing his numerous award-winning projects. His latest film he directed “The Pass” written by Kandi Burruss and husband Todd Todd can be seen on Peacock. Bobby left the audience with a bit of advice in quoting,” it’s all about community and collaboration.”
“Finding the Perfect Guy”
Butta B-Rocka is an executive producer, director, writer, actor, and international top charting recording artist. Her feature film “Finding the Perfect Guy” is streaming on 13 platforms in 2 months of its release. According to Butta B-Rock, “it’s hard to be in front of the camera and behind the camera. It’s tough! It was a lot to process. So, I’m ready for the next one.”
Amongst the intriguing atmosphere were a host of special guests in attendance. Namely, Aaron Johnson, a multi-award-winning filmmaker, Cappriccieo Scates, a noted UN Ambassador and Executive Music Mogul, actor and voiceover talent Tobias Armand featured in Black Panther as well as national recording artist, actor and social media influencer Robert Hampton commonly known as LaTruth.
If you or someone you know seeks to embark upon productions endeavors as an indie film make or industry professional. You'll want to take note of BBR Indie Films website and social media handles. This could be the perfect place to start. Click the link below to learn more about upcoming events!
Photo credits: Felton Langlois @StudioSharpImages