Blavity’s Creative Society got the chance to speak with filmmaker and director Daryl Sledge. Having worked on films such as I Am Legend and Precious, Daryl shares his insights on creativity, passion and storytelling.

Read the interview below:

BLAVITY: What was the transformative moment in which you realized film would be your chosen medium of storytelling?

DARYL SLEDGE: I always knew I was a creative even as a child. I would put on plays in family members’ backyards and charge $0.25 as an entrance fee. I knew film was my calling when I heard of this young filmmaker from Brooklyn by the name of Spike Lee, and how I became fascinated with any and everything he ever did. But, really it was his film SCHOOL DAZE that sealed the deal for me. After which, I could not visualize my life without it ever being in the industry. Literally, I breathe film. I eat film. Film has consumed me.

B: Many of the films you’ve worked on haven’t been exclusively “black films.” What are your thoughts on the unfortunate reality that many black storytellers are seen as incapable of telling a myriad of narratives?

DS: That would be a component of that horrible “ism,” which has caused so many problems in the world, yet has not solved one problem in the world, and that would be racism. I find it to be very unfortunate, in that so many great ideas and creativity are “stunted” because of indifference, which is foiled into racism. I believe it to be a sense of arrogance on the parts of those that control the industry. The notion that mainstream culture is “white” culture, and if one is not of that persuasion, one cannot really contribute to the art form HUMANITY. So my understanding is that it comes from an indifferent and ignorant creative eye, one that refuses to “let non-white folk” sit at the table and contribute creatively and simply let be.

B: Because the filmmaking industry has so many barriers to entry, many emerging creators have used alternative forms of distribution for their content. What are your thoughts on Youtube/Vimeo as platforms and on crowdfunded projects?

DS: I love it. I thank the UNIVERSE for its inception. It certainly gives a creative freedom while offering a greater sense of control with their art. Truly, the people will speak, and if a creative has a project, one that is well produced on a technical platform, one that is written well with superior actors/artists, it certainly will resonate with the general populace and it is that populace that will determine the fate of an artist, not the “stiffs” (those that cannot and will not expand their vision). Can we say Issa Rae? So, I am THANKFUL for YouTube and Vimeo, etc.

B: What advice do you have for new filmmakers/emerging storytellers of any medium?

DS: My advice would be to surround “self” with those who are deemed superior with the craft and wrap those folk around your finger. Offer them a reason to invest in your being, talent and art. Make folk want to offer assistance and aid in your growth by being amiable and hungry. To be hungry will open the mind to be the best, and sojourning to be the best will offer growth and “know how.” Also, I’d suggest being willing to be taught and accept your failures as an opportunity to get it right.

B: How does the city you live in influence your art?

DS: I get the GREATEST influence from being a New Yorker. Truly there is not another energy, perhaps London (Which I love as well), on this planet. Just walking the streets, riding the subway offers so much “creative juice” that I’d be amazed if one is not inspired. The architecture, the different cultures, the food, the museums, the fashions, etc., are all creative components of New York. Chicago is another interesting city with culture.

B: How do you go from idea to execution?

DS: I immediately start focusing on those individuals who are experts at their particular craft within the industry and I get them to become excited about whatever it is I am ensnaring. I allow them the freedom to bring their expertise to the idea, just as long as it does not take away from the main focus of the idea. But, again, I involve those that I deem to be superb at their craft.
B: What’s next for you, any upcoming projects we should look out for?

DS: I am developing a straight play (non-musical) for the commercial theatre, written by O’Neil finalist Steven Alexander, which Phylicia Rashad will direct. I am also developing two other theatre projects for the Off Broadway Circuit, and one of those projects is Vanessa Williams’ One Woman Show. I am creating a web series where women will serve as the protagonist. And…I am in talks with the screenwriter of CHI-RAQ about another project.