The Y-Forum

"G-checkin'" or questioning someone's heat index as it's known, calls into account a person's heart pertaining to matter or situation. Essentially, it is a test of character. Where's your grit? Where and on what do you stand? Where's your dedication? When younger, I was G-checked or pressed a few times. There were moments I shrank back, but there were moments where I rose to the occasion and responded. Now as a grown man, scenarios and adversaries may have changed, but in this life, the G-checkin' experience will always be there despite your age or social circles. Although I have a production company, I still work on projects outside of Y Cre8te Films?. This week, I was scheduled to work on a narrative project as a focus puller. A lot went into me being on set! Communication with production, contract review, (Fellow freelancers, never enter into a project without a contract. Please make sure you protect yourself, your likeness and livelihood!) mental and physical preparation, and a setback - I injured my lower back! The cause? A myriad of things: working out (I do stretch!), lack of rest/sleep, sitting work at my desk (I sat wrong ONE DAY... one day! 😥) and stress. Laid up and unable to be on set, I rested, prayed, laughed and reflected. Finally back on set of the film doing what I love, I found myself focused on other things. I was tired, having worked my regular position in education in between the two days I was on set; the pain in my back began to re-surface. Insecurity whispered. My mind wondered. I did my best! Martini shot was called, applause were made when the director announced I was wrapped. Excited to be done and get home to rest my body, I started reflecting during my commute on the day and what I could have done better; where I could have been more present. I pondered and prayed more, concluding that not only are there layers and levels to the filmmaking process, but there are dimensions! The day fresh in my mind, I took my considerations into the shower, realizing that I have allowed internal and external forces to effect my passion for and commitment to the craft of filmmaking. Am I really about this life of visual storytelling? Am I built for this? Questions not of self-doubt but checking to see where I'm at. Where is my thermostat set at? Am I willing to pay the price and put in the work? I reference one of the ADs from the movie. Homie worked Monday to Thursday, coming to set after work and performing AD duties; was on set yesterday and today! Challenged and inspired - check! Situations, circumstances and journeys may be different than that of your associates, but one's heart and dedication must always be in the equation. Despite the pretty picture painted by culture, filmmaking is not for the faint of heart, but for the stout-hearted, those who can endure and adapt.

Still of a scene of a K-Drama One of our focuses here at Y Cre8te Films? is community. We want to cultivate a culture of community, and what better way to do that than see and share what each of us is watching - whether it be a movie or series. Feel free to drop in the forum what's on your summer watchlist. Below is a list of movies/series from our watchlist: Movies • The Forge ***** • Miracle from Heaven **** • Concrete Cowboy *** • Uncle Buck *** • The Intern **** • The Six Triple Eight *** • Pacific Rim *** • Bogota City of the Lost *** • Past Lives *** • Nonnas ** Series • Bloodhounds ***** • Lookism ***** • Martin ***** • Fuller House ***** • Weak Hero ***** • The Floor is Lava ***** • Supacell ***** • Kim's Convenience ***** • King of Collectibles *** • School of Chocolate ***

The Bild Expo 2025 was a whole vibe! When I first learned B&H was organizing another Bild Expo, I immediatelysigned up and told every filmmaker, photographer, actor and content cre8tor that I knew! I really try my best to put people onto what's poppin' in the media world and social scene (we media and entertainment peeps work hard, and so, we should play hard!). I attended day two and was so inspired and encouraged! My highlight of the expo were the panels! The first was "The Business of Influence", a panel dedicated to scaling one's startup or new business. I caught the panel nearly three-quarters of the way through. The information disseminated served as a reminder to be versatile in my entrepreneurial endeavors, build out digital products for clientele and establish a networks and consistent work among brands which align with the identity of Y Cre8te Films?. What resonated deeply with me about the speaker LaTasha James was that she shared with the audience that she used to have a speech impediment. As someone who has stuttered since childhood, to see and "hear" a fellow entrepreneur overcome something that lent itself to their shyness and timidity, stand before a crowd of a hundred-plus people, and clearly and without hiccup, present without stuttering inspired me to continue on the path of entrepreneurship and strive to improve myself as a person, artist, innovator and business owner. Another panel that rocked and had me amped afterwards, was 'Social Media for Filmmakers' by Kyra and Bredan Sweeney. The panel briefly discussed all major social platforms but focused on IG. My relationship with social media has be awkward and stressful, yet beautiful and fun as I've grown as a man and artist. When I first started out with photography, I wanted a place where I could display and share my work with others. After doing extensive research, I landed on Instagram. The UI was cool, and I had a place where the achievement of my goal was possible, a place to share my work - I was excited to start something new but got lost in the sauce of façades, comparison, algorithms and whatnot. Deflated, defeated and vexed, I begin to develop an unhealthy relationship with social media. That changed when I started breaking down what and how was my interactions were with Instagram. Through prayer, the application of biblical principles and psychology, I was able to formulate a digital workbook of mindset and approaches one can posture to ensure their success when navigating social. This panel was a nod to that but was more technical in nature. How to effectively setup your profile. How and what to post. What's old and what's in. How to package your content to brands. All-in-all, a necessary refresher course and a hub of new information on how to navigate Instagram in 2025. I have a lot of notes that I took at Bild to go through, and am very excited to implement the necessary changes to build and scale my business. Thank you B&H for organizing and hosting Bild Expo 2025! I look forward to the next one!