Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitley Porter.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ever since I was a little girl, I always pretended to be involved with my own production or hosting my own television show. I would sing in my karaoke machine and drive my parents crazy. Growing up biracial, and an only child at that would get pretty lonely. I always promised myself I would become famous to inspire other little girls that felt lost, alone, and confused that they could be and do whatever they wanted to.
Starting my production company was a lifelong dream and honestly a Godsend. It was never created out of vain ambition or selfish conceit, but I wanted creatives to understand how significant their difference and their ambition was. I started the production company in 2018 and hosted my first entertainment industry conference in Riverside last April. Since then, I have been producing marketing packages for local companies. I even host “Brunch With Whitley,” a networking and empowering event designed for women.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been extremely difficult. The entertainment industry conference I hosted last April pulled me into extreme debt, and I went into a slight depression. I literally drove Lyft and cleaned houses for gas money and to pay bills. It wasn’t until I landed a job as a contracted casting director that I began to believe in my dreams again. I had to go through the wilderness to enjoy paradise!
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
My production company is extremely unique because I give minorities (women and people of color), the opportunity to work as professionals in an industry that has historically been ran by white males.
It is extremely fulfilling to see women embracing their calling as a professional in the entertainment industry and doing it with such confidence and class. My company recently created a calendar called “Year of the Queen” where we featured 12 amazing, powerful, and strong women in their own right.
This was the beginning of what I hope to be a movement of melanin, where my company changes the narrative and imagery of The Hollywood standard.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Primarily, I will be doing more documentaries and featured projects. We are also looking to enter into film festivals and potentially produce our own web series on Netflix.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.whitleyporter.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @whitley_porter
- Facebook: @whitleyporter
Image Credit:
Omatayo
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