Meet Shawn Burgess of Agape Dreams Productions in North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Burgess.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My passion and purpose in life is to be a content creator — particularly with film and television. Whether I am acting, dancing, directing, producing or editing (yes, I do them all) I want to create stuff that helps people heal or at the very least opens their minds and hearts to see themselves and other peoples plights in a better light. I started off acting and dance in College during my Undergrad years at Barry University. But the Arts has been in my soul for as long as I can remember. Theatre and Dance was an escape for me because as a child, I had to endure a lot of hardships, rejection, and pain, coupled with the fact that in my household men who participated in the arts were looked on as “gay” — and gay wasn’t acceptable. I was molested as a child and became easily shy and timid until I took my first drama class in 9th grade and acting became my outlet and where I found my voice and power. I was a first-generation student and went to college to chase the dream. There I played my first major role as Emmett Till in at AAPACT’s theatre in Miami, FL. Because, theatre became a healing mechanism for me, It was then that I decided to couple my passion with my purpose and pursued acting full time. I then moved to NYC for a few years and couldn’t land anything as I had no vision or understanding of how to break in to the business, so I spent those years growing and working on my character (you need character and a strong sense of self, will, and heart to survive in LA).

When I felt ready, I picked up and left and drove all the way from NYC to LA. In my first month here I booked my first commercial, and got a job as an event planner, worked at events all over LA to build a network and client list while acting at the same time. It’s been two years since I’ve been in LA, and I can happily say that, yes, I’ve made mistakes, and had my share of disappointments — including being broke and homeless — I’ve shot four commercials, directed a music video and commercial, directed and starred in a web-series (upcoming), and currently working on another as we speak, while doing a digital talk show. I also opened up my production company called Agape Dream Production LLC. Where we shoot, direct, edit, cast, and handle most if not all, production needs. Being in LA has enhanced my perspective on life and on people. I’m ready to share my vision and impact the world through the arts!

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?
The biggest struggle for me has been battling work-life and career, though they have not been my only struggles. As most people in LA, you have to learn to find a medium where you can pay rent and still invest and work on your craft. I have been broke and homeless before trying to make it “work” in LA. Then there is the balancing love and career part. And sometimes love can take away from your career and visa versa. Everyone has the dream, but the hustle is sold separately. Things haven’t been easy, but what has made it manageable as been prayer and prioritizing! Having a clear goal and then breaking them up into smaller goals to reach that goal. Once that is done, effective planning and commitment. So no nothing comes, easy. Anything worth having is worth fighting for.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Agape Dreams Productions LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
My Company is called Agape Dreams Productions. We specialize in film and television production — directing, shooting and editing — and theatre acting. I also partner with dance instructors to train upcoming dancers. I am most proud of the Music Video “What You Know” By B’Che and Kofi Skillz and the Commercial for the Appeal store “AllThatAndSum” and Finally a new and upcoming digital show. I Believe what sets us apart is our love and hearts of service. It isn’t just about creating material. It’s more about making sure what we do has a message for growth and change. That, somehow, what we are apart of has forever touched someone. Mostly recently, we have worked with ActressAmiraAscending on her blog relaunch!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve had either good or bad luck. I think anything that has happened to me has been a result of my actions or decision-making process. Moral: make good decisions and reap good benefits.

Pricing:

• Editing starts at 50$ for video and 25$ for pictures
• Shooting content starts at 100$ for video and pictures
• Dance and theatre classes start at 15$

 

 

Contact Info:

• Address: 5062 Lankershim Blvd Suite 1004
  North Hollywood, CA 91601
• Website: https://www.agapedreamsprod.com/
• Phone: 323-868-3515
• Email: ShawnBurgessLA@gmail.com
• Instagram: @ThedonShawn_

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.