Daily Inspiration: Meet Keith Terrell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Terrell.

Hi Keith, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After graduating from CSUF with a degree in film, I got my start as a production assistant at Viacom, then worked my way up to Assistant Director. I spent several years as a 1st AD before making the jump into directing and producing.

My latest film, Melanin Monroe, which I wrote, directed, and acted in, is currently on its festival run. It had its Atlanta premiere at BronzeLens and won Best Film at the Ethereal Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Alongside my film work, I created and host a show called Young, Black & Vegan under my production company, Eleventh Gate Media. It’s grown to over 10 million views and 140K subscribers, and has become a platform for real conversations around wellness, culture, and liberation, not just food.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing about the road has been smooth, but that is what makes good art a lot of times, what is birthed from the struggle. Most of the industry has felt the same struggles in recent years as the industry continues to change. From strikes to ai and studios are just not making as many films as they were. What has sustained me is creating my own projects and client work through my production company.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a director, producer and writer. I am most proud of my latest film, Melanin Monroe (now streaming on Gumroad). The movie was shot on 35mm film and is a beautiful love story that I am getting great feedback on. I am equally as proud of Young, Black and Vegan and how it has developed. What started off as a show where I wanted to high light the best vegan food around the world, has become a space where I dive deep with guest on nutrition, spirituality, higher consciousness and overall wellbeing. It is a project that I continue to do in memory of my best friend, Dominique “Hudd” Hudson that passed away right after I filmed the first episode. I am known for creating projects that makes that audience feel something, challenges them to think, but above else entertains.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be genuine. People can feel when someone just wants something from them. What has worked for me is maintaining friendships and contact over the years without asking for anything and providing value where I can. I like to think of myself as a bridge, connecting people who often going on to work with each other. Make yourself an asset and you will have plenty of people you can call on if you ever need an assist.

Pricing:

• https://keithterrell.gumroad.com/l/melaninmonroe?wanted=true
• Watch Melanin Monroe – You choose how much you want to pay.
• https://fromthegate.beehiiv.com/
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Contact Info:

• Website: https://fromthegate.beehiiv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkeithterrell
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1780960329906140
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@youngblackandvegan