Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Towns.
Hi Tony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Political Science. Soon after graduating, I moved from Flint, Michigan to sunny Los Angeles and pursued my dream of working in the entertainment business. I began working as the executive assistant to the Vice President of Production at Disney’s ABC Studios, overseeing production on hit shows like Modern Family, Cougar Town, Desperate Housewives, Jimmy Kimmel Live, State of Georgia, Scandal, and Revenge to name a few. A year later, I was hired as the Executive Assistant to the President of BET Networks. During my time at BET, I learned the power of investing in the people I work with and what kind of boss I aspired to be.
After two years with BET, I accepted a position as the Associate Producer on MGM’s hit show, Paternity Court. What a ride that was. I learned so much about Producing and connecting with people. One of my bosses who took me under her guidance was an Emmy-winning producer named Christal Ransom. She really saw something in me and began training me and teaching me different skill sets. I was exposed to the television world in a different way. Being new to the entertainment business, I made many mistakes, but I learned from them and began to realize how else was I going to get better if I didn’t learn and grow. If I didn’t fail up! But the key was having mentors that I could turn to – to help me along the way.
From that point on, I continued to build my name and expertise in the entertainment industry. Working on multiple TV productions from Scott Baio and Mark Curry’s Nickelodeon show “See Day Run” Tori Spelling and Jenny Garth’s “Mystery Girls”, and ABC’s “The Real O’Neals,” the 2017 People’s Choice Award winner for best cable comedy, “Baby Daddy.” Previously, I worked on CBS’s hit comedy show, Young Sheldon. While I typically work on the production side of the camera, you can also catch me starring in season five of Baby Daddy on Netflix. I am the Co-Founder of the Entertainment Leadership Academy, which focuses on helping foster the talents of high school students who are interested in Entertainment. Giving back has been one of the highlights of my career. Setting the path for others to follow and be the best version of themselves. That’s what it’s about. Giving others a chance to chase their dreams.
Currently, I’m hosting and producing Youtube’s new Hit show, Cancel Court. Produced and Developed by Defiant Digital, a new black-owned media Network. Watch all Defiant Digital content now at www.youtube.com/defiantdigital. You can also watch Season 2 of Cancel Court by downloading the Caffeine App and watching us on the AllDef Digital Channel on the Caffeine APP. These new shows are fire!!!
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 is ever smooth and will always be a work in progress. For me, nothing has ever been given to me – I had to work hard for it. I know it’s a cliche saying, but no matter the journey you’re on, you will likely feel and be alone. Most people don’t care, why? They have their own sh*t to focus on, they have their own journey. You have to realize that your family and friends might not support you as much as you need them to and you have to be ok with that. Your biggest supporters might be people that you least expect, people who truly love your work and artistry. People you don’t know. I’ve always been a spiritual person, understanding that God is my guiding light, source, and strength.
Yes, there are times I mentally struggle with whether am I on the right path, whether am I moving toward my purpose, or whether am I doing the right thing. The key for me is surrounding myself with like-minded people that understand this creative journey and all the ups and downs one faces. Sometimes, I would question whether I am good enough. Sometimes, I would feel stuck, I wasn’t moving forward, and I wasn’t moving backward, I just felt stuck sometimes. One of my biggest struggles is working jobs that I hate to pay the bills so I can fully focus on my purpose. It’s a very hard balance and you sacrifice a lot of your time working a job that isn’t necessarily beneficial to you and your dreams. That’s been a struggle, not just for me but for many creatives in this industry called Entertainment.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my spare time, I co-write, produce, and act in my own web series, “Hitting The Town” with my Producing partner, Jesus Heredia. This show will keep you up to date on the fast-paced culture and celebrities of the LA scene. We interview legends like Erykah Badu, The Game, The Westbrooks, Rae Sremmurd, Director Benny Boom, French Montana, Qunicy, Christian Combs, Desiigner, Cardi B, Vic Mensa, Musiq Soulchild, Ray J, El Debarge, Young Dolph, Jacob Latimore, Mary Mary, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Metta World Peace, Comedian Luenell, Karrauche, Bobby Brown, Silento, Big Boy, Cynthia Bailey from Housewives of Atlanta, the cast of Empire, and T.I. just to name a few. Catch all episodes on YouTube at Hitting The Town – www.httwtt.com.
Currently, I’m hosting and producing Youtube’s new Hit show, Cancel Court. Produced and Developed by D’Mario Dudley and Kenny McClendon at Defiant Digital. Being the Judge of Cancel Court has given me a new sense of connection. Particularly with our audience and fans. What I love most about Cancel Court is that were able to give insight, were able to educate, and hopefully make an impact in our community that is so negatively portrayed across the social media spectrum. It’s not just about canceling someone or canceling a debate but educating our people. We have a platform to bring about real change and impact and people want knowledge, they want to laugh and they want to feel heard and seen. We truly are doing the work on Cancel Court and I’m excited to see where it goes.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
What we are doing at Defiant Digital is a big risk, why? Because we are challenging the status quo. We are telling black people you don’t have to wait for Hollywood to validate you. You don’t have to wait for Hollywood to validate your dreams and tell you – you are worthy. You can create your own for people that look like you and still be successful. That’s a scary thing to do for some people. I was afraid to play the Judge on our new hit show, Cancel Court because I didn’t know how people would view me. I didn’t know if I was good enough to host a show with such power and talent that these professional actors and comedians bring to each show. But I knew I was prepared for this moment and the creators at Defiant Digital, D’Mario and Kenny believed me in, so I went for it. I embraced it, I submitted to the calling and I THANK GOD that I did. It was worth the risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/c/HittingTheTown
- Instagram: @t_towns
- Facebook: Tony Towns
- Twitter: @TheTonyTowns
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DEFIANTDIGITAL
Image Credits
@eglamourphotos (Instagram)
