Today we’d like to introduce you to Travion Smith.
Hi Travion, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I come from a pretty small town in Alabama called Lafayette, pronounced “La-felt.” Growing up, I was always fascinated by the stories I saw in movies and TV. At the time, entertainment played a big role in shaping my views of the world. So, when YouTube first became popular, I saw it as a chance to introduce my city to the world! I wanted people to see the amazing talent and art we possess that often gets overshadowed by mainstream culture. With my cousins and friends, I made a bunch of videos. They’re long gone from the internet now, thankfully, but making them was the first time I felt like I had control over my own story.
But growing up where I did, there weren’t many outlets for me to explore my interest in filmmaking, so it became more of a hobby. It wasn’t until I left the military in 2020 that I seriously considered pursuing a career in film. I promised myself that whatever I did next would be something I was truly passionate about. So, I applied to film school in LA and thankfully got accepted. It was there that I really understood just how massive the entertainment industry is.
I recently graduated, but during my time in school, I found a real passion for producing. The whole process of putting together a project just clicked with me. So, I took on any job I could to gain experience in different areas of production.
Over the past four years, I’ve had the chance to learn from some really talented filmmakers and artists. And now, all that experience has led to my latest documentary, which I co-produced and shot with my friends Alfredo Trejo III and Joseph Cipriano.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course! Is life supposed to be difficult? Because mine is pretty chill. I’m kidding; for much of my life, I struggled with my identity as a Black gay man from the country. I always felt not intelligent enough, not black enough culturally (I’m black black irl), and most importantly, not masculine enough. Growing up in a small community, there’s this template for how your life should be, and unfortunately, it left me feeling insecure.
It wasn’t until I came out in 2018 that I began to really embrace all those aspects of myself that I’d felt weren’t enough. I dove into this new chapter of my life, and while it did bring me some security, I still found myself devastated by how many people I knew were still trying to conform to that template because of stigma.
For some, like myself, movies and TV serve as the lens through which they learn about diversity, acceptance, and empathy. But when mainstream media lacks representation, it reinforces self-hate and denial for those who don’t fit the mold. That’s why sharing my own stories feels empowering to me. With every frame, someone out there might see a reflection of themselves or someone they care about, and that connection could mean the world, especially in moments of isolation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I mentioned earlier, I recently graduated from Columbia College – Hollywood with a degree in cinematography. However, I’ve never been one to confine myself to just one role—I’m a multi-hyphenated baby! But I do love working behind the camera, it feels almost like an x-ray machine (in a consensual context lol). You get to really see a person’s true nature when you point a camera and a few lights at them. I thrive on building connections with talent, creating a space where they feel comfortable sharing their stories.
If I had to pinpoint my specialty, it would be getting to know people. That’s why I’ve gravitated towards the world of documentary storytelling. Over the past ten months, I’ve been working on what is now my overdue child, a documentary titled “Pedaling With Purpose.” In this film, my fellow gay and queer men of color open up about how HIV/AIDS has impacted our community and how a 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles has transformed their lives. It’s a beautiful story that highlights the disproportionate impact, stigma, and health inequities surrounding HIV/AIDS, and our opening premiere is scheduled for May 16th at the Renberg Theatre in Hollywood!
This project holds a special place in my heart—it’s the one I’m most proud to be a part of. Stories like these remind me of the power of storytelling in a world oversaturated with escapist reality programming. I’m driven by my desire to tell stories that create positive change and empower people who look like me. After all, if we don’t take control of our own narratives, who will?
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Luck? That’s a tough one. Growing up, nothing was chalked up to luck; it was all seen as an act of God. Although I’m not particularly religious, I do find comfort in the idea that there’s a greater force at play, constantly guiding our paths and revising our plans. Whether it be God, fate, or any other belief, I believe strongly in the power of manifestation.
To lead a successful life and business, you need to create a mindset and environment that aligns with your vision. Sometimes, this means letting go of people and possessions that don’t support that vision. It might sound cliché, but it’s true: there’ll be a million “nos” in life that won’t work out for you, but when you refuse to give up, you create the space for the next opportunity to be a yes. It’s all about perseverance and staying open to the possibilities that lie ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vimeo.com/user212368324
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdshotme/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travionsmith1/
