Today we’d like to introduce you to David Starks.
David, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed watching movies, but I never aspired to be a filmmaker until I was in undergrad. I’m from the Park Hill neighborhood in Denver, Colorado where filmmaking is pretty much nonexistent. So, growing up I was never exposed to the craft or the different fields within filmmaking. I’m also from the same neighborhood as the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, Chauncey Billups. So growing up, I looked up to him and dreamt of being the next professional athlete from Denver, like a lot of kids from my community did. When I got to Morehouse College, I took an intro to film class as an elective and instantly found a new passion. After I graduated from Morehouse, I continued my education at the American Film Institute Conservatory and earned a Masters Degree in Producing. I am now a Co-Executive Chairman of Crown Forum Pictures, a production company I started in 2018, with my Morehouse and AFI roommate Sam Robertson.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road and I honestly don’t think it ever will be. Of course things may become more accessible in this business with more money and success, but there will always be obstacles, as well as ups and downs. Which I’ve definitely had a lot of throughout my journey. I can say that I’ve probably dealt with every emotion chasing after this dream. I’ve felt inspired and victorious and I’ve felt uncertain and defeated. But I’ve always been encouraged and taught by my family that I can do anything I put my mind too. So once I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life, I set my mind to never quit. I’ve also learned that nothing lasts forever. Just like good times come and go, so do the hard times. So I always try to remind myself to enjoy my highs and to fight through my lows.
Please tell us about Crown Forum Pictures.
Crown Forum Pictures is a production company that specializes in producing quality work for film and television. I started the company with my good friend, Sam Robertson, who attended both Morehouse and AFI with me. After we finished grad school, we created Crown Forum Pictures, which is named after a class all students are required to take at Morehouse called “Crown Forum”. The class has many intentions but the major purpose was to:
– Expose students to issues affecting common humanity
– Expose students to leading thinkers on topical issues
– Expose students to quality artistic performances
– Celebrate special events of the College
– Recognize and celebrate achievements of members of the larger Morehouse community
– Expose students to positive role models
So it was in the same vein that we created our mission for Crown Forum Pictures. Which is to not only make high-quality work that is entertaining, but to also inspire dialog and action amongst people that will have a positive influence on society.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It’s hard to predict where the film industry will be ten years from now, but I hope that it is more inclusive; in all aspects, not just on the screen. In 2020, it is still rare to find people of color behind the scenes, making deals, running departments, and creating and controlling their own stories. We’ve definitely come a long way, but there is still a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
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