Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorez Douglas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I moved from Detroit to Los Angeles in 1980. Started out doing Temp work as a Secretary. My assignments were at various television networks and movie studios. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was working in the Development side of the entertainment industry. I learned a lot about the business from working at places like MGM, Sony Pictures, ABC-TV and several production companies. But my big break came when I applied for a job at Disney. I didn’t get the position, but I made a great connection which got me the opportunity to pitch an animated special at ABC. That was my first major deal.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had many ups and downs. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the past 30+ years. Several years after my ABC project, I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis. I’d never heard of that autoimmune disease before. Later, I would learn more about it after actor/comedian Bernie Mac died from complications related to the same illness. It took a while, but eventually, after treatment, my Sarcoidosis went into remission. I’m doing okay now. The entertainment industry is extremely unpredictable. So most of my struggles have been trying to find funding for projects. My producing partner, Willie Burton, and I have a production company, Foresight Entertainment. We have produced a movie (Beverlyhood) and a few short films. One of them, “Voices,” is now available on FavUniteTV (Roku). It stars Lamman Rucker, who is known for the OWN-TV hit show, “Greenleaf” and Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married.” Willie and I are currently developing a couple of other projects, including a documentary. My biggest challenge, however, has been the death of my husband. We were married for 37 years. He passed away in the early months of Covid, while we were in Lockdown. He had been living in a nursing home due to health issues. So I didn’t get to see him at all when everything shut down. He had a heart attack and died before reaching the hospital. We have one adult daughter and she has been a lifesaver for me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Foresight Entertainment is a production company. We produce movies, short films and documentaries as well as corporate projects for government agencies. We are also Producers-For-Hire. We help people develop their ideas for TV and film and have worked with authors who want to turn their book into a movie. We are based in Los Angeles. We’re known for the short film, “Voices,” starring Lamman Rucker. It’s based on a book, “Voices From the Bayou,” which is a compilation of student essays edited by Professor Clarence Nero of Baton Rouge Community College. What sets us apart is our Film and Music Workshop. We started it last year, as a way to introduce people to jobs in front of and behind-the-scenes in the entertainment industry. It’s a 3-day workshop that culminates in the production of a project. This gives the participants a chance to get hands-on experience. Last year the program was held in Kansas City, MO. Our hope is to take the workshop to other cities in the U.S. By the way, my business partner, Willie, is a 2x Academy-Award winner and is known for such films as “The Color Purple,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Dreamgirls” and “Oppenheimer,” among many others.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
At Foresight Entertainment, we’re primarily interested in the following genres: compelling true stories, Action/Adventure and horror. The key to collaborating with us starts with a well-written script. Or if you have development funds, we will work with our writer to get your project ready for production. We are also available as Producer Consultants.
I’ve written three eBooks about the entertainment industry. “Careers In Film,” “How To Make A Short Film,” and “How To Win An Oscar.” To find out more about me, or to purchase one of my eBooks, go to dorezdouglas.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dorezdouglas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msdorez
Image Credits
Dorez with actor/comedian Lamman Rucker
Dorez, Willie and crew on the set of the short film “Voices.”
Lamman Rucker conducting an acting session at our Film and Music Workshop in Kansas City, MO. (June 2024)
Willie D. Burton and his 2 Oscars
