Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Flowers Jr.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If you give me ten verbs, I can create five feature films in 24 hours. I can make money with my mind. This is one of the strengths of mine that my journey produced. As I look over my life, I remember hearing from people over and over again that famous Ralph Waldo Emerson quote, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” I thought this was the most ridiculous quote I’ve ever heard. Because I know exactly what I want. I’m sure of it. At least, I thought I was.
When I moved to Hollywood from Maryland, I never thought that I would be an Executive Producer of a TV Show on Fox. In my wildest dreams. I wouldn’t think that a show of mine would be in the Guinness Book of World Records or that I would win a Cannes Lions Award. I just had a deep desire to do my part in this world. To fulfill the calling that was in my life. I thought it would somehow happen through my acting career. When someone asks me who I am. I say that I’m a vessel. So, the story of how this vessel became an Actor, Writer, Creative, Producer, Advertising Executive, Director, Author, and Entrepreneur. I would say the journey started when I was 13 and slowly blossomed.
THE BEGINNING
I grew up in a loving, supportive home where the idea of unlimited possibilities was introduced. I love hard, laugh big, and live like there’s no tomorrow. I remember at Lewisdale Elementary playing a character named, Shorty. We performed the play two days in a row. Whoever played this character the best between me and my friend, Sherman, would win a chance to play in front of the entire school, including our parents. I ended up winning. I felt so proud. I remember making a special fried bologna sandwich for myself for the performance that night to eat on stage. It’s funny how clearly I remember this. I remember being on stage, struggling with my brown paper lunch bag because I put too many staples in it.
A few years later at Springfield Baptist Church in Washington D.C, I remember hearing my Pastor preach about Jesus starting his ministry at 13. For some reason, this stuck to me. I became if you will the guy with his ear to the street. I started really listening to what was going on in and around me with great detail. It was almost as if when someone would say something I would hear it twice. I would go on to perform at church for various holidays, etc. At that time, there wasn’t a serious consideration of being an actor.
Being so young… getting ready to graduate high school, the only thing that I truly felt like I was good at was acting, but I had to figure out what I wanted to do for a living. I didn’t know anybody that “acted” for a living. Years later, my college sweetheart broke my heart, and one of my Advisors sold me on the idea that theater was therapy. A year later, I started receiving accolades for my work, and slowly my decision was made for me. Hollywood was my destination.
I touchdown in Los Angeles, probably the most naive dude on the block. Somehow, I had it in my mind that I would be as well known as Denzel Washington by the following year with about $900 in the bank. I immediately started taking acting classes. I did some theater, then got my SAG card. After getting some roles, on “SISTER SISTER”, “STEVE HARVEY” and “BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL” I fell out of love quickly for the auditioning process. I auditioned for this movie and hours after the audition, the Casting Directing called me. She went on and on about how much she loved my performance in the audition, but I didn’t get the part. It felt good in the moment, but that was one of the things that added to my hunger for wanting more.
THE SHIFT
You hear rappers like Lil’ Wayne say that they don’t listen to any other music, except their own.. What they’re saying is they don’t allow the outside noise to influence their art. The story inside the story is me constantly saying “YES” to myself. I made a commitment early on to no longer just be an Actor. I was told at every step of my career to “focus on one thing,” The reason people give that bad, small-minded advice is not so you can perfect your craft. The belief is when you introduce yourself to people, they need to be able to quickly digest who you are so they can then relate to you. Fortunately, what I heard was that I had to fit into a box for “approval.”
As you see, something about that advice didn’t ring true for me. I needed to give my ADHD space to flex all of who I was… It was time for me to learn how to write, direct, and produce. I wrote a couple of screenplays and skits. Shortly thereafter, I directed and produced the skits. One of my skits got the attention of one of the most celebrated Advertising Executives/Creatives in the world. He then challenged me to create TV Shows and Feature Film ideas for brands. Now, this was way back in 2006. He was impressed with my creativity, and BOOM! From that point until now, I’ve created, produced, directed and written work for brands like: Brand Jordan, JBL, TIDE, SHELL, P&G, The Harlem Globetrotters, STRIDE, GATORADE, and the list goes on. I’ve worked with Chris Evans, Katt Williams, Steve Harvey, Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Korn, Nick Cannon, WILL.I.AM, Lil’ Wayne, Chuck Brown, Bootsy Collins, Questlove, Nikki Minaj, etc.
Now 17 years later, it all culminates in me playing my own music. A guy who moved to Hollywood auditioning and hoping for an opportunity can now create, write, direct, and produce that opportunity at any level. Look at God.
Ralph Emerson was right. I now understand what the blessing of the journey is. It really teaches us to appreciate the present with faith and watch beautiful things happen.
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?
Smooth as Rocky Road ice cream and as calm as the Northridge Earthquake. Over the years, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles while hustling to book acting gigs. I worked as an Office Manager, Barber, Substitute Teacher, Massage Therapist and Waiter, etc. Can you imagine all of the TIME that those jobs took from building my career as an artist/producer? There’s acting classes, rehearsing, networking and auditioning.
One major challenge in particular that stands out is when I experienced homelessness. I remember one night as HA HA Comedy Club was closing during my stint as a stand-up Comedian. I asked myself if I should go to the bathroom now OR wait until I got home. (I clearly forgot that I was homeless) I remember trying to hold it together while driving to the crib because I had to pee sooo bad. I rolled down the window… turned the music up. Singing, trying to ignore the real and present situation. Once I turned onto my old street in Van Nuys, IT HIT ME. I realized, at that moment, that I was already home. The truck was my home. So, balancing my job as a Massage Therapist at Burke Williams Day Spa while looking for acting work while living in a truck was definitely a challenging time for me, but it made me tougher. Through it all, the MOST important thing I learned is..don’t forget to LIVE. You gotta ENJOY your life. I have a brother, sister, mother, father and a beautiful family and great friendships. Nurture those relationships.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Good question. I’ve been called, “THE IDEA MAN” and a “SWISS ARMY KNIFE.” In my career, I’ve explored multiple facets of entertainment garnering recognition and fulfillment along the way. As an Award-Winning Executive Producer, Advertising Executive, Creative, Actor, Writer, Director, and Entrepreneur, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in a range of creative endeavors. This is what makes me special.
CREATIVE
In advertising when the brand asks for some CREATIVE. My job is to create a TV Show, Feature Film, or tech idea that will bring awareness to their product in a creative way. The goal for us is always to try to solve a problem in society. If not, the assignment is to create something aesthetically pleasing that’s off the beaten path.
WRITER
As a writer, I can write everything from copy for brands, the novel, Children’s Book to Screenplays. Sometimes the goal may be to write a treatment/outline for a film/tv show. It depends on the day.
ACTOR
Most recently, I played The Chief of Police on a TV Show called “Double Cross” where I was a Series Regular for three seasons until the character took his last breath. He was too dirty to stick around.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
As a seasoned producer, I’ve produced big projects with multi-million dollar budgets such as Stride Gum’s “Heaven Sent” which aired live on FOX. The show featured Luke Aikins jumping from a plane with no parachute and no wing suit from 25,000 feet, landing safely in a net. It live-streamed internationally on YouTube as a pay-per-view event. People look at producers like we’re the boss. Okay, yes, but no. We’re akin to the server in the restaurant, except there’s no restaurant and no sleep. In short, we have to make sure that every department has what they need, keep a harmonious set and pay the bills.
ENTREPRENEUR
Entrepreneurship is another avenue I’ve embraced, owning an e-commerce platform retailing apparel and cologne. My clothing line is centered around promoting mental health awareness. It serves as a daily reminder that each individual is unique and exceptional. The essence of our brand is to uplift and inspire, reinforcing the idea that everyone is inherently ‘dope’ in their own way. (www.flexking.io)
DIRECTOR
I recently created, directed and produced two Commercials for Proctor & Gamble that just aired on NBC. I’m excited about that and my short film, “I’M A QUEEN” which is a rhythmic and touching portrayal of the deep bond between a father and his daughter. The piece is about to make its festival run very soon.
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?
Collaboration is at the heart of who I am. I’m Magic Johnson if I need to score, but sharing the ball is how you get things done. So, I’m enthusiastically seeking alliances with like-minded people, organizations, and brands. This collaboration could span various realms, including film, advertising, content creation, and entrepreneurship.
1. Additionally, there exist invaluable opportunities for funding and investment. Individuals keen on supporting meaningful projects that convey messages of positivity and transformation can play a pivotal role in bringing these endeavors to life.
2. Recognizing that nothing substantial is achieved alone, I’m committed to cultivating a robust network. Building relationships with individuals and brands sharing a passion for social change is a priority. Creating a collective force dedicated to fostering societal change and impact is crucial.
I believe that by uniting our efforts, merging creativity with purpose, and working in tandem, we can create compelling content that not only captivates but also drives meaningful change. Together, let’s embark on this journey to inspire, entertain, and make a positive difference in the world.”
Pricing:
- T-shirts – 44.00
- Hoodies – 62.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michaelflowersjr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelflowersjr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelflowersjunior
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/producermichaelflowersjr/
- Other: www.flexking.io
