Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Wilds.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been an athlete my whole life. I played baseball and basketball in high school and basketball throughout college. I continued my basketball career overseas for a span of 6 years playing in countries like Germany, Morocco, Chile, Spain and Amsterdam. I loved basketball but I was also intrigued by film and video recorders.
Eventually, I fell out of love with the game. It’s still a huge part of me but I knew I wasn’t passionate anymore; I could feel it. When I got back to the states, I went through a rough transition. It was hard to detach myself from something I identified with so heavy. I had to really figure out who I was going to be. So I picked up the camera again.
About a year later, I met Myeka Williams. My cousin said he knew someone who was looking for a videographer. You know when they say nothing is coincidental? Meeting Myeka was a huge pivotal moment in my life. She really put me on. She brought me into the commercial world as a Production Assistant where I worked as a PA for three years. From there, I went to work with NBC on the show Home & Family for five years. Throughout that whole time, I was still building my own thing and that’s how we got here.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like I said, the transition wasn’t easy. Leaving basketball was a big decision for me and transitioning into the creative world was hard. The hardest thing was the mockery of being a 6’8 ex-ball player and the occasional “Oh you shooting videos now?”. It’s like people didn’t take me serious so I had to learn to take myself serious.
Many people also don’t know I have a learning disability. I’ve had dyslexia since I was a kid. So I don’t see the world the way other people see it sometimes. But I feel like that’s also my gift. I didn’t go to school for film or know the proper way to pursue this career. I didn’t even understand or know about the importance of having a mentor.
But I’m blessed in a way that the dots always connect for me.
Please tell us about Basic Films LA.
Basic Films is a full-service Production Company and Agency. We pride ourselves on our level of service and production value. From top to bottom, we make sure your creative vision is brought to life without zero stress or worry. We believe in ‘streamlined simplicity’. No matter the budget we can get it done.
A lot of people see the music videos we make but we also have our eyes are set on the film world. We have a lot of ongoing projects right now from documentaries, short films and a limited series.
I believe what sets us apart aside from production value, is the energy we bring. It starts with me, and I strategically choose my team. From there, in conjunction with our clients, we make art.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory being a kid was going to my Auntie and Uncle’s house on the weekend. They had a big ass house with a pool, a basketball court, my cousins had their own rooms, breakfast was on the table as soon as we woke up. It was like vacation. It was really a kid’s dream life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mikewilds.net
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @basicfilmsla
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