Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Hoyles.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Regina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago. Had a dream to be on screen since the age of five. Dream continued to develop into a passion and love for all things entertainment, whether that be in front of or behind the scenes. Eventually ended up applying to NYU Gallatin to try and create my own entertainment industry based major, but then at the last minute switched and applied to Tisch School of the Arts and got in. I ultimately ended up majoring in Drama and getting a minor in the business of entertainment (so it all worked out!) Graduated a semester early, and in what would have been my last semester, made a web series instead. Went back home for a few months and quickly made the decision to take the leap and move to California, where I am having a great time as an actor, writer, and filmmaker. Though I moved to LA, I still travel back and forth often and I really do love where I’m from.
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?
As a creative, I am pretty sure it has become the standard for many of us to know and accept that there WILL be struggle. But I think it ultimately motivates a lot of us as most, if not all, of us, started this journey with an unshakable dream. For me personally, I have been getting better and better at overcoming three major obstacles:
1) Self-doubt. There is seriously no time for that. You have to speak only “good” and “truth” over your life.
2) Comparison. It will forever be the thief of joy.
3) Setting boundaries. In both the personal and professional world. With this one, I have found it to be increasingly true that you have to be mindful of the company you keep. I have been blessed enough that I have had the opportunity to meet and grow close to some amazing people and mentors.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about RLH Productions – what should we know?
I technically founded my production company in 2018; however, I have been doing the work I do now for a LONG time, just not under my current LLC. RLH Productions is a black woman owned boutique production company where I produce my own content and provide services and resources to help other emerging artists of color tell their stories.
One thing that sets RLH apart from other companies is that we are tapped into a consistently growing network of not only established filmmakers but emerging artists as well, and especially artists of color. I like to think that I am able to provide resources to those who would not otherwise know that said resources or opportunities exist. Also as a young founder/CEO, I can better understand creatives just starting our simply just trying to figure things out and because I started out in this industry as a child (and am still here thank God!) there is so much hands-on knowledge I have acquired and am still acquiring that I am always more than happy to share with others. Under RLH, I have produced my 2018 web series NAPS as well as most recently, a sci-fi short film that is currently in post-production as of May 2019.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In terms of the success I have seen in my career trajectory thus far, I would say being transparent with others is pretty crucial in a number of ways. For one, when working with others, I find it so important to make it clear what it is that you expect out of the relationship, especially if it is a working relationship. Do not professionally lead people on and never make promises you cannot keep. It’s also important to be transparent to others about the journey, not being all glory. There is definitely a lot of guts involved. As for myself, so many of my accomplishments would not have happened if I did not step out on faith. By sharing the REAL story with people, not only does this encourage others to follow in your footsteps from a more realistic standpoint, but it should inevitably keep you humble. I know for me personally, it reminds me that the gifts and talents I have are only on loan. So I have to celebrate all of it and make the absolute most of it while I’m here.
I’d say being transparent with others is important as well as being honest with myself about what exactly it is I want out of my career at the moment (which can fluctuate) and what thinking about the ultimate goal. Even beyond the “I want to start in my own TV show” or “I want to be the writer/director/producer of several feature films”. I find it crucial to ask myself things like “Are you doing this solely for recognition or are you doing it because this is a story you are passionate about and you truly believe that it needs to be told?” I honestly love when I can call myself out with these types of questions because it forces me to do a quick heart check.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rlhprod.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginahoyles/
Image Credit:
Abbi Chase for image taken outside and image with young woman in jean jacket
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