Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Obasi.
Hi Richard, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’d say my story started back in middle school. I’m from Watts so I went to Charles Drew middle school and when it was time to go to high school I knew I had to get out of the hood lol. It didn’t really make sense for me to have aspirations of being a famous entertainer and go to my home school (Jordan High) rather than going to a performing arts school in a better neighborhood with other like-minded creatives. One of my teachers, “Ms. K” helped me fill out the “Choices” application and we applied for the Magnet Program at Hollywood Senior High.
I got accepted and funnily enough, I didn’t act in any plays my whole 4 years there, but I took dance classes and performed with my singing class a few times. Once I graduated from Hollywood High, I changed my plans of becoming a barber (while I pursued entertainment) and just started working various jobs. I also started making YouTube videos, mostly parodies/skits and was getting a pretty good reception to them. I’d go back and forth throughout the next few years posting videos on and off because I struggled to find a happy medium between what content my audience wanted from me and what I wanted to transition into, which was real songs and not parodies.
Fast forward to 2019, I’m still barely making content but I started taking acting serious. I’m getting headshots taken, taking classes/workshops, submitting to agents, doing it all. I even ended up signing to a commercial agent at Aqua Talent that October. Somewhere around that time I met Monica Edelhoff at an audition and we exchanged info and stayed in contact to help each other with self-tapes etc. We eventually came up with a plan to make content of our own instead of waiting to be cast by Hollywood executives. Monica later introduced me to Antrell Terry. At the time that we met, he was a director on the come up and ended up winning an Emmy for a short film he directed before we started production.
The project that Monica and I came up with is a short film called “Just Friends”. It’s a 20 min rom-com that’s loosely based on my dating life and is about a character named Chris that does terrible with the ladies. His friend group ends up suggesting an unsuspecting aide to assist him with his downfalls and things go further than either one of them anticipated. I have to mention my friend Brandon Palmore Edwards who shot it so beautifully or he’d never forgive me, lol.
Right now we’re submitting it to as many film festivals as we can and will continue that into 2023. We’re also entertaining the idea of a full-feature film so that’s something to potentially keep your eyes open for. Aside from that, I’m just trying out different styles of content figuring what works and what doesn’t. As well as looking for a theatrical agent and/or manager.
Alright, 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?
There’s plenty of obstacles. One of the biggest challenges I face is people being flaky. It really stifles my creative process. I do what I can when I can but I know that if I had a reliable team, I’d be a lot further than I am right now and the content that I put out would be better. Some people think it’s as easy as “finding a back up” person but we all have lives with varying work schedules etc. so it’s really hard enough finding a single person that’s free when I am. Let alone, multiple people. If you give me your word that you’re free and available to help me make content, I can’t just expect somebody else to be free last minute to do what you said you would because you’re flaking on me.
Aside from that, sometimes I think a lack of support plays a role. A like, share and/or comment goes a long way these days in terms of engagement and brands that might be willing to pay you want to see that…A LOT. Part of it is due to the way the algorithm is right now (especially on ig) where you might not see someone’s post til the following day. Hopefully, they fix that sooner than later.
Lastly, I can definitely admit that I’m still figuring it out. My best numbers in terms of views, subscribers, etc. was always on YouTube and that was built up years ago. So I’m trying to figure out what works on ig/TikTok and building a base there is different and harder (in my opinion). That’s why I’m about to start the trial/error phase of figuring out what works best on what platform so I can get my content monetized again.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I just entertain. I like to make people laugh and I like making fun of things through parodies, skits and satire. I also like to rap, so a lot of my content varies from parodies to original characters and every once in a while me rapping. I plan on getting into remaking classic movies and shows soon. I’m doing a lot lol.
I’m most proud of my YouTube channel “RichReally_out_here” that has almost 900k cumulative views. I also think my honesty when I rant or tell a story sets me apart from others because what makes jokes funny is the fact that something about them is true. Not everybody is willing to say SOME of the things that I do, but we all think it and that’s what makes it funny.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support me right now is to follow me on social media and engage with my content! I’m on ig (@richreally_out_here) the most but it’s pretty much the same handle for everything. Also if you’re a (good) videographer/editor etc HIT ME UP! I have ideas in my head for videos that I can’t bring to life the way I want on my own and I need help. I really want to build a solid team while I’m on the come up and the rise to the top will be so much easier, AND FUN! I’m in it for the laughs (and to be able to quit my job ASAP). In terms of collaborating with other creators, I’m pretty open at this point as long as it makes sense and is funny to me. I don’t wanna do anything I think is corny.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richreally_out_here/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichReallyOutHere
Image Credits
Jason Foggie Todd Tyler
Davi de Azevedo
