Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Turrentine.
Richard, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m originally from Washington DC and attended Howard University. At Howard is where I honed my skills for cinematography. I was exposed to so many opportunities to film on and off-campus. If I wasn’t filming videos for different campus organizations, I was shooting music videos for a local artist. I was approached by Angelica Lee who at the time was chair of Howard Homecoming to produce all the visuals for homecoming.
This opportunity was huge! It allowed my work to be displayed in front of the entire university. From that, I knew I’d gain more opportunities. During this time, I met Edward Underwood who’s a very known wedding and lifestyle photographer in Washington DC. He hired me to film weddings he booked and later became my mentor. I remember that time in my life as really busy. I was booked every weekend and sometimes book during the weekdays. Immediately after graduating, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue filmmaking. Los Angeles was tough during the first three years of me living here. I slept in my car many nights, was arrested, depressed, involved in fights but not once did I think to move back home. I was and still am determined to succeed. Within five years in LA and I own multiple creative properties, worked with celebrities, filmed big projects, expanded my production house into film technology. It’s been a long journey already but I’m very excited about the future!
Has it been a smooth road?
My journey has been very rocky. Finding the balance of my lifestyle (bills, living, food, etc.) was the struggle. I had to be realistic by getting a job so that I could have the basics covered. Not giving my passion the 100% really took a toll on me but it was needed.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Turrentine Studios story. Tell us more about the business.
The name of my company is Turrentine Studios. I provide my cinematography/directing expertise. I’ve expanded the business into providing rental creative film spaces for other filmmakers and creators. This year I will be launching an independent media-service provider to help filmmakers earn money from their projects, increase visibility, consistently stay booked, collaborate/connect with other filmmakers, and access to innovative tools that would further their career. The overall goal is for Turrentine Studios to continue to produce films and to be at the forefront of film technology/innovation.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see more filmmakers distributing their content directly to their niche audiences and more platforms created for that to happen.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @turrentinestudios @screenindie
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