Today we’d like to introduce you to Talmadge Miller Jr.
Hi Talmadge, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been interested in films. Specifically, the action genre. It’s always drawn me in, seeing how cool men can be as they grow strong enough to defeat a seemingly unbeatable enemy. I would imitate whomever was the protagonist and try to master their persona and form of attack. I later learned to fall in love with storylines and would always watch a film and always ask the question, “Wouldn’t it be cool if it ended like this, or they came back with a part 2, and it went like this?” I never realized that pondering upon these things began shaping and forming the creative ability that took root in the vastness of my limitless imagination. I began to fall in love with storylines that did not have an expected outcome. After watching Rocky 4 and seeing Apollo Creed die in the film, I was devastated! He was my favorite character in the Rocky franchise. As a teenager in the early 90s I always said wouldn’t it be cool if Apollo had a son and Rocky trained him? Lo and behold, years later, they came out with the movie Creed, and my mind was blown. An idea that I had was actually in someone else’s mind, and they made it into a film. A friend of mine who attended a Bible Study that I taught heard of my aspirations, and before he left for the last time, he handed me the camera, a Canon T5i. He told me God had laid it on his heart to do so. He wanted me to start filming and making my ideas come to life. I began to put pen to paper and created Christian storylines. I desired and still desire to make wholesome action-adventure films that teach men about the righteousness of God. I love to continue engaging the audience with plot-twisting stories that are incredible and leave you desiring more. Most of all, I desire to create content with no profanity, unnecessary nudity, sex, or conforming fads that steer men away from the Lord. There’s too much of that nowadays and unfortunately, it’s become the norm. I got to where I am now by trusting the Lord Jesus and putting my creativity into his hands. He continues to increase my imagination and ability to make what I put on paper a reality.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The paved road is never a smooth one. One thing is for sure: the Lord is with me every step of the way. My purpose for filmmaking is wrapped entirely in what would be pleasing unto him. Jesus was/is a master storyteller. He taught lessons with parables that were easy to remember with a message of what was moral, right and pleasing to the Father. That is our goal. Some of our biggest struggles would be dealing with various personalities, continuing to finish, and learning to deal with people effectively, especially when they go left. Finding funding is challenging, and finding the right person for the role in which you are casting is daunting at times. In your mind, you know what you’re looking for, and though many people have talent, you’re looking for that one that embodies the spirit of the character in which you have written. Weather can deter shoots at times. One of the hardest things for me as a filmmaker is the moments when you have to call back for a re-shoot. For me personally, it’s the one thing I hate above all else. Nevertheless, what must be done must be, and we keep our heads, step over the razor wire, and continue to pursue excellence in the midst of the rough road.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Tmillerproductions was formed in 2012. After nine years of experience in radio, I’ve learned about how important it is and how beneficial it is to have a business that can cater to the needs of other businesses. Tmillerproductions was formed with that in mind. Our start began with promoting other businesses by doing commercials for events and businesses around the Houston and Baytown area. We produce videos that help people know who you are and what you do exactly. We look to help your business speak for itself based on how you present yourself. We also do weddings, parties, celebrations, and other video and photo services. Our greatest task, though, is filming stories that we have written and produced. One of the greatest gifts given to man is the ability to imagine something then put their hands to the plow and make it a reality. We are a Christian company and look to abide by a moral standard that all men can admire and respect. Our biggest accomplishment to date is a film we’ve worked on for three years entitled “The Little Scroll.” Our website to review the work is tmillermediaproductions.com
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Sometimes a mentor can be found online if you don’t have anyone directly you can work with. I call YouTube “YouTube University”. Just about anything you want to learn they have someone who can teach it in a way that appeals to you. Search out individuals who you admire that are willing to teach and be patient with you. Let people know who you are and what you do, and never be ashamed of your work. Everyone has to start somewhere, and you can always find someone who loves your work. The best way to network is to open your mouth and say who you are, what you do and ask how you can help serve them. Quite often, we network for our benefit, but building healthy business relationships by offering assistance or a partnership is always one of the best moves one can make. Everything isn’t always about money. Service is the key.
Contact Info:
- Website: Tmillermediaproductions.com
- Instagram: Millz_Photography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talmadge-miller-jr-99631520a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOrEfXQDfr9v5v_Dxz9WHAQ
