Meet Howard Clay: Writer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Movie Director Howard Clay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Howard, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Funny thing is, I came to Hollywood with no experience, no money, and no idea how to make it in the Film Industry. All I had was passion and a strong belief in myself. My thought process was simple, I felt that my African American culture needed proper representation in this industry, in front of and behind the camera, and it was time. And the best way to control the narrative was to create my own business. Here’s the problem. Over the years, there has only been a small collection of positive films for the culture. Can we truly say that’s enough? Can we truly say that the films that Hollywood produces represent us as a whole? The gap of proper representation in the movie industry in the presentation, staffing, and various depictions of minorities has gone on for way too long. While there has been immense progress since 2000, needless to say, traditional award ceremonies are still lacking in accurate minority representation, because minorities lack the lead roles and productions that will get them noticed. How will I bridge this gap? By creating, producing, and releasing films that fill that need. Howard Clay Films is an independent film production company that creates and produces high-quality, micro-budget films and Unscripted Television Projects. Our movies encourage, uplift and depict African-Americans and other minorities in a positive light. Thus, creating strong characters and opportunities that will allow minorities to shine.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a “Creative” sometimes can be challenging because most people really don’t understand where you are coming from. One of the lessons I learned early was to “surround yourself with like minded people”. That is so important because you need people to talk about your dreams with an invested interest and passion. I originally was supposed to come out to LA to be a screenwriter in around 2004. Things didn’t work out and I almost gave up, but I kept writing and I never stop believing. When the opportunity came up again in 2018, I knew this was my second chance and I was going to make the best of it. So I packed up my car, sold the rest of my belongings, dissolved my successful company, and DROVE to Los Angeles, with nowhere to live, no job, and no clue what I was going to do. But I wasn’t afraid of the challenges, I overcame the challenges when I overcame my fears. I’m no different from you, I still have fear, doubts and questions. I just refuse to give up. Failure is ok, quitting is not. When you fail, just learn from your mistakes and adjust your dream but never quit. The world needs the gift that is inside you! You are a CREATIVE on purpose, guided by God and the Universe. My final lesson I’ve learned is stop giving yourself “deadlines” and trust the process. If your dream is your passion then that is who you are. There is no deadline, there is no age limit. You pursue YOU until your light dims on this earth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I guess this is a “before Covid” question. If my friends came to visit, I would take them to Universal Movie lot tour. Then we would try to get on many of the talk shows in Los Angeles. Then of course hike up to the Hollywood Sign. Then the beach, seeing the sun set over the water is one of the greatest experiences that people take for granted. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Several important people deserve shout outs. First and Foremost my mother and father. Without them instilling in me great morals and values, I wouldn’t be here today. Now the list is long after that. So many people have encouraged me along the way and played a major factor in the person I am today. My wife and partner Rabeshia, thank you for the consistent positive encouragement and love. My great friend Andrea Paul, thank you for believing when no one else did, and all your support. And thank you Chris Orr for trusting me and sharing with me your knowledge and skills, to help my projects be successful.

Website: www.howardclayfilms.com

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Twitter: mr_howardclay

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Image Credits
Marc Moraitis Andrea Paul