Meet Oji Singletary: Executive Producer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Oji Singletary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oji, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit.  As a kid I appreciated family owned small businesses.  Watching families successfully work together to make a living resonated in my soul.  But looking back to my college years at Morehouse is when I feel like my business mind really started to take form.  I was surrounded by young minds who all had dreams of being their own bosses.  It was really a special time in my life.  Working for yourself and being your own boss was something that was instilled in us by our professors.  They were teaching us to be leaders and not followers.

So, as an adult, working in the entertainment industry it was just a matter of time before I started my own business.  I had to put in work, really learn the business, and most importantly really learn about myself and the unique value I bring to the table, but the seed to one day be my own boss had already been planted.  It takes hard work, dedication, and passion but if you love what you do, bossing up comes naturally.  When the opportunity presented itself for me to step up, I was ready.

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.

I am a firm believer in doing what you love. You have to take the necessary time to learn and trust yourself.  That’s extremely important!  A lot of people don’t learn themselves and end up living unhappy lives with careers that they hate.  It’s important to look within and find your passion especially while you are younger with less responsibilities in life.

I had a love for photography that developed into a love for directing television.  It’s all about creating beautiful imagery, working with a talented team, and telling compelling stories.  The work I do has always come very natural to me.  When I direct I know what I’m looking for. I do my homework before I get on set and use my imagination to dream so I can actually see it in my head. It could be a certain tone (feeling or emotion) during a scene, or image, where visually with each shot I’ve already figured it out.  So, when we shoot I know the exact moment of when it’s right because I know exactly what I’m looking for. I’ve been told that, that’s my gift.  I think a lot of people second guess themselves, and I try my best to trust my instincts. Not to say I don’t second guess myself at times too because that’s natural but overall I usually go with my first instincts and I think that’s played a big part in my success story thus far.

And overall I feel like my method of directing on set is appreciated by most. If you’re faking it and don’t really know what you are doing your crew can tell, but if you know your stuff and the crew clearly understands what the goal is they usually get behind you to help make it great. That’s when it becomes magical.  When the team gets behind your vision and everyone is on board bringing their individual talents to the table to make it happen there’s nothing like it.  I try to create magic on set with my team!

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?
If someone was coming into town visiting the area I would take them to the beach. Whenever I go to the beach I always say to myself why don’t I take advantage of the beach more.  It’s beautiful, it’s free, and brings peace to my soul. It’s my favorite thing to do so I would share that experience with whatever friend was in town. Then we would go get Tacos. I’m a real Los Angelino! I love a good taco and know a few great spots. In closing, I’d probably take it to the crib. I bought a home a few years back and have really tried to make my home my castle. I really enjoy having like-minded artistic friends over, playing music, and creating specialty drinks throughout the night. That’s my thing! Good people, good music, and good vibezzzz. I know Covid has hindered that for a lot of folks including myself, but I’m hoping to get back to having great times at the crib with my family and friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Special shout out to former record executive and current business mogul Damon Dash. I had an opportunity to work with Dame on a TV show and we became friends. He’s an open book who shares his experiences and knowledge with all. From my experience, that’s not very typical.  Most successful folks can be a bit guarded and not open to sharing how they became successful. Dame was the opposite of that. He was completely real, welcomed questions, and I really appreciate and value his friendship.  I think his influence has encouraged me to take a similar approach and share what knowledge I have with the next generation.  I think that’s what it’s all about!  We have to give back!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ojis1/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oji-singletary-6aa616a/