Meet Teo Smoot | Founder/CEO at Cool Room Entertainment

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

Hi Teo, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Film expression has become as important to societal structure as breath to life. Its unique ability to bridge gaps and shades of race, culture, faith, thought, fear, and prejudice should be given every opportunity to reach its full potential. It is with this belief that Cool Room Entertainment was created.

I believe my business helps the communities of the world by creating balance in the representation conversation. No matter the type content we produce, be it film, commercial, posts, blogs, or television, we are only going to be involved if that content has a positive connotation in the messaging or storytelling. Particularly, when it features, speaks to or represents communities of color.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is creating content that inspires and uplifts.

The current project I am most excited about is the recent launching of our personal-viewing platform, Cool Room TV (CoolRoomTV.com). All you need is internet access to stream our channel on your phone, computer, laptop, or pad. All curated and original content features communities of color in a positive light.

Anything I’ve accomplished in my career was due to trust in self and personal perseverance. For me, the best method I learned for survival was to not take the world personally. The world is the world. it’s not out to get, harm or stop me directly. Missteps and bad moments happen to any and everyone at any point and time. It’s not personal, so don’t dwell in that mental headspace. Instead, accept the challenge as part of your journey, tighten your shoelaces and keep climbing forward.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Washington, D.C. now but in Los Angeles, my favorite place to eat is Maggiano’s over at the 3rd street Promenade. My favorite (occasional) food indulgence is Pink’s Hot Dogs on La Brea. Mmmmmmmm!

We’d also visit the Farmer’s Market and the promenade mall on 3rd street. Swing past Old Town Pasadena area… window shop on Melrose and catch a live show at The Pantages in Hollywood!

We’d also support and experience the vendors and culture of Santee street in downtown LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my personal life, I’d have to a huge THANK YOU shout out to my wife, Monica. Everything I’ve done or survived in the last 10 years was encouraged and supported by this amazing woman.

In my professional life, director/producer, Joel Zwick (My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding) has been key instrumental in my drive and accomplishments via his mentorship and involvement in my career. And, as a result, I’m always looking to pay it forward.

Website: www.coolrooment.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teosmoot/

Twitter: @coolrooment

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smoot.teo

Other: Streaming channel: www.CoolRoomTV.com