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

Hi Alex, how do you think about risk?
We all know the old adage, “ high risk, high reward”. We are all wired to seek comfort and security, but this is counterproductive to growth and success. You have to close old energetic portals in order for new portals to open or appear. Something must be sacrificed or left behind before the universe agrees to write you a check for your troubles.

In my case, I’ve sacrificed job security in the real estate industry and quick fame opportunities in order to create a path that allows me to champion independent filmmakers and artist. As a result of opposing Hollywood, I’ve lost many opportunities, been laughed out of meetings and ostracized. The support, connections and small victories have already repaid me more than I could ever ask for. I urge you to be risky but responsible.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 2020 Life After Life Productions became, Culture Forward Media Group, a film production, advertising and multimedia technologies company. With this name and identity change we also birthed Culture Forward TV, a free ad-based streaming app for black and diverse content.

As a distribution platform for indie artists and filmmakers, Culture Forward TV also produces original content. In 2021 we released our first original film titled Harvested the Holiday Horror and Harvested 2 The Legend of Harold Rice in 2022. The Thanksgiving horror film franchise is the #1 most watched title in Culture Forward TV history. The app is available on Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung TV and Google Play. Download now for free.

We are proud and excited to be able to create, produce and distribute our own content without the permission of Hollywood. This vertically integrated process is definitely more strenuous but it is more fulfilling and freeing than your typical Hollywood route for filmmaking.

Both companies were birthed due to the paucity and lack of opportunities for black and diverse talents. Along the way we have learned that innovation means isolation, and Isolation equates to challenges. Remaining committed to our ethos and counting the small victories along the journey gives us the energy needed to continue to serve the community. At Culture Forward Media Group and Culture Forward TV, “We create content and opportunities for people that look like us”. That’s our superpower.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places to visit in LA! Malibu beach, Griffith Park observitory, Fox Hills Mall, Honor the gift Store, Crypto Arena Statues and Murals of Kobe, South LA Cafe, Sip and Sonder, California African American Museum. Nip Hussle mural, Reparations Club.

Places to eat in LA!
Industry Cafe and Jazz, Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine, Compton Vegan, Jackfruit Cafe, Vegan Hooligans, Bayou Grille, Fatburger, Roscoes (Inglewood), and Randy’s Donuts, Earles on Crenshaw, and Happy Ice.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
God, family, fans and supporters.

Website: https://cultureforwardtv.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/culture-forward-tv/

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/cultureforwardtv

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Cultureforwardtv

Other: https://culture-forward-tv.fandom.com/wiki/Culture_Forward_TV_Wiki

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.