Meet Stacey McClain | Writer, Director, Producer and Author
We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacey McClain and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Stacey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Running my small production company has been a rewarding experience! It started after being staffed on a Television Series, “The Parkers.” I was advised about how important it was to have a loanout to maximize tax incentives. I thought about closing it down after the show ended, however I decided to keep it open and create other projects under the company’s helm.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career began with me performing throughout Los Angeles as a stand-up comic. For 10 years, I graced several stages before making the transition into writing for television. When comedians would perform, I’d be in the back of the club watching them. After their sets, I’d tell them how certain words, phrases, or actions would enhance their material. I think this is really where I got the idea to become a writer.
During the latter part of my stand-up career, I expanded on some of my comedic ideas and began writing plays. The plays I wrote got the attention of television producers, and that’s how I eventually ended up writing for television.
I’ve been involved in many television projects and learned something from each of them. I’ve approached each assignment with the same passion and excitement as if it were my first.
Over the past 20 years of being in the business, I’ve had several accomplishments, such as being instrumental in selling a Reality Series and being in development at major studios.
Most recently, I co-authored a book entitled “The Cost of Freedom.” I encourage people to pick it up on Amazon; it’s getting great reviews. After completing the book, I arranged a seven-city tour throughout the US and Germany; and not long after, I came back to the US and worked on a script while in development at Disney Studios.
Every project is a challenge because there are so many dynamics to this business, and you never know where it will lead you. I’ve learned that if you’re not in the game, you will never win; so I do what I can to stay in the game. As far as my brand is concerned, I am a storyteller, who likes to help others tell their stories. Whether I’m writing, directing, producing, or coaching, I love all art forms that involve telling stories. As a writing coach, I love taking on clients who have ideas for solo shows and television projects.
Most of my time is spent working on television pitches however, when I am not doing that, I keep myself busy by directing independent music videos, short films, and Zoom series.
Currently, I’m working on a Comic Book entitled “Sistaah Friend.” It’s based on a web series I directed and produced while in between television projects. The Comic Book has been a labor of love, and I hope it’s well-received when I finally complete it. Anyone interested can sign up for updates at www.SistaahFriend.com.
It takes a lot to be a Hollywood Creative. You get a lot of “nos” in this business, and it’s not easy dealing with the roller coaster of ups and downs that the industry may bring. However, if you love it enough, I would recommend sticking with it. With that said, I’m most proud of the consistency and dedication I bring to my work, as well as my enthusiasm for loving what I do. It truly keeps me going. As I continue to grind, I would love the world to know that I am a creative being, with a passion for storytelling. My hope is that my work resonates with others and helps to spark conversations and heal hearts.
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 don’t hang out as much as I used to, so this is not an easy question for me.
However, if I had a best friend visiting, I would take them to a couple of my favorite restaurants, like “Mardi Gras Tuesdays” in Sherman Oaks, or “Nicks South Lake” in Pasadena.
If they’d never been to Cali, we would visit Venice Beach and the Alley in DTLA for some shopping deals. Downtown Culver City would be a great place to hang out, but I love uber-hopping downtown, going from spot to spot to grab a cocktail at a rooftop restaurant or two.
I’d possibly go to a speakeasy, like The Blind Barber, or head over to Outpost Drive and drive to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city… I Love Love Love seeing all the sparkly lights of Los Angeles. 🙂 If they were vegan, I’d be in trouble, because I don’t know any vegan spots. LOL
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?
Several people deserve credit for being a part of my story. My mother, Carmelita McClain, has been a great source of inspiration since I’ve been on the planet. She’s always been a cheerleader and a positive influence in my life. There are quite a few friends and mentors that have championed me along the way, like Ehrich Van Lowe, who is a great sounding board and support system when I really need to talk things through, as it pertains to the entertainment industry. I can’t thank Sara Finney-Johnson enough for giving me my first staff writing job; she’s an amazing showrunner and an inspiration. Another showrunner, Ralph Farquhar, has trusted me enough to bring me on a few projects that I will forever be proud of, and grateful for his guidance. Kym Whitley is super supportive and has been in several of my projects. She’s also a longtime friend. Oh, and I can’t forget my bestie, Brenda, who allows me to vent without judgment.
Website: https://www.staceymcclain.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceymcclain1000?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Twitter: https://t.co/uR4aKagx61
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamstaceymcclain?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Yelp: n/a
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@staceymcclain?si=fKLFCndR0uzm_SJ9
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@staceylmcclain?_t=8nVp6ZEO8DO&_r=1
Image Credits
4 Photos in Park, on Set of video shoot in Hamburg directing (2,3, 5,6): Credit: Alexander Scheuber
2 Photos of me on screens(pic 1 & 7): Credit: Production Team of Raising Whitley
Photo of me behind camera on beach: Credit: Toijuan Shannon
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