Meet Chidi Ezemma

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

Hi Chidi, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Believing in myself has been the cornerstone of my success. I am my most significant project, and my primary focus is on personal and professional growth, creating the life I’ve always dreamed of. While this might sound arrogant, I have never doubted the attainability of my dreams. Sure, they sometimes took longer than expected, but I always knew my goals were within reach. My guiding principle is simple: “If you want something, go get it.” I firmly believe that passion and hard work inevitably lead to success. My career as a model, producer, and manager has been fulfilling, and I still feel like I’m just getting started. I’ve turned my love for content creation into a rewarding 10 year career.

My success stems from clarity in my goals and a strategic approach to achieving them. I always knew I wanted a career in entertainment, so I worked towards that goal every day. From a young age, I would plan and execute photoshoots. When my mom was at work, I would dress up in my best church outfit but style did like an 90’s R&B singer and take pictures on the dining room table with my digital camera, pretending I was shooting album covers. I was preparing for the life I knew I would lead, so I practiced diligently.

When I moved to LA, I aimed to become a male video vixen. I signed up for every casting website and sent out countless resumes. I knew I had to put myself out there if I wanted to achieve my goals. After over 100 submissions, I landed my first gig in the City Girls’ “Seasons” video. I never doubted I would get a gig; I just knew it required time and effort. This approach also guided my transition into roles as a producer and manager.

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?
I currently am a content producer and social manager for four cable television networks, a position I owe to my unwavering dream and dedication. Starting my career as a model provided invaluable experience in front of the camera, while transitioning to a producer role gave me the behind-the-scenes expertise I needed. This combination, along with a successful social media career, has prepared me for my current role. My success in the industry is not just due to my skills but also to the positive and comfortable atmosphere I create for my clients. I believe that putting out good energy is essential to receiving it in return. Therefore, I strive to make every content shoot more than just work; I aim to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Transitioning from modeling to producing was daunting, filled with uncertainties and self doubt. I questioned whether it was the right decision, if I was good enough, and if it would be worth it. My first project, producing a music video, was a disaster. Despite thinking I had done enough research, I was unprepared. Money was tight, I was between jobs, and my focus was more on financial survival than quality. I showed up alone to save costs, lacking essential skills in lighting, shooting, and editing. Pretending to know the camera settings and directing techniques, I managed to get through the shoot, but the resulting footage was subpar. The client hated the video, which was a blow to my ego but also the motivation I needed to improve. I spent days studying videography and production intensely, and my next project was a huge success, thanks to my improved vision, knowledge, and experience.

I take immense pride in having achieved everything I set out to do, and I am far from finished. When I decided to explore a different aspect of entertainment, I studied it thoroughly, conducted research, asked questions, and applied myself. I have learned that hard work always yields rewards and success ultimately comes down to how badly you want it.

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’m the go with the flow type of friend who loves to have a good time, all the time. I’m the guy standing on the table singing my favorite song and dancing whenever the DJ plays something I like. Some days, you’ll find me running at Runyon Canyon or taking a dance class at LA Fitness. I enjoy finding new ways to move my hips during workouts. Other times I’m outside, outside. I’m not the planner; just tell me where and when to be there and I’ll be there a hour late but full of good energy.

I love spontaneous activities or lounging with good music, but nothing beats a game night with Uno on the table. To cap off the night, I love eating at my favorite food spot in LA, Bossa Nova, which has the best Brazilian food. Overall I like to ensure everyone around me has an amazing time, so a night out with me is always memorable.

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?
I have been fortunate to have some of my best friends and college friends move from New York to LA, forming a great community here. It’s comforting to have a family like atmosphere in LA with people who have supported me from the start, offering advice, assistance and love over the years. I’ve also met incredible people in LA who have contributed to my career and become lifelong friends.

When I began my career as a producer, my friends were always there for me, ready to act or model in my productions, no matter how wild or crazy the idea. One of my first shoots was to promote a clothing line created by my mom, and without hesitation, my friends agreed to model. That shoot became a viral sensation. The support from everyone around me, big or small, has been invaluable. It truly takes a village, and I am deeply grateful for mine.

Website: sirchidi.tv

Instagram: Sir.Chidi

Image Credits
Chris Jordan