Meet Denton Adams | Writer, Director, Producer

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

Hi Denton, what role has risk played in your life or career?                           

Risk-taking, to me, is all surrounding the identification and element of faith. I’m a God-fearing man who knows that our decisions sometimes have to come with unforeseen results, although deep down inside, we believe it will all work out for us. In my life, I’ve stepped out on faith and taken risks to follow my dreams as a storyteller and filmmaker. I worked for the federal government for ten years following graduating from film school. I challenged myself to produce several independent short and feature films in the Washington, DC area during that decade. In 2015, when I received my master’s degree in Screenwriting and got married to a beautiful woman with two boys, I quit my good government job and decided to chase after my dreams. Of course, making such a decision was God-led, but with the support of my wife and belief in myself, the risk was so worth it. It’s led me to relocate with my family to Los Angeles in 2017, and we haven’t looked back. Without taking risks for ourselves, we would never know what we could become. One of my favorite quotes is from Les Brown, who talks about many graves hosting many individuals who didn’t take risks and regretted it. I chose to be one of those who live to see the unknown doors that lay behind the midst of uncertainty. So many who came before us took risks that took them to new heights, like Sidney Poitier and Melvin Van Peebles. They’ve pioneered the way for many of us, so why can’t we follow in the footsteps of the greats to love what we do and do it unapologetically?

The most significant risk I’ve taken in recent years was during the pandemic in 2020 was creating and producing a unique feature film that required ten directors (5 Kings and 5 Queens) to make one film.
God gave me the vision to create this protest film following the murders of Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. The risky project faced many challenges, but it was worth it, and we are slated to premiere our fantastic anthology film entitled 00:08:46 in June 2022. Additionally, I took a chance on sharing my faith by writing and publishing my first book, “From A Sunday Keeper to a Sabbath Keeper,” which can be found on my website truthsovertradition.com and it’s also available on Amazon. Taking risks is the only way to show us what we can achieve by being fearless and letting faith lead the way.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the CEO and President of Heartfelt Pictures, a production company that aims to tell stories from the heart, for the heart. In creating wholesome entertainment and creating stories and roles that are non-stereotypical. Most importantly, I believe we as African-Americans are so much more than “black trauma” propelled in the mainstream industry. We deserve to be in all genres, especially Science-Fiction and Fantasy. Business-wise, I’ve always focused on order and timeliness. Being on time was instilled in me at a young age, and it’s part of my brand never to be late for meetings, productions, or whatever the case may be. No CP time here :). I’ve gotten to where I am today, all thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the support of my father, who passed in 2020, and all of the mentors and supporters who helped get me acclimated on this journey of life as a creative. Being raised in Washington, DC, helped groom me to be today’s businessman. I’ve discovered that being humble, genuine, and an authentic person will take you very far. Being true to myself has allowed me to meet outstanding individuals and showed me the folks that are only supposed to be in my life for a season. Professionalism has always been an essential factor for me and as a business owner, treating others with love and respect goes a long way. I genuinely believe that what Heartfelt Pictures stands for is faith, love, inclusiveness, and supporting others all at the same time.

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?
Although I’m still fresh in Los Angeles, five years in, I have found that this place is still so amazing that I’m finding new places each month, to go. Food is essential out here on the West Coast, and no matter what one’s preference is diet-wise, there are many options. I’ve loved the Mexican food vendors, the food trucks, and when it’s time to wine and dine, my favorite two places are 208 Rodeo in Beverly Hills, and my new spot is Barton G in West Hollywood. Aside from food, I’d have to take them to Hollywood and see the fantastic characters and environment that awaits. Soundstages galore for them to check out. Beaches here are always fun, and one of my favorite things to do is go on hikes, especially at Runyon Canyon. It’s just so much to choose from out here that it’s limitless to what you can do in LA.

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?
My wife, Ronina Keesha Smith (Nina), is the one I want to shout out. I met this amazing woman from our hometown, Washington, DC, in 2011. She is not just my number one fan and supporter, but she is a great mother and wife. She is also a senior Global Specialist for Transcatheter Mitral and Tricuspid Therapies. She is also a full-time student at Arizona Global University majoring in Healthcare Administration who is not only on the Dean’s list but will be graduating in August 2023. I would not be where I am today without the support and love of this amazing Black Queen. Having such a great woman next to me speaks volumes, and I know God placed her in my life for both of us to grow and instill in each other and move mountains together. She is truly a ride or die and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Website: heartfeltpictures.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentonadams https://www.facebook.com/dentonadams

Other: 000846themovie.com – Upcoming Feature film coming out Juneteenth.

Image Credits
Quinoa Poster CJ Williams and Michelle Baker Myself in Camouflage Picture taken by Chris Rouse Qunioa BTS Me and CJ Williams (actor) 00:08:46 BTS Producing Team From L to R (David Z, Wade “BENJI” Benjamin, Myself, Anthony Sydnor, Shaunte Massaurd) Photo by: Darius Carter from The Carter’s Touch 00:08:46 BTS Wade “BENJI” Benjamin and Myself Photo by: Darius Carter from The Carter’s Touch 00:08:46 BTS Me and Thomas Stewart