Meet Reco Wright Jr | Film Executive Producer/Chief Creative Officer/Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reco Wright Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reco, what is the most important factor behind your success?
In this business, your personality, ability to recognize talent, ability to create long-lasting business relationships, and never burning bridges are essential. I’ve always represented myself and my brand to the utmost highest degree of professionalism and I am open to listening and working with other industry professionals. You never know who is the next big thing or what the next great idea might be. I always stay up to date with current events whether it’s reality television, TikTok, or whatever piques the viewer’s interest. Having supportive and positive people around you definitely helps contribute as well. Leaning continuously on my loving family and friends to support me whenever it’s needed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

What sets me apart from others is that I like to keep things fun all while creating shows that people can enjoy. I’m not a hard person to work with. I’ve always had a gift to speak to anyone like I’ve known them for years and “connect dots”. When I say “connect dots” I use that term meaning to have a vision, then take that vision and add talent, and from there bring everyone together and collectively execute a plan that makes sense. Others label me as a people person. Honestly dating back to my adolescent years growing up in Hollywood as an actor I’ve always just felt comfortable speaking with anyone and voicing my gift of vision. Whenever I’m on set, I like to make everyone feel comfortable. I want them to relax and let everything flow organically.

I’m very proud of the progress The Brella Streaming Network has made. We have come a very long way since the first time E’Ian West (founder of The Brella Network) brought up the idea to me years ago. From that point of The Brella Network being just a conversation to forming the app downloadable on IOS and Apple, and Roku. To bring on talent and filming with the likes of Jaden and Julian Newman (Influencers), and Mariah McCovy (from TLC Smothered). Currently working with Don Benjamin (America’s Top Model) on a project. I am also co-producer for Panorama a short film alongside Spencer Paysinger of CW All-American which is currently eligible for an Academy Award in 2023. I am an Executive Producer on a documentary on former NBA Champion Eddie Curry. I’m also very proud of Montage Media Production Company which I’m also affiliated with. Montage Media Production Company has recently won 2 short film awards for a short film Shaded ashort film directed by E’Ian West. This is huge for the company, and we are looking to use this momentum as we push forward.

I also have launched my first restaurant named Sweet Lucia’s (named after my daughter Lucia). We opened a pop-up shop in the city of Costa Mesa, CA at the Soco Mix. We are now looking for a permanent home for Sweet Lucia’s. So there’s a lot to be proud of currently but I cannot lose focus and stop now.

Getting where I am today was not an easy one or a traditional one. I first must take you back to when I was much younger. I had a gift for the camera. I loved to make people laugh and have a good time. I remember back in elementary school to keep me quiet my teacher would promise me the last 5 mins in class to tell jokes if I kept quiet the entire day. When that 5 mins of fame came around I used it to tell all of my classmates as many funny punchlines as I could before the bell would ring. Since then my parents enrolled me in acting school. Normally I stood out in every class and it was not hard to tell that I possessed something that many other kids didn’t have. A natural gift to speak and make people like me. This led me to book roles alongside Meagan Good in The Secret Life of Girls released in 1999 as a love interest and landing a nationally aired Sprite commercial in 2001 for the NBA All-Star voting. While shooting the Sprite commercial in New York I spent the entire week under the Directors wing. It felt like I was being mentored for the behind-the-scenes lifestyle and I fell in love with it quickly. Ever since I’ve begun to write scripts and learn about what behind-the-scenes roles do what. E’Ian has made a living in the Hollywood film industry behind the scenes and knew about my background and gifts. He gave me a shot in the industry and here I am today living out my dream as an Executive Producer and I was just elevated to Chief Creative Officer for The Brella Network.

Many lessons have been learned along the way. Sometimes you must separate yourself from people that do not share the same interest as you do. Not everyone wants you to succeed and are waiting for your downfall. Eliminate any and everyone that is negative. I always hear people say “No new friends” but sometimes that’s exactly what you might need. Find friends that support you and cheer you on. Find a partner that tells you that “you got this” or “I’m proud of you” and wants you to win. And lastly, never burn bridges.

I want the world to know that I’m willing and open to working with whoever has great ideas. I know that many talented people in the world do not have the shot or voice to project their thoughts loud enough. The Brella Network will be launching soon and for those that are looking to see original content geared for binge-worthy viewing then stay tuned. We have everything you need.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Favorite spots would include

The Hollywood sign hike.
Delilah’s for food and drinks
Tao LA for food and drinks
Mastro’s or Javier’s for food and drinks
Perch in Downtown LA for drinks
A Lakers or Clippers game and hang out in the Hyde Lounge
Sweet Lucia’s for a tasty dessert
I’m sure I would have a couple of meetings lined up that week so maybe come to the office at NeueHouse.

We would definitely need to go paddle boarding in the city of Long Beach.
Grab a bite to eat at Mozambique in Laguna Beach and get a great view of the sunset.
Depending on the time of year if it’s Halloween we will need to visit the 17th door in Fullerton or Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.

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?
First, I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to my belated brother David Casanave Jr. After my brother David passed away, I never gave up on my journey to make it in the film industry and become someone I always knew I could become. My children Ocean Israel Wright, West Wright, and Lucia Wright fuel me every day to continue working hard to provide a better future. Issa Rae has been a person I admired in this industry. Her story and journey really fuels me and I would love to work with her someday. I want to shout out Eugene Durham (producer) and The Brella Network for believing in my vision and talents as an Executive Producer and Chief Creative Officer. Last but not least E’Ian West founder of The Brella Network.

Website: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm11457698?s=fcc24726-fe7f-6cbf-34c8-36937c9a1b3c&site_preference=normal

Instagram: recowrightjr

Other: Email: reco.wright.jr@owlmediafilms.com