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

Hi Theodore, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
This is controversial, but I hear creators talk about the importance of “just doing it” when it comes to creating, and I think that’s a little short-sighted.

There’s a lot of good sentiment behind that idea. but for me, it’s far more important to “look for opportunities to do it.” When you do anything in a vacuum, you compromise the opportunity to get feedback, and so you won’t learn and grow as much as if you were in a team.

Additionally, If there’s something you love to do or want to do, look to those who are doing it already and see what makes them great. Study them, not just their work, but their life too. Learn about how their life events inspired their art, and then seek out the parallels in your own life.

Really what I’m saying, is embrace the journey that leads you up to “doing it”, rather than trying to make a flying leap toward the end goal.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I run Wilde Writing.

In the years I’ve been running it, I’ve written treatments for some of the world’s biggest creatives and brands. I take great pride in my work, and operate with the intention of growing the empathy of others through well crafted storytelling.

In terms of the work I’m most proud of, two things come to mind. I wrote a music video treatment with the director child for H.E.R.’s song “Fight For You” which accompanied the film Judas and the Black Messiah. It was a beautiful video, and I’m always inspired by how child brings her art to life. Cut to a few months later and I’m watching the music video I helped write play at the 93rd Oscar awards, as H.E.R. is nominated for the best original song, which she then went on to win. Admittedly my role in this is a little tangential. I didn’t direct the music video, and I didn’t write the song, but I did write the scene that they chose to broadcast out to the world. If I had to put a word to my feelings in that moment, I would say “belonging.” It felt like I was on the right path, and that I was worthy of doing the work I do.

Secondly, I recently finished shooting my first music video. I wrote the concept and co-directed alongside Kathryn Ferentchak. The music video itself has been coming together better than I ever could have hoped. The song, White Wine, by JWALK is incredible, and I really think that our vision for it elevates it to an even higher level. I don’t want to say too much about it, other than it’s something I feel honored to have been a part of, and I’m incredibly grateful to the cast and crew that helped us bring it into reality.

Getting to where I am today was not necessarily easy, but it was entirely worth it. I worked in-house for 7 years as a staff coordinator for a number of commercial production companies. I came to LA on my own, not knowing anyone out here, so I did my work as conscientiously as I could and took time to learn as much as possible while I was in these roles. I read through 100’s of treatments before I started writing my own, and I don’t think I’d be able to write at the level I can today if I hadn’t put in the groundwork

If I could tell the world one thing about me or my brand I’d say this. As creators we have a great responsibility to the people we create for. They’re the ones buying the tickets, watching our work, and investing in us, so whenever I write, I make sure I know what I want to say. I don’t want to make work that feels frivolous or half-thought-through. I want to honor the investment of my audience with work that speaks to important personal truths and stories that resonate with others in a way that feels entirely considered.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a very lazy answer, but I love visiting the places listed on the Atlas Obscura. Strange hidden spots that are a little off the beaten path. Places like Downtown’s hidden little Italy, the puppet museum, Hollywood Forever, and the Museum of Jurassic technology.

Aside from that, I love to just wander around. If you go to the center of Weho, Santa Monica, Venice, Echo Park you can pretty quickly stumble upon some cool spots.

However, when it comes to my favorite local haunts I really like:

Mandrake
Venice Beach & Canals
Griffith Park
Quarters
Tatsu Ramen
SugarFish
Akbar
KazuNori
Sassafrass Saloon
The Fountain Theatre
The Hotel Cafe
and last but not least, Blaze Pizza

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’d love to shout out The Fountain Theatre in Hollywood.

I began volunteering there late last year, and it reconnected me with a sense of personal purpose that I feel I had been searching for out here.

It’s not a big job, sometimes I’m running the cafe, or subbing in as house manager, but I love it. It means a lot to me that I can help this small theatre, help those that support the theatre enjoy their time there, and connect with other like-minded creatives.

In turn, they have allowed me to shoot music videos in the building, and stage rehearsals in their space. They’ve given me so much more than I could have ever expected, and it really opened my eyes to how volunteering is such an important element of a well-balanced life.

Come watch our latest show “If I Forget,” directed by Jason Alexander.

Website: www.wildewritingstudio.com

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

Image Credits
Photos by Jon Lazar (@jon.collective)

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.