Odd Man Out Series Spotlight
Today’s series spotlight focuses on Odd Man Out from 5R Productions.
What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?
The title of my show is Odd Man Out: The Series. The title was inspired by a number of experiences in my life in which I felt like an outcast. I grew to understand that being different is okay. There’s beauty in being different and standing out. But “Odd Man Out: The Series” is culmination of life experiences that I’m now in a very privileged position to tell through cinema.
Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.
Odd Man Out: The Series represents marginalized people from all walks of life. My story may be specific to my experiences, but my hope is that anyone who’s felt left out, misunderstood and unfairly targeted can take pieces of this story and relate it to their own. Ultimately, the story I want to tell is that it takes time to understand your true value in the world, but that you matter. Ultimately that your life, your experiences, your stories matter to the world.
Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?
Issa Rae definitely inspired part of my show. Her grind and success is partly what motivated me to tell my own story. Just as she paved the way for her web series to get picked up by a network, I feel it’s my duty to keep creating this show and telling this story to inspire the next filmmaker to tell their story to the world.
What is the goal of the film for you?
My goal for Odd Man Out is to be developed into a full-length television series shown all around the world. I’m extremely proud to announce that we’ve taken huge steps in doing that. We’ve secured major partners that have helped the show get on Prime Video, Tubi, and most recently, Peacock TV!
What has the journey been like getting the film into production?
It’s been a great journey getting this film into production. It may sound cliché, but I did not expect the show be as successful as it’s become. I had confidence in the concept of the show, but this was the first project I pretty much ever did by myself. I didn’t go to film school, nor did I study how to be a screenwriter. This was the first project I’ve ever written, the second project I’ve produced, and I stepped into so many new roles to get this series out to an audience. From casting director, production designer, location scout, music supervisor and being in the editing room picking out each and every take for every scene. Selecting where and what kind of music fits best in every scene. This has been an amazing journey as I’ve experienced so many different roles that are vital in getting a television series made.
One thing you learned from this project?
One thing I learned from this project is the importance of learning different areas of filmmaking, so you aren’t delayed in finishing a project. What I mean is, sometimes you have to jump into different roles, learn new things to get your project done. If you’re tired of reading scripts and audition sides that don’t sound like you, write your own. If you’re tired of seeing TV shows and movies that don’t represent you or your world, create a film or TV that represents you. I’ve learned not to wait on anyone to get anything done. Where there’s a will, trust me, there’s a way.
How can folks find you and your film online?
Odd Man Out: The Series is currently streaming on Amazon Prime (subscription required), Tubi TV (no subscription required) and will soon be coming to Peacock TV. The show was also chosen to be on Rel Howery’s Curated Channel on Kweli TV (the #1 black streaming service in the world). The next season of the show will be streaming exclusively on Peacock!
Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?
I came across a quote a few months ago that really stuck with me. It’s from well-known journalist, author, community activist and nationally best-selling author Karen E. Quinones Miller. She said, “When somebody tells me ‘no’, it doesn’t mean I can’t do it, it simply means I can’t do it with them.”
This quote relates directly to acting and filmmaking for me. Majority of the time we’re going to hear “no”, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough. Aren’t talented enough or whatever comes to our mind when we hear that “no.” It just simply means, no, you can’t do it this way. But there are plenty of other ways to get the job done. It just depends on how bad you want it.
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