Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective Finalist! Why I Almost Didn’t Enter—and Why I’m Glad I Did.
If you know me, you know I’m not a big fan of filmmaking contests. I’ve always felt like they were designed for someone else. Someone with connections, an inside hook up, or a little extra luck on their side. But this time, I gave in. Or better yet, I gave it a shot. Mostly because a few people close to me wouldn't stop encouraging/nagging me, and kept sending me messages to apply. I love y’all BTW 😘
I applied to the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective, answering questions about who I am as a filmmaker, submitting my resume, and including two work samples. That was just the start.
Much to my surprise, out of 3,000 applicants, I was selected as one of the top 100 finalists!
Phase 1
For phase 1, I had to step into full pre-production mode. It felt like gearing up for a greenlight. No shortcuts. No guesswork. Here’s what we were asked to deliver:
An original short script (15 pages max)
A creative pitch deck (10 pages max)
A production budget not to exceed $30,000
A director’s statement video
Whiteboard outline for short film Rabbit’s Son.
Every piece had to reflect not just the story, but the filmmaker behind it—and pulling it off wasn’t easy. What’s usually a team effort, I had to do mostly solo. I went through 15 different versions of the script before I landed on one that felt right. Cramming an entire creative vision into a 10-page deck was a challenge in itself. And crafting a realistic $30K budget for a 2-day shoot? That took real finesse.
Next Steps to Phase 2
Now, I’m part of a 4-week program that meets every Saturday. It’s a chance to connect with industry professionals, sharpen the vision, and get one step closer to what’s next.
I’ll be documenting this experience here—every challenge, every breakthrough.
Stay tuned.
—Champ
Champ on set of the film Kelly.
Let’s Work Together!
Need help with content, strategy, or post-production for your brand or business? Let’s talk. Whether you’re building something from scratch or leveling up your current workflow, we’d love to collaborate. Reach out today to see how we can help bring your vision to life.