What do you do when HBO doesn’t pick up the phone?

In this powerful episode of A Conversation with, host Floyd Marshall Jr. and co-host Okema Moore sit down with award-winning creatives Renee Wilson and Jana Naomi Smith to unpack the journey behind Red for Revolution — a Tribeca-winning narrative audio drama that began as a television pilot and evolved into a groundbreaking independent project.

This conversation explores:

• Why “independent TV” is nearly impossible without a studio
• Turning rejection into creative innovation
• Building an award-winning audio drama without traditional industry access
• Casting major talent through cold outreach and persistence
• The power of a bold pitch deck
• Fighting to get audio drama recognized at the Grammys
• The reality of hustle, doubt, and delayed celebration

Renee Wilson shares how belief, manifestation, and strategic relationships helped bring the project to life through her production company, meta Manna Media. Jana Naomi Smith reflects on writing the project as a graduate thesis in 2017 and watching it grow into a nationally recognized series.

If you are an independent filmmaker, writer, or storyteller navigating gatekeepers, funding challenges, or industry doubt — this episode offers real strategy, transparency, and inspiration.

🎧 Listen now and discover how urgency, resilience, and collaboration turned an “impossible” project into award-winning storytelling.

What does it really take to make a meaningful film when the story is personal, the journey is long, and the stakes are real?

In this powerful episode of A Conversation with Host Floyd Marshall Jr., host Floyd Marshall Jr. and co-host Okema T. Moore sit down with Cori Robinson — singer, actress, and executive producer — for an unfiltered conversation every filmmaker needs to hear.

Cori Robinson shares her real journey through the creative industry, from early artistic breakthroughs to moments of survival, self-doubt, and resilience. She opens up about sleeping at the YMCA, navigating the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it means to carry the responsibility of telling a story rooted in legacy.

At the center of this episode is Cori’s work as Executive Producer of the documentary I Was Born This Way, which explores the life and legacy of Carl Bean — Motown recording artist, minister, activist, and the original voice behind the anthem that later inspired Lady Gaga. Cori discusses what it means to protect truth, integrity, and humanity when telling a story that belongs not just to history, but to family.

This conversation is especially valuable for:

• Independent filmmakers

• Documentary directors and producers

• Film festival creators

• Storytellers navigating long production timelines

• Creatives balancing purpose, survival, and sustainability

Topics covered include:

• The unseen emotional and financial costs of filmmaking

• Why some films take years — and why that matters

• How to keep going when the industry tests your resolve

• Story ownership, legacy, and ethical storytelling

• Advice Cori wishes she had earlier in her career

This episode isn’t about overnight success.
It’s about endurance, responsibility, and why some stories demand to be told — no matter how long it takes.

If you’re a filmmaker questioning whether the journey is worth it, this conversation will remind you why you started.

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Amajae Hardy-Jones joins A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr. for a powerful, faith-centered deep dive into her journey from Philadelphia stages to Los Angeles film sets, proving what’s possible when purpose meets preparation.

In this inspiring conversation, Amajae shares how early training in theater, her transformative experiences at the Kimmel Center, and a decade of mentorship prepared her for roles in major productions—including BET+’s Angel, where she stars as Brandi. She opens up about navigating self-doubt, the reality of rejection in Hollywood, and how faith, discipline, and relentless professionalism shape her career.

You’ll hear how Amajae:

• Discovered her passion for acting watching Brandy & Whitney Houston’s Cinderella
• Trained rigorously from age 14, including with Eli & Lou Entertainment and I Can Act
• Took a leap of faith to move across the country and build her career in LA
• Handles “no” as redirection, not rejection
• Built Aspire to Inspire, her platform spotlighting creative journeys
• Became the assistant to powerhouse film producer Angela White of Silver Lining Entertainment
• Uses networking and character preparation to book rooms, not just roles

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This episode is a masterclass for actors, filmmakers, and anyone pursuing creative dreams. Packed with wisdom on craft, character development, industry relationships, faith, and resilience—it’s a must-listen for emerging artists ready to level up.

🎧 Perfect for listeners searching for:

acting advice • film industry insights • faith-driven motivation • Hollywood career paths • overcoming doubt • audition mindset • creative resilience • indie filmmaking • mentorship stories • entertainment business strategy

👇 If you’re a creator, young actor, or visionary—this episode will pour into you. Dive in.

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Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:

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Connect With Floyd Marshall Jr:

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