Artist Spotlight: Markee Johnson of Urban Mogul Films
- Topic:
Interview
- Article By:
FlyDuo
- Photo:
Markee Johnson/FlyDuo
(2010)
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Markee Johnson, an urban entrepreneur and CEO of Urban Mogul Films, based out of Philadelphia, PA. Markee took time out of his busy schedule to have an intimate conversation with us, discussing topics ranging from what inspired him to become a film maker, to the current condition of urban entertainment, to advice for the next generation of aspiring film makers. We found him to be very inspirational, and we hope that you too will be inspired by his passion.
For those who don't know you, can you tell people a little about yourself?
M: I was born and raised in Chester, PA in 1976. I'm a laid back character who enjoys watching and studying film. I enjoy life, and I enjoy being there for others in a way that helps them to grow.
You mentioned helping others, in what way do you mean?
M: I use my movies to show people that you can rely on God and turn to God for salvation. I want the public to realize that you must trust in God, that there is a higher power to get us through everyday and difficult situations. What we gear to do is to inspire people through our movies, to show the public that if you are going through any situation you can rely on God. Mainstream media and corporate doesn't put God in anything – there's a huge lack of spirituality. What we want to do at Urban Mogul Films, is to do things that other genres don't.
"I love the art of story telling."
How'd you get into film making?
M: Since I was a kid I always loved films, and I would have dreams about stories. I was inspired by the stories in my dreams and wanted to make them real. I like the idea of being able to take a dream or a concept and make it into reality through pictures; to take a story and show it through the visual. I love the art of story telling.
What genre would your films fall into?
M: All of the above, we dabble into a little of everything. You really can't say that Urban Mogul Films is one particular genre. We have a diverse staff in the context of film making. We are doing sci–fi, horror, animation, and other varied genre's. For example, we are working on an animation film next and then a sci–fi film, but they are all films that people can relate to and benefit from.
What other types of projects do you plan on getting involved with at Urban Mogul Films?
M: We want to get more into advertising, marketing, and promoting other companies products throughout our films. And we are currently reaching out to companies that are looking for a production company/advertising agency like ours, to work with.
Where do you get your inspiration as an entrepreneurial film maker?
M: That's a very good question. I get a lot of inspiration from the other urban moguls like Jay–Z, Puff Daddy, 50 Cent and other people who took concepts and ideas and became moguls ...people who took the idea of becoming a mogul and made it happen. You know the definition of a mogul: someone with power in the entertainment industry. Someone who took nothing and made it into something. Even local businessmen who start out small, like the businessman who takes a small donut shop and makes it grow into something larger like a chain of donut shops – they inspire me too.
Is there anyone that you hope to work with some day?
M: Spike Lee, John Singleton, Ice Cube, Sydney Portier, and the older noteworthy black entertainers of the past who went through the struggle of making it, like Dorothy Dandrage. Even those who have passed, I would have loved to have worked with some of them.
"I got my creativity from my mother."
Speaking of historical figures, is there a noteworthy historical person or event that you would like to do a film on?
M: My mother ...I got my creativity from my mother. She's passed on. If someone could tell her story, I would love to tell it through her eyes. Through the eyes of a single black woman, working 2 or 3 jobs, and raising 3 kids on her own. I think that the story of her struggle would benefit other independent urban women.
Let's talk a little about your recent film Domestic – Movie, could you tell us a little about it?
M: I was looking for a movie that I could produce and write. A few weeks before the whole Chris Brown and Rihanna situation I had a dream about a young boy and his father and dealing with abuse, and I realized that that would be really good timing. Because a lot of urban communities have been through and are going through the same situation.
Since it's an independent film not released in theaters, how do you plan on getting the word out?
M: News publications, internet media, small formats of radio and TV. Since this is a small independent project, old fashioned word of mouth is good for now.
What is the release date? And where can people buy the DVD?
M: The end of November, we're planning for November 30th.
Do you have any projects lined up after Domestic – Movie?
M: We are working on a futuristic project dealing with the American prison system. In the film, the authorities are talking about getting rid of all the jail systems in the country and making virtual reality prisons where the inmate's minds are imprisoned, not their physical body. It's a question of what to do with the inmate populations.
What made you choose this topic?
M: Back in 1998 while in film school I chose to do a short film on this topic and got a good response from it and thought a motion picture would be great.
Do you know anyone personally who has been affected by the prison system?
M: Yes, of course. Some of my close friends and family members. The urban population makes up the highest jail population in this country. The incarceration rate is too high.
"Before you do a crime, ask yourself: Is it worth your humanity..."
What is the reaction you hope to get from this film? What do you want people to take away from it?
M: I hope to inspire inmates and those that are on their way there to really think before they do something that will cause them to end up there. Before you do a crime, ask yourself: Is it worth your humanity, or losing your freedom, or the agony and pain that it brings upon your family? Inmates today are just numbers, if your in the system you are just a number to them.
Any last words for the people?
M: I really want to inspire people to no matter what put God first, and to follow your dreams and goals. Anything can happen. Don't give up. Follow your passions and your love – it's not about the money, don't be driven by financial goals only. Do something because you love it, not just for the money. Do what you want to do and don't give up on your passion!
Any words of wisdom for aspiring film makers?
M: Learn your craft; if your a director learn how to lead, learn your craft and know the business.
How can people contact you?
M: They can go to my website at UrbanMogulFilms.com, or reach me by email at markee@urbanmogulfilms.com
"I want to inspire... all of the urban community."
And finally, as we were wrapping up Markee had this to say, "I want to inspire everybody, not just black people but all of the urban community. Entertainment today is just sex, and using sex to sell – it's all about corporate greed and I want to break the barriers of that ...Entertainment is the way to reach people today."
Holla Back Y'all:
Holla Back Y'all:
DaLyfe.com Sponsors
