When I first stepped into Hollywood, I thought I had a good idea of what it would take to make it. I’d grown up loving movies and TV, and I knew I wanted to tell stories that reflected my world and culture. What I didn’t realize back then was how much more there was to learn beyond just writing good scripts or directing scenes. Hollywood isn’t just about talent — it’s a complex, fast-moving industry full of challenges, opportunities, and pitfalls that nobody really prepares you for.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work on some incredible projects like Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, and create shows like Family Time. I’ve seen the highs and the lows, and through it all, I’ve learned a lot about what it really takes to build a career here. Now, as I prepare to release my book The Hollywood Blueprint, I want to share some of the lessons I wish someone had told me when I was starting out — the things they don’t teach you in film school or in the writer’s room but are just as important to your survival and success.
Talent Is Just the Starting Point
You can be the best writer, director, or actor in the world, but that alone won’t guarantee you success. Hollywood is a business, and like any business, it involves strategy, relationships, and knowing how to navigate a system that isn’t always fair or transparent. When I started, I quickly realized that understanding the politics behind the scenes, learning how to pitch your ideas, and knowing who to build trust with were just as crucial as the creative work itself.
It took me time to learn that you can’t just wait for opportunities to come to you — you have to be proactive, network intentionally, and always be ready to prove your value. Sometimes that means taking jobs that don’t seem glamorous or perfect because they open doors or build your reputation.
The Importance of Ownership and Control
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of ownership. In Hollywood, it’s easy to get caught up in just “getting your foot in the door” and forgetting to protect your work. Early in my career, I saw how creatives were often left out of the financial rewards because they didn’t understand contracts or gave away their rights too easily.
That’s why I’ve always fought to maintain ownership of my projects and to build Harvest Studios as a space where Black creatives can tell their stories and control their content. Ownership isn’t just about money — it’s about creative freedom and long-term legacy. If you don’t control your work, you risk losing the very thing that makes you unique.
The Rollercoaster Ride of Hollywood
If anyone tells you that Hollywood is a straight path to success, don’t believe it. The truth is it’s a rollercoaster — full of ups, downs, unexpected twists, and moments where you question everything. You will face rejection, projects that fall apart, deals that don’t close, and times when it feels like the doors are closing on you.
What keeps you going is resilience. Learning to pick yourself up after a setback and keep pushing forward is key. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, including family and close collaborators, helps more than you know. For me, my family isn’t just my support system — they are part of the creative team, and that bond gives me strength on tough days.
Mentorship and Giving Back Matter
When I was coming up, I didn’t always have the guidance I needed to navigate this complicated industry. That’s why I believe strongly in mentorship. If you’re lucky enough to find mentors or allies who believe in your talent and are willing to share their knowledge, hold on to them. Their experience can save you from mistakes and open doors you didn’t know existed.
And once you get a seat at the table, it’s just as important to bring others with you. That’s why my family and I work together not just to tell stories but to lift up new talent and create opportunities for others. Hollywood can be tough, but when you build a community that supports each other, everyone wins.
Be Prepared to Work Harder Than You Think
Hollywood has a reputation for glamour, but the reality is that it takes a lot of hard work, long hours, and patience. Writing scripts, rewriting, pitching, producing — it’s not just creative, it’s a grind. I often say that passion alone isn’t enough; you need stamina and a strong work ethic to survive.
Part of that hard work is learning the business side — how deals are made, what contracts mean, how to protect yourself legally. I’m still learning every day, and that’s why I’m writing The Hollywood Blueprint — to give people a real guidebook to help them navigate this complicated terrain.
Trust Your Voice and Your Story
Finally, and most importantly, never lose sight of why you started. Hollywood can pressure you to change your voice or compromise your vision to fit trends or commercial expectations. But the stories that have the biggest impact — the ones that last — come from authenticity.
Tell the stories that matter to you. Tell the stories that honor your culture and your experience. When I created shows like Love That Girl! and Family Time, it was because I wanted to show Black families in a way that felt real and positive, something I hadn’t seen enough of growing up.
Making it in Hollywood is tough, but it’s possible. It takes more than talent — it takes hustle, resilience, business savvy, and a community that supports you. As I get ready to share my full story in The Hollywood Blueprint, I hope these lessons help others who are just starting out or feeling lost in this industry.
If you’re passionate about telling your story, keep pushing. Learn everything you can. Protect your work. Build your tribe. And above all, stay true to yourself.