Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Brown.
Hi Michael , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Journey into Filmmaking
My journey into filmmaking began in the early 2000s. At the time, my barber was making home videos while I was focused on writing books. One day, he suggested that we make a movie together. I wrote the screenplay, and because I didn’t know any better, I wrote it in play format. We made that film, and through the process, I discovered something far greater than I expected: a desire to create stories that could truly impact the world.
After that experience, I stepped away from filmmaking for nearly a decade. I immersed myself in the workforce, but storytelling never left me. I continued to write short stories, and the people I worked with would look forward to hearing each new one every day. Then came *Lean on Me*, starring Morgan Freeman. That film changed everything for me. It reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.
A month later, I lost my job. Searching for direction, I spent my days at the Dallas Public Library, where two entire floors were dedicated to books on screenwriting and filmmaking. I spent a year reading every single one. Even after returning to work, I spent my weekends there, studying and sharpening my understanding of the craft.
Eventually, I began visiting film sets, observing how a production truly operates. My business partner, Eric King, and I decided to make our first film, literally shooting it ourselves. We invested our 401(k)s into the project but couldn’t complete it. It was, without question, the most expensive film school I could have attended, but it became the foundation for everything I know today.
Later, I visited another set and realized something vital: I couldn’t do everything myself. So I hired a producer who brought in a fifty-person crew. That decision changed everything. For the first time, I was able to focus solely on storytelling, on shaping performances, tone, and emotion, rather than juggling makeup, props, or set design. It was in that moment I truly became a filmmaker.
Today, through **Poorchild Films** and **King & Brown Entertainment**, my mission is to create films that move people to think, feel, and heal. I believe in telling stories that reflect real human struggles and triumphs—stories that offer hope, redemption, and purpose. Every project I take on is a reflection of the lessons I’ve learned along the way: perseverance, faith, and the belief that no dream is too far out of reach when passion leads the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road by any means. Every step of my journey has been marked by challenges, sacrifices, and hard lessons that shaped me into the filmmaker I am today. Early on, I learned that passion alone was not enough to complete a film. There were times when I invested everything, including my savings, my time, and even my peace of mind, only to watch projects fall short because I did not yet understand how to manage all the moving parts of production.
There were moments when doors closed, funding fell through, or I was forced to start over from scratch. Each setback taught me something essential about faith, endurance, and trusting the process. I learned to surround myself with the right people, to build a team that believed in the vision as much as I did, and to create not from frustration but from purpose.
The toughest lessons came during the times when I felt most alone, when the camera stopped rolling, the money ran out, or the industry felt too big to break into. Through it all, I never stopped writing. I never stopped learning. Every obstacle I faced became a scene in the larger story of who I am as a storyteller. Those struggles did not break me; they refined me. They taught me that filmmaking is not just about creating art. It is about endurance, belief, and the courage to keep going even when the world tells you to quit.
Those challenges are the reason I tell stories of faith, redemption, and resilience today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a filmmaker, writer, and storyteller dedicated to creating emotionally grounded stories that explore faith, redemption, and the human spirit. Through my production companies, Poorchild Films and King & Brown Entertainment, I focus on developing character-driven narratives that speak to the heart while reflecting real-life struggles and triumphs. My work often bridges the gap between pain and purpose, showing how faith and perseverance can transform even the darkest moments into hope.
I specialize in creating films that feel deeply personal and universally relatable. Whether it is a small, intimate story about loss and forgiveness or a larger ensemble drama exploring community and resilience, my goal is always the same: to move audiences to think, feel, and heal. I take pride in crafting stories that do not just entertain but inspire reflection and conversation long after the credits roll.
What I am most proud of is the authenticity of my journey and the impact my films have had on those who see them. Every project I produce is rooted in truth and built with heart. I have worked with incredible talent and dedicated crews who share a common belief that storytelling can change lives. Seeing audiences connect emotionally to a film or hearing that someone was moved to see hope in their own situation reminds me why I do this work.
What sets me apart is my commitment to purpose-driven filmmaking. I am not chasing trends or formulas. I am building stories from real experiences and emotional honesty. I believe in the power of collaboration, in giving emerging artists a platform, and in creating work that leaves a lasting imprint on both the screen and the soul. My films are not just stories; they are reflections of faith, resilience, and the beauty of redemption.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor in this industry is not always easy, but it starts with humility and a willingness to learn. You have to be open to listening, observing, and accepting guidance, even when it challenges your comfort zone. I believe mentorship is not just about finding someone to guide you but about earning the right to be taught. When people see that you are serious, consistent, and passionate about what you do, they will invest their time and wisdom in you.
My best advice is to show up. Go to film festivals, workshops, set visits, and industry events, even if you do not know anyone. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and be genuine. People remember authenticity more than anything else. Some of my most meaningful relationships in film did not come from networking mixers, but from being present and putting in the work. Someone notices when you show up early, stay late, and give one hundred percent to a project. That is how mentorships are formed—through respect and shared purpose.
Networking, for me, has always been about connection, not transaction. I approach people with the intent to build relationships, not to get something out of them. Over time, I learned that the right people would come into your path when your purpose is clear. It is about being patient, building trust, and letting your work speak for you.
What has worked best for me is consistency. I make sure that every time someone encounters my work or my name, they associate it with quality, integrity, and passion. The industry is small, and your reputation will walk into rooms long before you do. My advice is to focus on doing the work, remain teachable, and always remember that humility and perseverance open more doors than talent alone ever could.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.legend.brown
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClKhv7_uR6rqDc8ajv3PlEw
