Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Robinson.
Hi Andre, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
While searching for my footing in the video freelancing world after working seven years in team sports, my next endeavor led me to Dallas, Tx.
It began with a Twitter message from Mavericks Social Media Manager, Becca Genecov and a quick phone call from Mike Marshall, Sr. Director of Digital Content, to come and use my skillset for the 2021-22 basketball season.
I’ve been no stranger to Dallas, from traveling on road games as a video producer with the LA Clippers for the past three seasons to a few college football games in AT&T Stadium with The Ohio State Football program in the prior years. But my eventual move to the city was a rough start after being hired by a different organization that didn’t go as planned, and then gratefully, a few months later, I was re-introduced to the city by the Dallas Mavericks.
Other journey facts:
From Columbia, South Carolina.
I started filming in high school, but it became something for me while attending SC State University (HBCU).
Transferred to Clemson University and worked with the football team during their two national championship runs.
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?
This move to Dallas tested me in the form of self-doubt and overcoming depression.
Taking a leap of faith was nothing new for me, but there is always fear when taking a new step at a more challenging stage.
I reflect on my earliest leaps in deciding to drop out of school at Clemson University and leaving my family scratching their heads and puzzled. I was faith-driven to see what God had for me. Though my family and friends didn’t understand, my spirit pushed me to the edge of jumping for my dreams. My wings emerged and carried me in the faith that my gift would make room, and it did!
It was more challenging in this case with Dallas because my struggle was internal. I had to go through the test of the uncontrollable failures of life. My world took a downhill spiral when my original plans did not work out with a particular organization in the city. I also lost my former intern and friend, who died at a young age, and I had personal equipment that was destroyed in a flood in my apartment and wave after wave of adversity in other personal channels. As a result, I found myself in therapy weekly for months and coaching myself not to give in to what was happening. I felt like Dallas wasn’t for me because it was a place that gave me so much pain in a short period but returning here to work with the Dallas Mavericks had been nothing but a blessing.
As the storm is passing, I’m so grateful that I went through it. I’m stronger and better, and my sense of life has more clarity. I’m open about mental health and depression and ask for help. My test of yesterday has strengthened my faith for my next jump.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wear many hats when it comes to my craft, but I’m a director. I speak authentically through film and execute my vision for a project. I taught myself how to master shooting to show people what I wanted people to see. I taught myself how to edit for people to experience the emotion I want them to feel. My current practice is improving my writing skills to communicate my ideas for the buy-in. Honestly, I don’t even think I’ve accomplished anything yet. I like that all of my past work is helping me aim for the targets I plan to hit.
In another light, the hat I’m most proud about wearing is being an example and inspiration to others. I cherish every chance to speak to high school and college students to encourage them to bet on themselves. Just receiving messages from other young black creatives and even my family members who look up to me is something I don’t take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Email: mystateproduction@gmail.com
- Website: https://express.adobe.com/page/5OnKvtJH0tAQE/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andremrobinson/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreMRobinson
Image Credits
N8 Visuals
