Today we’d like to introduce you to Uba Udogwu.
Hi Uba, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I could remember, I’ve always been a storyteller. While life has pulled me in different directions over the years, filmmaking has always been where the heart is. From building documentaries to writing scripts, I’ve always looked at storytelling as a valve that allows me to express my creativity and passion. While I always strive for success, creating is something that I could honestly do for free and for the rest of my life.
I’ve always been fascinated with the inner workings of my favorite shows and movies, everything from casting to filming techniques. This naturally grew over the years, as my father was a writer and painter. He encouraged me to stay creative and so I wrote and learned and studied until I got to the point where I was comfortable with putting small productions up on YouTube. Now, I’m working on my first feature.
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 easy. As a son of Nigerian immigrants, I grew up about the caution that many black families had about raising an artist in America. They were doubtful, not about my talent, but about my chances in film. Back in the 90s, one could count the number of successful commercial black filmmakers on one hand. Right or wrong, they pushed me to go into something more tangible, like law.
Dealing with detours and the lack of resources and networking that comes with it has been my biggest challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a NYC based filmmaker and video editor. I currently run 22 Stone productions, where I aim to tell the stories about people and issues never get the shine. As a storyteller, my productions are nostalgic, vibrant and informative. They often center around black culture as well as elements of pop culture (film, TV, hip-hop, etc.)
The production I’m most proud of is something that I’m working on right now, a documentary on the magic and science of album covers in hip-hop. It’s been an honor to work alongside with members of that ecosystem (photographers, cover designers, DJs, record collectors, etc.) and I can’t wait to put the end product, my first feature, out in the world.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Take advantage of the tutorials on YouTube, people. We’ve been blessed with a resource that keeps on giving. I’ve learned a lot about trends and techniques using this. Also, major shout out to Adobe. The creative suite is amazing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.22stoneproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/22stoneproductions/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ubaudogwu
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/22stoneproductions
