Black Film. Black Culture. Black Consciousness - Reelblack

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in filmmaking but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Dennis, Founder of Reelblack Inc, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Reelblack is a full-service film production and promotion company based in Philadelphia, PA. Our mission is to educate, entertain, enlighten, and empower using the magic of film. We are probably best known for our series of interviews with the late Dick Gregory, which have earned millions of views on our YouTube channels. I feel our customer is anyone looking to gain insight into what it means to be Black on this planet.

Tell us about yourself

I fell in love with movies at an early age. I was fortunate to earn degrees from NYU Film School and The American Film Institute. In 2003, I officially started Reelblack as a hub for all that I do. In short, I love to share my knowledge of Black Cinema with the hope that people will engage and feel motivated to live their dreams.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Definitely building the YouTube channel to over a million subscribers. It feels good to know that the content I created and curated has reached and helped influence such a large group of people all over the planet.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

YouTube's decision to demonetize my platform in March 2022 was a major blow. It decimated me financially and has slowed our growth in many other ways. The fact that they still earn ad revenue from our content is very disheartening.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Do what you love. If you start from a place of love, it will never feel like work.
2. Know your audience and pay attention to what they tell you.
3. Know the rules--and know that the rules can change if you aren't the one making them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.reelblack.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reelblack/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelblack/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reelblack
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-dennis-a8405660/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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