Roderick McClure of RodFather Productions: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
Fail Forward: Failure is an inevitable part of any journey however each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embracing failure has made me more resilient and innovative.
As a part of our series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker”, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Roderick McClure.
With a pure love for cinema, RodFather Productions, founded by Roderick McClure and co-operated by Joshua Ferrell, was created to bring dynamic and intriguing stories to the screen.
Based out of Atlanta, GA, this family operated production company is unlike any other and truly puts the “cool factor,” into filmmaking. The dynamic of Roderick and Joshua (father and son-in-law) is one that has the actors of their most recent production already nipping at their heels to collaborate again. Creating an environment where talent and crew are celebrated, well-cared for, and ideas are freely flowing, has led to RodFather becoming a “game-changer” in the film industry. It’s all about “family” on a RodFather production set.
After countless dates to the movies with his wife, Roderick felt that a genre of stories had taken a back seat to action driven ones. With a solid portfolio, he used his reach, ambition, and creative drive to form RodFather as a way to bring fresh and inspiring stories to the silver screen.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit of the ‘backstory’ of how you grew up?
My passion for storytelling stems from my own experiences and the transformative power of cinema. Growing up, films were a window to a world beyond my lower income community and dysfunctional family, shaping my dreams and aspirations. We look for narratives that are not only unique but also reflect diverse experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to tell real stories about real people, showcasing that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
My journey into the filmmaking career was born out of a deep-seated passion for storytelling and collaboration. My son-in-law and I were brainstorming our next business venture, seeking something that would not only be a smart investment but also allow us to make a meaningful impact. We realized that filmmaking provided the perfect medium to tell powerful stories, evoke emotions, and connect with a global audience. This realization sparked our journey into the world of cinema, and we haven’t looked back since.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your filmmaking career?
One of the most serendipitous and interesting experiences in my filmmaking career happened while sailing across France. By sheer coincidence, we docked in Cannes on the very first day of the renowned film festival. Without any prior planning, we decided to buy day passes, not expecting much. To our surprise, we ended up mingling with some industry heavyweights, forming connections that proved invaluable for our future projects. It was a perfect blend of God and opportunity, reminding us of His unpredictable yet thrilling nature.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
One of the most fascinating individuals I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with is Clarence Avant, often referred to as the Black Godfather of the entertainment industry. Clarence was a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, and I was fortunate enough to have lunch with him every time I visited Los Angeles over the years. These lunches were more than just meals; they were masterclasses in the art of networking, storytelling, and industry insight. Clarence’s stories and advice were instrumental in shaping my approach to filmmaking and business. His life is so impactful that there’s a documentary about him on Netflix, which I highly recommend.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Clarence Avant. His mentorship and the wealth of knowledge he imparted to me were invaluable. Clarence was always willing to introduce me to key figures in the industry, opening doors that would have otherwise remained closed. Clarence’s guidance and support were instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of the industry.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite life lesson quote is, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” This quote has been a guiding principle throughout my life, teaching me the importance of taking initiative and being proactive. Early in my career, I realized that waiting for opportunities to come my way wasn’t going to get me where I wanted to be. Embracing this quote, I became a self-starter, actively seeking out projects and collaborations, and creating opportunities for myself and others. This mindset has been crucial in overcoming challenges and achieving my goals.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
One of the most exciting projects I’m currently working on is the story of Michael Hollis, an African-American entrepreneur who, at just 27 years old, founded an airline in Atlanta during the mid-80s, despite having no prior experience in the aviation industry. This project is not only a fascinating tale of determination and innovation but also a tribute to breaking barriers and challenging the status quo. Bringing Michael’s story to life on the big screen is both a privilege and a thrilling endeavor, as it highlights themes of perseverance, ambition, and the power of dreams.
Which aspect of your work makes you most proud? Can you explain or give a story?
Our commitment to using our platform to open doors for others. There were a lot of “firsts” in our project ‘Both Eyes Open’: Our Writer and Director, Ariel Julia Hairston’s first feature she has written, Gail Bean’s first film she’s Executive Produced, Amer-Marie Woods first feature she has produced, Grant Smucker’s first feature film as DP, etc.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- The Joy of Creation: I wish someone had told me earlier how exhilarating and fun the filmmaking process can be. The creative freedom and the joy of bringing stories to life are unparalleled. If I had known this, I would have started much sooner in my career.
- The Power of Networking: Building a strong network is crucial. Meeting and learning from industry veterans like Clarence Avant taught me that relationships are key to opening doors and seizing opportunities.
- Fail Forward: Failure is an inevitable part of any journey however each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embracing failure has made me more resilient and innovative.
- Impact on Lives: The profound impact that storytelling can have on people’s lives is something I wish I had understood earlier. Films have the power to inspire, educate, and change perspectives. Realizing this has made my work even more meaningful.
- The Importance of a Strong Team: Having a dedicated and passionate team is essential. Filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and surrounding yourself with people who share your vision and commitment can make all the difference. My first feature film taught me the value of teamwork and collective effort.
When you create a film, which stakeholders have the greatest impact on the artistic and cinematic choices you make? Is it the viewers, the critics, the financiers, or your own personal artistic vision? Can you share a story with us or give an example about what you mean?
While all stakeholders play important roles, my own personal artistic vision usually guides the creative choices for the projects we decide to pursue, however for our current film ‘Both Eyes Open’ I empowered our Writer and Director, Ariel Julia Hairston, to have majority creative control and bring her script to life. We were able to collaborate effectively on specific things that I wanted to see in the film. It’s about finding a balance but never losing sight of what makes the story unique and compelling.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
If I could start a movement, it would be the “Pay It Forward” movement. The idea is simple: whenever you receive kindness, help, or an opportunity, you pass it on to someone else. This movement encourages a culture of generosity and support, creating a ripple effect of positive change. By fostering a community where everyone is committed to helping each other, we can collectively uplift and empower more people.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)
I would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix because of his close relationship with Clarence Avant, who was his father-in-law. I deeply regret not being able to speak with Clarence during the last year of his life, and I would cherish the opportunity to learn more about how he spent that time and the lessons he imparted to his family. It would be an incredible honor to connect with Ted and gain insights into both his professional journey and personal reflections.
How can our readers further follow you online?
They can follow us on Instagram at @rodfather_productions. We regularly share behind-the-scenes content, updates on new releases, and insights into the filmmaking process. We look forward to connecting with everyone!
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
