Why I created Crown Me Royal Film Fest - Chassidy Jade
Do you know what a Set Designer is? How about a Digital Media Coordinator? Maybe you’ve heard of a Foley Mixer or a Switchboard operator? Yea…I didn’t either until I entered the media industry in 2011. There are hundreds of jobs in Film, Television, & Digital Media that the general public has no idea exists. As a video editor for the past 12 years who’s black, young, and female — it’s still slim pickings when it comes to diversity amongst people of various backgrounds. When I first started I had no idea what I was doing and the industry was nothing like art school. In Miami, my friends were so diverse and we were hungry to take over Hollywood only to find out there was no one who looked like us or would understand our projects.
When it comes to diversity in media, sexism and racism obviously play their part, but it’s DEFINITELY an exposure issue. Hollywood doesn’t put what they call “below the line” workers on the covers of magazines. Granted we don’t want to be stars, but we should be acknowledged. I thought to myself, what if I totally disrupted the idea of a “film festival” and solely focused on people behind the scenes. Not just any people, but BLACK FOLK. So I called all of my friends who are now at BET, Shondaland, the NBA, etc, and told them to pull up like Rihanna told me. I couldn’t stop at the main course. Let’s throw in some sides of local indie music and black art for the culture. And the name? Crown Me Royal Film Fest
On a music video set with Director of Photography and longtime friend, Dominic Easter ( DP for Future, Pitbull, Lil’ Wayne)
What if we really threw some hot sauce in the potlikker and hosted this event, not in LA or even Atlanta, but in MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. That’s right friends, I’ve completely lost my mind now! Memphis is a breeding ground for talent however film hasn’t been in the conversation with the big boys of music and art. And when it comes to black filmmakers…I think you know the answer. I started hosting my own events years ago because no one understood “what to do with me” while I was promoting my films. Instead of just having a basic film screening, I always mixed in art, music, and my cultural elements.
Crown Me Royal Film Fest will have some of the biggest heavy hitters coming to train and inspire the next generation of talent. Imagine taking a class from the NBA’s senior editor (oh that’s me) or speaking directly to a voice actor from BET. What about a black woman who has her own show on HGTV who lives right here in Memphis. Also, there will be tons of activities in-between like pottery making, sunset yoga, and live DJ sets. The nightly events will include a purple carpet gala, old school movie night, and our most beloved event Visuals & Vibes. Imagine what this can do not only for the City of Memphis but an entire industry in the south.
We are in a generation where opportunities are unlimited to those who can afford it. I was that kid at 15 years old, in and out of Juvenile ready to be some knucklehead's ride-or-die chick until I received a camera that turned my life around. My mom could never afford to buy me that or understand the possibilities of where it could take me. I was blessed to have a village that carried me even when I couldn’t see my own purpose. I want to recreate that village with all my industry family and friends who are more than willing to be a beacon of resources. With the second-largest black film studio coming to Memphis, our partner BLP Studios, this work is necessary. CMRFF is about quality and growth for aspiring media professionals. We are capable of creating our own spaces to build opportunities in the community for filmmakers and innovating creatives.
Film Premiere of Beyond The Lights in South Beach with Director Gina Prince-Blythewood (Love & Basketball, Old Guard, Secret Life of Bees)
I get it, film festivals are amazing. I mean who doesn’t want to be selected to Sundance or ABFF. The inspiration that comes from these events is undeniably uplighting — a film nerd's wet dream. However, I never saw masterclasses or panels with other high-end editors. I’ve personally never seen a below-the-line crew member featured at a major film festival stage. And the price - who can afford $1,000+ for an all-access pass with no guarantee to enter certain events. I remember taking out payday loans in art school just to grab tickets to the few events & screenings I could afford. This is NOT to say these festivals don’t play a major role in our careers, I just want to curate something for the unseen. Let’s make this accessible in an area that needs to see Hollywood is bigger than Los Angeles and no matter where you come from, you can live your dreams.
In retrospect, yes this is something different. A very wild idea in an unfamiliar place to the film industry. However, I have zero doubt about how Crown Me Royal Film Fest will spark opportunities and inspire people of all ages. Our partners at BLP Studios are truly making this possible. The majority of the proceeds will go towards the Royal Eye Foundation which gives film equipment and grants to graduating film students. So tell your friends to pull up from LA to the Carolinas. This is only the beginning. Make sure you get your tickets today at www.crownmeroyallabs.com/filmfest. I am forever thankful, with love. -CJ :)
