The Art of Storytelling

Hey everybody, it’s Matt Hines. We’re back with another episode of Hines On Air, and we’ve got an exciting show for you today. Our guest is a superstar in the film industry, Mr. Taylor Ri’chard. Did I pronounce that right?

Yes, you did. It’s Ri’chard, which is a very French name where I’m from in Louisiana. I added the hyphen to make sure people don’t pronounce it as Richard.

Taylor Ri’chard is a filmmaker, director, screenwriter, executive producer, and actor. He’s done it all and is the power behind the throne, making things happen in the film industry.

So, Taylor, how did you get started in this field?

I’ve always loved telling stories. I worked in Corporate America for many years, with companies like Blockbuster, AT&T, and Comcast. But corporate life wasn’t fulfilling for me. One day, I decided to quit and pursue my passion for filmmaking. It’s been a journey with highs and lows, but I’ve made my way in the industry.

What was the transition like from corporate to filmmaking?

I met Zach Davis, who became one of my business partners. We wrote and produced my first film, «The Final Project.» It was a steep learning curve, but it set me on the right path and taught me a lot about the craft.

Can you explain the recent writer’s strike and its impact on the industry?

The writer’s strike was largely about ensuring fair compensation in the age of streaming. With streaming services not making as much money as traditional broadcasting, writers weren’t being paid adequately for their work. Additionally, there were concerns about AI potentially taking over writing and acting jobs. The strike aimed to secure protections for writers and actors to ensure they can continue to work and be fairly compensated.

Where does your creative inspiration come from?

For me, long drives and music often spark ideas. I’ve kept a journal since the fourth grade, filled with thoughts and stories. Listening to music during drives helps me envision scenarios and reverse engineer concepts into scripts. I draw a lot of inspiration from people I meet and experiences I have.

You mentioned that your first film, «The Final Project,» didn’t open the doors you hoped it would. What did you learn from that experience?

I learned a lot about the technical aspects of filmmaking, like the importance of proper lighting. That film taught me to respect the craft more and pushed me to improve. I went back to school at SCAD to get my MFA and gain a deeper understanding of cinematography and film production.

You’ve had quite a journey. How did you overcome the challenges and doubts along the way?

Persistence and belief in myself were crucial. I remember knocking on doors to raise funds for my film. One day, I approached a stranger, pitched my project, and he ended up writing me a check for $150,000. It taught me the importance of asking for what you need and not giving up.

What are you working on now?

My latest project is a dark romantic comedy called «PS I Hate You.» It’s an anthology that follows the lives of six different people and how they intersect. It’s set to come out later this year, and I’m really excited about it.

You’re from Louisiana. What does the term “Coonass” mean?

It refers to a Cajun redneck, a term of pride for many in Louisiana. It’s not about race, but rather about being a tough, resilient person who can survive and thrive in challenging conditions.

Taylor, it’s been fantastic talking with you. Congratulations on all your success and thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Thank you for having me.

Thank you, everyone, for joining us on Hines On Air. Don’t forget to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more amazing guests and insightful discussions. See you next time!