Experience

Defected Records

• United Kingdom
• Media Production
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Creative Director, Co-Director, Writer

  • Feb 2020 - Present

  For over two years I've worked with Defected and Classic music as a recording artist, working with Luke Soloman, Honey Dijon, Dave + Sam, Jason Kriv and Tim Kvasnosky. Because I was able to organically parlay my other creative skills, I've been able to add Creative Director to my experience with them. On the 3-part animation (part one below), I worked directly with (A&R) Luke Soloman and (Music Producer + DJ) Honey Dijon to build out, and ultimately, write a three-part animation. We then hired Ciran McCusker and his team of 5 animators to bring this story to life. Although initially hired to creative director, I had the good fortune to also co-direct and write the animation with a fantastic team at Classic Music + Defected Records. I'm currently helping the same team build out an unannounced project in addition to new music I will be releasing with them. Full creates: Director: Corece/Ciran Executive Producer: Cat Cook Art Director: Ciaran McCusker Compositing & Editing: Ciaran McCusker Layout and Character Design: Marie Houssin, Mathias Lemaitre Sgard 2D Animation: Marie Houssin, Mathias Lemaitre Sgard, Ciaran McCuske Supplement Animation: Paul Raillard Show less



Independent

• Greater Los Angeles Area

• Recording Artist

  • Jan 2015 - Present



The Baldwin Archives Short Film

• Los Angeles, California, United States

• Music Supervisor

  • Dec 2021 - Feb 2022

  For this project I am working closely with the production team to come up with a dynamic score to elevate the already powerful material. For this project I am working closely with the production team to come up with a dynamic score to elevate the already powerful material.



LA Black LGBTQ Movement

• Los Angeles, California, United States

• Film Director and Music Composer

  • Aug 2020 - Sep 2020

  Working with the founder and CEO of the new LA Black LGBTQ movement was a pleasure. I was hired based on previous writing work I did for the organization which I got via recommendation, Malaku McCray. After successfully completing other work, and once Paul learned about my background in music and cinema, he asked me to pitch a PSA to direct and produce. I got the job and was able to produce, direct and compose the music for a very powerful piece encouraging people to vote; executing a successful outcome. The campaign was mainly for social media pushes, but it also exists on youtube (linked below). I was able to reach into my network and hire a former DePaul University student, Antonio Zapiain Luna, as my director of photography and editor. Show less



KillerMaple LLC

• Los Angeles, California, United States

• Film Director

  • Jul 2020 - Sep 2020

  Under my multi-media production company, Killer Maple LLC, I worked with D.Antione Dixson - of O3 Producitons - as the director of photography and Antonio Zapiain Luna as editor. On this production, I was able to create a specific tone and mood, playing with lighting, spatial (and depth) perception, in a 6ft X 6ft studio space. I also had the pleasure of casting the coveted, model Michael Rowles as my co-star. Under my multi-media production company, Killer Maple LLC, I worked with D.Antione Dixson - of O3 Producitons - as the director of photography and Antonio Zapiain Luna as editor. On this production, I was able to create a specific tone and mood, playing with lighting, spatial (and depth) perception, in a 6ft X 6ft studio space. I also had the pleasure of casting the coveted, model Michael Rowles as my co-star.



KillerMaple LLC

• Los Angeles, California, United States

• Producer and Director

  • May 2020 - May 2020

  Under my multi-media production company, I shot and directed my first video under the constraints of COVID-19. With the limitations, we filmed in separate locations, incorporating the quarantine into the creative vision of the story using a split-screen and other visual (and narrative) tools to juxtapose the music. Edited by Beverly Batzel 'I'm Scared' is a song that was released in May of 2020 in response to being an artist stuck at home with, song co-writer and video co-star, Priscilla Perry. I was the producer of the track, co-writer, and director of the music video, linked below. Show less



Maximum Fun

• United States
• Media Production
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Producer and Composer

  • Dec 2019 - Jan 2020

  A year later, now recognized as one of Apple's top podcasts I submitted to create the theme music for Maximum Fun's Fanti Podcast featuring renowned journalists Jarrett Hill and Tre'vell Anderson. A year later, now recognized as one of Apple's top podcasts I submitted to create the theme music for Maximum Fun's Fanti Podcast featuring renowned journalists Jarrett Hill and Tre'vell Anderson.



Christophe Roberts Studio NYC

• Brooklyn, NY

• Head Studio Producer and Manager

  • Apr 2016 - Apr 2017

  As the Head Producer at Christophe Roberts Studio, my day-to-day consists of making sure the flow of the company is productive and efficient. I make sure all of the parts are being utilized and the vision is realized. I'm in charge of: Engaging clients and maintaining relationships Creative Output for artist work Press and marketing execution Brand management Product Innovation and strategic planning Partnership analysis The position also relies on my ability to think through creative narratives, my grasp on semeiotics and passion for artist and the brand. Show less



ARRAY

• Los Angeles

• Executive/Personal Assistant to Ava DuVernay

  • Oct 2015 - Jan 2016

  • Maintain awareness of directors creative work along with the work of peers and up-and-coming talent • Perform detail oriented administrative tasks such as daily scheduling, rolling calls, managing expenses, and organizing important files and documents. • Serve as creative support by reading books/screenplays in order to provide professional input. • Seek out new ideas, films developable source material. • Engage industry executives, talent and agents on behalf of Ava • Basic personal assistant duties. Show less



Self employed

• Chicago, IL

• Filmmaker, Creator and Speaker

  • May 2006 - Oct 2015

  Guest Lecturer 2011 & 2010 • Spoke to Puerto Rican Chicago class on transnationalism and engaging communities through cinema. Panelist 2011 • One of four panelists who discussed personal narratives in art, HIV/AIDS, and race relations with author Zelda Lockhart. • Spoke on Art + Activism and how both can be used to engage communities and institutions. Men’s Formosus 2011 (Publishing Company) • Contracted Author for book of short stories, creative writing and photography (semi-autobiographical). Release Date: TBD For Colored Boys Who Committed Suicide When the Rainbow is Still Not Enough 2011 (Magnus Books) • Assistant editor • Photography used on official website • Essay “On Discovering Love” selected to be included in anthology—to be released spring 2012 Organization for Black Struggle (Key Note Speaker) • One of five speakers; spoke to a large audience about experience with oppression and the cycle of socialization. American Civil Liberties Union (Key Note Speaker) • Spoke to a large and diverse audience about the importance of allies in the struggle for social justice. Show less



TRUTH BE TOLD

• Producer

  • Aug 2013 - Sep 2015

  A docu-series covering the lives of queer black visionaries. Producer roles included: Budgeting Subject-engagment/booking Storytelling Creative strategizing Development Scheduling A docu-series covering the lives of queer black visionaries. Producer roles included: Budgeting Subject-engagment/booking Storytelling Creative strategizing Development Scheduling



Relativity Media

• United States
• Entertainment Providers
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Assistant for Multicultural Film Division

  • Aug 2014 - Aug 2015

  Executive Assistant, with Matt Alvarez and Josh Reinhold • Perform detail oriented administrative tasks such as daily scheduling, rolling calls, managing expenses, and organizing important files and documents. • Serve as creative support by reading books/screenplays in order to provide professional input. • Seek out new ideas, films developable source material. • Engage industry executives, talent and agents on behalf of Relativity in meetings and out-of-office occasions. Executive Assistant, with Matt Alvarez and Josh Reinhold • Perform detail oriented administrative tasks such as daily scheduling, rolling calls, managing expenses, and organizing important files and documents. • Serve as creative support by reading books/screenplays in order to provide professional input. • Seek out new ideas, films developable source material. • Engage industry executives, talent and agents on behalf of Relativity in meetings and out-of-office occasions.



BET.com

• Writing and Editing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Freelance Video Editor

  • Sep 2012 - Sep 2014

  Freelance Video Editor for BET.com video content. Freelance Video Editor for BET.com video content.



ThinkTank Digital

• Manhattan, New York

• Digital Strategist

  • Dec 2012 - Jul 2014

  •Worked with high-profile clients to effectively engage mainstream media outlets and develop social media presence. •Worked with high-profile clients to effectively engage mainstream media outlets and develop social media presence.



Gozamos

• Chicago, IL

• Writer

  • Jan 2011 - Jan 2013

  •Contributing writer on artists profiles, celebrity interviews, music and film Reviews, overall cultural critic. •Contributing writer on artists profiles, celebrity interviews, music and film Reviews, overall cultural critic.



DePaul University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Graduate Assistant for Men of Color Initiative

  • Jun 2010 - Jun 2012

  Supervise a staff of nine by collaborating about program development, administering tasks, leading weekly staff meetings, and assisting with their primary duties. Create and design programs such as: the 1st annual Men of Color Summer Institute Don't believe the hype symposium, and various community and inter-institution collaborations. Work on balancing budgets and other fiscal responsibilities such as quarterly and yearly reports. Editor of monthly newsletter and overseer of advertising for programmatic events. Successfully transferred professional skills and film experience for program development. Co-teacher for undergraduate explore Chicago course; arranged all community trips for three courses between 2010 and 2011; liaison and community expert. Show less



Chicago Gay History Project

• Research Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Writer

  • Jan 2008 - Jun 2012

  Multi-beat reporter Multi-beat reporter



The Daily Voice

• New York, New York

• Midwest Regional Correspondent

  • Oct 2007 - May 2012

  • New York Based online Publication • Writer; Midwest Regional Correspondent • New York Based online Publication • Writer; Midwest Regional Correspondent



Chicago Public Schools

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Tech Expo Intern

  • Sep 2009 - Jun 2010

  Contacted and coordinated community and corporate vendors for annual Technology Expo. Worked in central office and Nicholson Technology Academy to help improve technology programs and connect with community partners. Irwin W Contacted and coordinated community and corporate vendors for annual Technology Expo. Worked in central office and Nicholson Technology Academy to help improve technology programs and connect with community partners. Irwin W



Irwin W. Steans Center

• Chicago, IL

• Service Learning Coordinator and Special Project Coordinator

  • Jan 2008 - Jun 2010

  Visited between 2-5 community-based organizations per academic quarter to build/maintain relationship between sites and the Steans Center. Assessed needs of students and site representatives. Kept and updated heavy documentation for functionality of Steans Center. Created workshops around the cycle of socialization to train students and staff. Visited between 2-5 community-based organizations per academic quarter to build/maintain relationship between sites and the Steans Center. Assessed needs of students and site representatives. Kept and updated heavy documentation for functionality of Steans Center. Created workshops around the cycle of socialization to train students and staff.



NCCJ - The National Conference for Community & Justice

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Anytown Facilitor

  • May 2004 - May 2008

  • A training that taught staff members to look at oppression in the world and how we contribute to the cycle of oppression in society. It was a preparation for an eight-day institute. Delegate Training • Residential leadership experiences designed to promote understanding and cooperation among high school students from diverse ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. • A training that taught staff members to look at oppression in the world and how we contribute to the cycle of oppression in society. It was a preparation for an eight-day institute. Delegate Training • Residential leadership experiences designed to promote understanding and cooperation among high school students from diverse ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.



Project ARK/Washington University

• Peer Mentor Manager

  • Feb 2004 - Jun 2006

  Managed a staff of twelve Built peer relationships that increase LGBTQ youth's sense of empowerment and self-esteem and to reduce risk-taking behavior. Trained and supported youth in making positive choices along their road of sexual development and responsibility. Worked with at risk men of color and other patients Managed a staff of twelve Built peer relationships that increase LGBTQ youth's sense of empowerment and self-esteem and to reduce risk-taking behavior. Trained and supported youth in making positive choices along their road of sexual development and responsibility. Worked with at risk men of color and other patients