A Journey in Atlanta's Film Industry: Meet Sedrick Lakpa

On episode 24, we chat with Sedrick Lakpa, a product of two immigrant parents – his mom is from Sierra Leone and dad is from Ivory Coast in West Africa – who was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.

Having been interested in film ever since high school, he majored in Film Studies while attending college at Emory University. During his time at Emory, he participated in the student film festival Campus Movie Fest, created his own student television sketch comedy show, and launched a chapter of Sustained Dialogue among many other activities.

After graduating from college, Sedrick began familiarizing himself with the rising film and commercial industry in Atlanta by working various jobs as a production assistant to set dresser to even freelance videographer for projects with Teach for America.

In his 11 years working in the film industry, Sedrick has quite an extensive resume including working on Marvel Studios' Avengers: Infinity Wars, On the Day Productions' Life of the Party, and Bonanza Productions' The Originals and Vampire Dairies to name a few. Having been a set dresser, he is now working to become a writer and director that tells stories about Atlanta through his venture @unitedstorytellers.

A few points he shares:

1. Working for free can pay off. Showing great work ethic while working as an unpaid production assistant helped Sedrick prove himself and build relationships with people who ultimately helped him join the union and recommended him for paid gigs.

2. Most of the opportunities in the film industry are based on relationships. Networking and having a good reputation are critical.

3. Don't be afraid to ask questions about things you don't know. Faking it until you make it doesn't always work; sometimes you need to ask for clarification to understand what others expect of you.

4. Storytelling is important. Tell stories that you really care about. Your passion and expertise will build an audience.

5. Don't get stuck doing something that you're really good at that you really don't like. It may be easy, but it won't make you happy.

Connect with Sedrick!

Instagram:

• https://www.instagram.com/80sbabysed/
• https://www.instagram.com/unitedstorytellers/

Facebook

Also mentioned on this episode: Trevor Noah's audiobook Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

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Produced by Ken Inge of Dead End Hip Hop