From HBO’s Def Poetry Jam to pioneering AI-powered filmmaking, Dr. Ric Mathis has redefined what it means to be a storyteller within the digital age. The Atlanta-based filmmaker and FAA-certified drone pilot isn’t simply creating documentaries – he’s revolutionizing how tales are informed, incomes presidential recognition and reworking the panorama of Black cinema alongside the way in which.
With award-winning movies like “The Movie Black Friday” collection and the latest “B1 The Film,” Mathis has mastered the fragile steadiness between cutting-edge expertise and cultural authenticity. His story started in South Georgia, however his affect now spans globally by means of the West Finish Filmmakers studio and Gwen Lewis Basis, the place he continues to push the boundaries of digital storytelling whereas guaranteeing the following technology of Black filmmakers has the sources to share their very own narratives.
Share three inventive expertise insights that you just skilled as you do expertise influence work.
Immersive Storytelling: The usage of digital actuality (VR) and augmented actuality (AR) has reworked how I craft tales, permitting audiences to step immediately into the narratives.
AI-Powered Enhancing: Instruments like, Riversidefm Auphonic.ai and HeyEddie an AI-assisted enhancing device have streamlined post-production, enhancing storytelling with sooner and extra exact workflows.
Drone Cinematography: Increasing my FAA-certified drone experience has opened up gorgeous aerial views that add depth and dimension to my initiatives. Opening a movie with a cinematic drone shot is really priceless and units the tone for the movie.
What have been the 2 excessive factors of your 12 months?
Internet hosting AI Media Mixer occasions that bridged creatives, expertise, and storytelling in modern methods.
Getting my half 107 FAA drone license and educating college students find out how to fly drones and the influence drones can have on the longer term.
What have you ever completed to raise your self and what you are promoting?
I’ve prioritized strategic networking, internet hosting occasions like The Way forward for Storytelling to carry collectively key trade gamers whereas integrating AI to reinforce manufacturing effectivity and develop service choices.
What did you study your self that taught you one thing new?
I noticed the ability of failing ahead was a check of my resilience and adaptableness—regardless of the problem, at all times working from a spot of resilience, my means to pivot with expertise and traits retains me forward in a aggressive trade.
How do you see your self incorporating AI in 3 ways that may make you a distinct and extra profitable model?
Personalized Viewers Insights: Utilizing AI to research viewers preferences for focused content material creation.
Digital Manufacturing: Incorporating AI into digital units for cost-efficient, visually gorgeous productions. And utilizing AI instruments like Sora and Google’s Veo to create textual content to video scenes for productions.
Interactive Narratives: Creating AI-driven storytelling experiences the place audiences affect outcomes.
How did you take heed to folks with a brand new ear for worth sharing?
By actively partaking in conversations with a mindset of collaboration, I’ve targeted on understanding the wants and values of others, guaranteeing each partnership advantages each events. That is what I name creating win-win conditions for everybody.
The place did you journey that made you recognize tradition extra?
Throughout my latest go to to Bermuda for the screening of B1 The Film, I developed a profound appreciation for the island’s intricate historical past, resilience, and cultural identification. One story that resonated deeply with me was that of Sarah Sally Bassett, a local Bermudian who, on June 21, 1730, was burned on the stake after being accused of poisoning three white folks. Her story left an indelible impression on me, not simply due to the tragic injustice she suffered, however due to what it reveals about Bermuda’s colonial previous.
To think about such a horrific act happening on a small, 22-mile-long island speaks to the depths of human cruelty throughout that period, in addition to the complicated layers of resistance and survival embedded within the African diasporic expertise. Sarah’s execution was meant to instill concern, but her story has grown far past the intentions of her oppressors. She has change into a Bermudian legend, a logo of defiance in opposition to oppression and a permanent determine of braveness.
Her legacy is now etched into Bermuda’s collective reminiscence, serving as each a reminder of the injustices of the previous and an inspiration for the continued pursuit of justice and fairness. Sarah Sally Bassett’s identify will eternally be woven into the material of Bermudian historical past—a testomony to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability of storytelling to protect the voices of those that refused to be silenced. Her story compels us to confront uncomfortable truths whereas honoring her as a logo of power and resistance. It’s a story that deserves to be shared, studied, and remembered for generations to come back.
Identify three people who impressed you and what you realized from them.
Anthony Browder: The significance of reclaiming and preserving cultural historical past. He’s the primary particular person of coloration to steer an excavation within the historical temple of Egypt.
Michael V Roberts, Sr.: I realized the significance of being a Visionary, Entrepreneur and Actionair. Being profitable at something is about taking motion!!!
Munson Steed (Enterprise proprietor): I realized the significance of staying pushed and motivated to succeed and win in enterprise.
How will the world see you in a different way within the new 12 months?
The world will see me as a trailblazer integrating expertise with storytelling, leveraging AI to innovate each content material and distribution, whereas remaining deeply rooted in cultural authenticity.
Identify three podcasts that you just take heed to and would advocate to others and why.
Earn Your Leisure: Sensible insights on wealth-building and entrepreneurship.
The Black Tech Inexperienced Cash Podcast: Bridging the hole between Black tradition and expertise.
How I Constructed This with Man Raz: Inspirational tales of constructing profitable manufacturers.
How does religion provide you with braveness and power?
Religion grounds me, reminding me that each problem is a chance for progress. It gives the readability and braveness to pursue daring objectives and uplift others within the course of. With the mindset, {that a} profitable life is one which conjures up others to be nice!!!
Two books you’d advocate.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: A timeless lesson on pursuing one’s objective.
The Energy of Now by Eckhart Tolle: A information to mindfulness and presence in a fast-paced world.