Sam Hick's debut film premieres today! (Exclusive interview)

Tune in to the indie film with us

Sam Hicks is wearing a suit today, and if you know anything about his story, you'd know that he has every right to. A few months back, we documented his incredible journey as an up and coming filmmaker. His passion and dedication towards his craft stood out to us as he fought to produce his award winning film "Outgrown". The indie film, directed by 2020 Sundance Producer’s award recipient Huriyyah Muhammad, takes place during the golden age of Hip Hop, as two kids go on a journey to their dream concert. It was a festival favorite and a testament to the meticulous detail that was poured into every frame. Today, Sam and his team can rejoice, as his self financed debut can finally be seen by the world. Outgrown premiered this morning on the streaming platform UP Faith & Family.Along with today's victory, Sam has continued to pump out acclaimed projects like the upcoming film "Varnel" which also has secured a distribution deal. The story centers around an aspiring actor in New York struggling to leave his job, with Sam serving as the Producer, Co-Director and Director of Photography. We had to catch up to him to talk to him about the good news and the latest developments in his career. It didn't surprise us that he wasn't the least bit content with his newfound place in the industry, as his ambition drives him towards the next goals. We're tuning in to Outgrown tonight, and we have a feeling there's gonna be a lot more suits and tuxedos in his filmmaking future.

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1. First off congratulations on securing distribution, that's major. We're well aware of the trials and tribulations you went through to create Outgrown. Was it any easier this time around with Varnel?

Producing Varnel was absolutely easier, I learned a lot from creating Outgrown and I was to take those learn lesson to enhance Varnel. I strategically hired my crew on Varnel. The were composed of a group of peers working towards a singular goal to make a great film. I’m very proud of my team who worked on Varnel. I have to give credit to my producing partner London Williams, he’s worked on both Outgrown and Varnel, he’s very experienced and talented. He identifies solutions to problems before they ever come to set, which allows me to produce and DP.

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2. Both of your projects in different ways are tied to individuals who are determined to follow their dreams, despite their circumstances. Would you say that you pull inspiration for these projects from your own life and ambitions?

At the core of my identity I consider myself a Dreamchaser. So yes, I would say I pull inspiration from my own life and other success stories. I love to read about black people who overcame insurmountable obstacles to achieve their dreams. It gives me the confidence to say if that person, who looks just like me and come from a background like me can achieve success, I can too. That’s what its all about, inspiring others to reach their fullest potential.

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3. We're going to be tuned in to your film for sure. What are some emotions that you're feeling leading up to the premiere?

I’ve been feeling an emotion of gratitude. People told me Outgrown would never get picked up. We received over 30 rejections from different film festivals. But the festivals and people who supported outweighed any and every doubt that was ever whispered to me. I traveled all of the country screening Outgrown at festivals and kids from every race and gender would come up to me excited. Most of them asked about the helicopter or they were fascinated with the concert scene. I’m grateful to partner with Up Faith and Family to premiere Outgrown. They are a faith based family friendly network and I’m happy kids and adults can enjoy the film together.

"Filmmaking is a team sport, so hurry to find your team who encourage you, hold you accountable and work with you to make your film."

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4. I watched a video after your first film where you stated that Huriyyah Muhammad advised to strengthen your portfolio with another project. You now have two films under your belt, with distribution secured for both. Not to mention a nice DP set up as well. Do you feel like you've officially "Arrived" in the industry yet?

Not at all, my dreams are so big. I want to build a production company like Tyler Perry Studios. He’s built a vertical integration production company. He owns everything, the studios, production equipment, he controls the writing, directing. He hires who he wants and he controls the distribution. Tyler Perry realizes the importance of ownership, a topic I fiercely agree with. I still have a long way to go.

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5. What advice would you give to Sam of yesteryear, fighting to make his first film a reality? What would say for all the filmmakers looking to take that leap?

The advice I would give to Sam of yesteryear, is to educate myself on Distribution of films. Go to NAPTE and AFM and build relationships with TV Networks and Film Distribution companies. Find out who is buying what and sharpen my pitching skills. The advice I would give to filmmakers is to be intentional about finding filmmakers in your community that can turn your weaknesses into strengths. Filmmaking is a team sport, so hurry to find your team who encourage you, hold you accountable and work with you to make your film.WATCH OUTGROWN HERE

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