ShoutoutLA: Meet Meah Denee Barrington | Creative Producer & CEO, The Reel Noire Network
We had the good fortune of connecting with Meah Denee Barrington and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Meah Denee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My biggest thought behind starting my business was that I wanted to make the journey easier for someone else. I moved to NY with the hopes of working in the television and film industry. It was extremely hard! All I had was a college degree that I thought would get me in the door but that was not the case. When I did start freelancing and finding gigs as a production assistant I felt extreme imposter syndrome. I didn’t feel welcomed and I didn’t see anyone that looked like me, a young, Black woman.
Surprisingly, my business started as a blog where I wanted to highlight young creatives and put a spotlight on their work. Hopefully bringing the right eyes, support, and funding to their projects. My business grew on its own into what is today! The Reel Noire Network (formerly The Reel Effect) was built out of my desire to make the next generation’s journey easier! They could come to one website and find tips, tricks, and resources on how to navigate the media industry. They wouldn’t have to spend years networking, researching, and figuring out the film scene in New York, Los Angeles, or Atlanta. Instead, it would be housed on one website, within one community.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What you are most proud of or excited about?
Currently, I am most excited about the re-launch of my business, The Reel Noire Network! This business has been a BIG labor of love for several years and now I’m betting on myself and my dreams. I’m excited to show the world what I’ve been working on for the past six months with my business coach and website developer.
I think what separates The Reel Noire Network from many other entertainment websites is that it doesn’t just provide entertainment news but it disperses production resources as well. What I think our community will like the most is how focused we are on building up creatives either through entertainment, education, or holistically. Our events, workshops, and networking opportunities excite me because I know we are tapping into something different with our unique events. For example, our annual Reel High Film Screening we host for cannabis lovers and filmmakers! We screen amazing short films that are either comedies and /or incorporate cannabis in some way, and it’s been a great success. Partnering with local dispensaries and screening local and international films has been amazing.
How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
We definitely don’t have enough time to speak about the full journey of how I got here! I will say it wasn’t easy. There was a lot of trial and error. Fighting through imposter syndrome. Fighting my negative thoughts and continuing to believe in my dreams. I will say the only reason I continued on my journey was because when I thought about shifting careers or goals it never made me happy. The thought alone didn’t sit well with me and wasn’t even appeasing so I continued to persevere. Every time I thought about giving up my business I would take a break but I could never let go completely. I always thought about the bigger goals and knew I had a desire to see if I could make them happen.
I’ve learned a lot of lessons on my journey as an entrepreneur. I think the biggest ones are internal and mental lessons. Those lessons of truly believing in your instincts, blocking out others’ negativity and doubt, fighting through the fear of failure but also past the fear of success.
Within the past year, my mentality has shifted more into an abundance mindset, where I believe I can make everything I want come true. Especially, when I plan things out and break down my bigger goals into quarterly, monthly, and weekly goals! Everything is aligning perfectly even when there is a hiccup like me having to change my business name because of trademark concerns.
Outside of strengthening my mindset my biggest lesson has been learning how to be an entrepreneur. I don’t think enough people speak on the fact that everyone isn’t born an entrepreneur. Some of us didn’t start a business or hustle in middle school. Many of us didn’t go to business school. Learning the best organization methods, operating systems, and communication skills is a process, and building an entrepreneurial mindset is a process too. So take your time and give yourself grace during your journey.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love doing tourist things sometimes, and it’s the perfect time to do them with friends who are visiting. So of course taking a bike ride at Venice Beach is on the list. Also, take the time to visit the Academy Museum and visit The Dunes apartments from Insecure since I haven’t done it yet and because we are film lovers.
When it comes to food I really enjoy Alta restaurant, the vibe, cocktails, and food are great, and you can take some wine home too! Depending on how our energy levels are for brunch we might do Blaqhouse R&B brunch OR head to the rooftop at Harriet’s Rooftop.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I can shout out!! Women have played a BIG part in my journey. My mother, Renee, was always my first and biggest cheerleader when it came to me pursuing my dreams. My first set of freelance videography jobs was handed to me by a woman named Sabrina. I eventually transitioned out of waitressing and landed my first production assistant job on a major HBO show. Which was given to me through an amazing woman Veronique. And after that, I landed my first full-time media job at Conde Nast after Jordan and Zoe hired me!
Another special shout-out is for Manhattan Neighborhood Network! This public-access television station helped me stay afloat when I first moved to New York. When I didn’t have any money for camera equipment or editing software. I was able to use their resources to create content and maintain my skills while I navigated this industry.
Lastly, I give myself a shout-out for being faithful and motivated enough to keep going!
Website: https://www.thereelnoirenetwork.com
Instagram: @thereelnoirenetwork
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meahdeneebarrington/
Image Credits
Photographs include: Kobina DeGraft Johnson, Briana Felix, Vonecia Carswell, Dajuan Jones (main headshot)