Writing is a gift, and some people are blessed to tell stories that impact others. Karlton Clay… a writer, producer, and director from Georgia is one of them.
He uses his writing talents to create amazing characters and mind-blowing storylines that captivate and compel his viewers to have the ultimate viewing experience. Here is the conversation I had with Karlton Clay.
Tell us a little about yourself and what led you to want to make movies?
I was born in Augusta, Georgia. I graduated from John S. Davidson Fine Arts in 2004 and Georgia State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Film & Video.
I am also a cancer survivor. This year I celebrate 20 years of being in remission. I was diagnosed in March of 2002 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and then went into remission two months later.
I’ve always loved to write, and during my battle with cancer, I was inspired by God to start my production company, Victory Productions. I directed my first play in 2003, and in 2004 I wrote, directed, and produced my story “Leukemia & Me.” In 2006, while at Georgia State, I wrote, directed, and produced my first web series, “College Daze,” which lasted from 2006 to 2011. I moved back to Augusta to produce the last three seasons after I graduated with 5 seasons, and 60 episodes.
I just love to tell stories. I love creating characters, giving them personalities, and placing them in situations that people can truly relate to and hopefully learn from. To date, I have written, produced, and directed 15 series totaling 400+ episodes. Making movies/films has never really been a big goal of mine; I absolutely love doing series. It’s something about creating continuous story arcs and having seasons to develop these characters that appeal to me. However, it was the distribution deal that we won at the Miami Web Fest that allowed us to connect with Maverick Entertainment that catapulted me into wanting to make films.
At 16, being diagnosed with leukemia must have been hard. What was that moment like when you got the news and how did you get through it?
I was a sophomore, and I remember that for weeks I had started feeling very tired. I just thought I was overdoing it because I’ve always been the type to try to be a part of every single thing, whether it was school or at church. However, this was different. On the day of my diagnosis, I couldn’t stay awake in my classes, I could barely walk. I remember telling my classmate I think I’m going to pass out.
I ended up calling my mom and we went to the doctor. Then, he sent me to (it was then called) MCG, and they confirmed that I had leukemia. It was so surreal. I was scared. You hear the word cancer, and for me, I immediately thought, “God, I don’t wanna die. Please don’t let me die.” However, we had great doctors who comforted us and supported us the whole way.
My family is everything, and they were there for me, especially during my dark, dark days. And my faith in Christ is what helped. My belief that “by the stripes of Christ, I am healed” is what carried me. One of my favorite songs to listen to during that time was “Cry” by Kirk Franklin, and the lyrics say, “Why do you cry? Why are you weeping? He has risen… He’s not dead.” Even to this day, my eyes tear up when I hear it.
Where does your inspiration for writing, producing, and directing come from, and what is it like to transform into each job?
I’m an observer. My inspiration comes from life. I just watch what’s happening around me and who’s around me. I gather inspiration from my life: the things I’ve been through, the emotions I’ve felt, the things I’ve experienced, my thoughts, my fears, my insecurities.
As a writer, it’s like I have all these words in my head, and it’s my job to pay attention to what I see and/or hear and put it down on paper. Sometimes, it’s a jumbled mess, but once I free myself, I’m able to get everything out and tell a complete story with these authentic characters.
The transformation can be a tough one at times. I enjoy writing the most. It’s my gift, it’s my passion, it’s my reason for living, it’s truly the air that I breathe. Producing comes naturally to me as well because I am a very organized person. I believe in structure. Even if things look like or feel like a colossal mess, there is some type of structure in it – if that makes sense. I believe I get that from my father. He’s super organized and structured and detail-oriented.
Directing is probably my least favorite position that I play even though I am a natural-born leader. I mainly direct because I have to if I want my projects to get done. I have a different approach when it comes to my directing. I trust my actors because they know the characters so after I block them (tell them where to stand and where to go, etc.), I just let them become the characters. Unless it’s something specific I need them to do or say, I just let them go for it. Some may not appreciate it/like it, but it’s my method and that’s what works best for those who enjoy/appreciate my directing style.
Which of your movies/shows are you most known for?
As far as shows, I would say, The Lyons Den because it’s our longest show; Lovers Lane because it’s one of our most popular shows and helped put Victory Productions on the map. Also, Bondage because it’s our most risqué series, and BrothAhood because it’s one of the shows that is mostly everyone’s favorite including mine.
As far as films, I would say, Sweet Mahogany (which was originally a series but is now a film with a sequel), My Brother’s Keeper, and The Assistant.
Tell us the name of your production company and about its mission.
Victory Productions is the name of my production company, and the mission is simple: to entertain, encourage, and inspire by telling authentic stories through complex characters that can be seen and heard on the screen and stage. Our motto for Victory Productions is “where passion meets purpose.” Kevin J. Stone, one of my actors and one of my very good friends, dubbed Victory Productions, VPN, which adds Network to our production name so we’re also affectionally known as VPN as well.
What’s are the hardest parts about being an independent filmmaker, and what are some lessons you’ve learned?
I think the hardest part for me is every aspect of the production process. As I’ve mentioned, I write, produce, and direct; I do the camera work, the lighting (when my production manager isn’t available), and the editing. It is A LOT of work, and it can be very taxing. However, I’ve learned that I can depend on ME. Yes, I understand that a team is needed and is very important; however, sometimes, people can be people. Everyone doesn’t share your vision or your passion especially when most times monetary compensation isn’t involved. So, I know that I can always depend on ME. That’s why I tell people that you do need to learn every aspect of the production process. You may not be a master at everything, but if you know how to do what needs to be done, you don’t have to hold up what you’re doing because your “team” has become unreliable.
However, being a one-man band can sometimes play with your trust. So sometimes when I do have people that are working with me, my trust issues get the best of me, and I’m not relying on the people who are there to assist me. So, it can be a catch 22.
You have received many awards for your work, which project and award are you most proud of?
The award I am most proud of is the first award I wrote for solely writing, which was at the 2013 LA Web Fest, and I won the award for Outstanding Writing in a Drama for my series “The Lyons Den.” It was my first award in LA, and it meant a lot to me because it was given to me by one of my mentors, the late, great Michael Ajakwe. This was the very first festival that I was a part of in Los Angeles, and it just further validated that I was meant to do this. That moment truly was a pivotal point in my career and my life.
If you could advise someone who wanted to follow in your footsteps as a writer, producer, or director, what would you say?
My advice would be to study and learn everything you can whether it be writing, producing, directing, acting; whatever it is, be a student. You’re never too young or too old to learn something new. Always be a student of the craft. Also, consistency is key. There are going to be hard, long, dark days, and there are going to be times when you want to quit. There are times when you’re going to quit. But if this is something you love, you have to keep going no matter what, even if you have to stop and start over. It doesn’t matter how you finish the race… as long as you finish the race. Also, I would say focus on your race and stay in your lane. There are times when it looks like people are moving faster than you in accomplishing their goals. You can’t focus on them. Stay focused on what you have going. It is definitely easier said than done; I get distracted and discouraged when I focus on what others are doing. Continue to love what you do, and remember why you love what you do and that love will continue to guide you to your finish line.
You were named as one of the Top 10 Young Professionals of Augusta by the Augusta Chamber of Commerce. And you were named one of Georgia’s Top 40 Under 40 Professionals by Georgia Trend Magazine. What did those moments feel like?
Winning those awards was further validation that the gift that God has given me is making an impact not only in my city and in my state… but also in the world. What made those moments special was that I got to share them with my family. They attended both ceremonies, and it was amazing to see their faces when I received these awards. I am a proud resident of the city of Augusta. I love my city. I am a Son of Augusta.
You’re the author of a book and the creator and editor of a magazine. Tell us about those accomplishments.
Well, there are a lot of people who do not know this, but I have a four-part book series that I wrote when I was in high school entitled, As the Earth Spins. At the time, my godbrother, Amos Johnson, had a self-publishing company entitled Expand Knowledge, and he helped people like me self-publish their books. So those books are still available on Lulu.com; just type in my name.
However, currently, I have decided to put my poetry hat on and use my pen to express my poetic voice. I have two poetry books out, Ebbs And Flows and Raw-N-UnKut. Both of those are available on Amazon. I also have two EPs that feature my poetry, and they’re under the same name as the books; however, I use the moniker, KayCee Thee Poet. Both projects are available on Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, and other streaming services.
As far as the magazine, it’s entitled VPN MAG, and it features independent artists, filmmakers, content creators, and entrepreneurs. We have also had the blessing and privilege to feature some mainstream actors/entertainers as well including Tray Chaney (“The Wire” and “Saints and Sinners”), Nakia Burrise (“Power Rangers: Zeo and Turbo”), Javon Johnson (Tyler Perry’s “The Oval”), Thai Edwards (Tyler Perry’s “Sistas”), and Gavin Houston (Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and The Have Nots”). We have published 16 issues thus far.
This year, we’ve decided to take a small step back, and instead of putting out an issue each quarter (4 issues), we’re only doing two issues until further notice.
What are some of your upcoming projects?
Our next film, Pastor Thorne: Lust of the Flesh, will be coming out in the fall. Our next Christmas film, For the Love of Christmas, will be coming out around the holiday season.
To follow Karlton, click these links: Twitter │ Instagram
To follow Victory Productions, click these: Twitter │ Instagram │ Facebook
Subscribe to his website (thevpntv.com) for the latest info.
Photographer’s Credit: Shots with Slim
Writer, Debbie Stokes is a writer. You can follow her on Instagram @iamdebbiestokes
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