We had the good fortune of connecting with Benet Embry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benet, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting Clearwater Productions LLC and Benet Embry Films is basically to change the game in the film industry. As an actor there are a lot of things that I saw that could be streamlined in the process making for film and television. As an SAG-Aftra Eligible Actor, Award Nominated Director, Award Nominated Radio Personality, Published Author/Writer and Poet I wanted to create more opportunities not only for myself but for others that want to be involved in film and television. I wanted to provide leadership, structure, resources and transparency to for the current and next generation of talent which lead to the talent agency side of Clearwater Productions LLC. I wanted to change the narrative and perception of ‘Black’ films and representative there of by focusing our films on ingenuity, resilience, alacrity, devotion and strength of the culture and present a new message to society as a whole. At present, along with myself, we have 1 client with the hope of signing two more dynamic talented people with a good work ethic and outstanding morals and character. Clearwater Productions LLC is the parent company of both Benet Embry Films and HMH Entertainment. Two organizations created one. Two professional and driven men (President and Co-Founder Hudrell Jones and CEO and Co-Founder Benet Embry) formed Clearwater Productions LLC to be a major, positive and uplifting force in all aspects of Music, Television and FIlm now and years to come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist, I believe what sets me apart from others (in addition to my talent) is my work ethic, responsibility, integrity, accountability, and the drive for excellence. I personally believe you have to have all those things to be successful in life and the acting world. At present, I would say the biggest thing I am proud of and excited about is Clearwater Productions LLC first feature film “Older Man Younger Woman”, which I wrote, directed and acted in. It was a lot of work and so many obstacles we as an organization we had to overcome to get this project rolling. It was not easy but then again that’s the thrill of it. To look adversity in the face and battle through it. To appreciate the journey even more than the destination. Through it all we were able to put together a dynamic cast and crew with Diamond Quirsten, Kenny Gardner and Alex Ryan Brown staring, Ashlee L Davis, Rachel Garrett Washington, Jada Jay, Cameron Parhm, Rodney Terrell, Akron Watson and myself co-staring also with exceptional talent like Lucretia Johnson, Santosha Nicole, Raquel Belt, Nadirah Shakir-Ramseur, Tiwong Smith, Karen Crumby, Donna Swan, Cory Epsie plus the Boss Man himself Hudrell Jones . AD Scott and Jamaal Randall as 1st and 2nd AD. DP’ed and Edited by Vernon Snoop Robinson. And we are introducing some of Clearwater Production LLC newest talent in Kelsey D. Jones and Jenna Rossyion.

The biggest lesson I learned in this business, and in life, is “don’t sweat the small stuff”. It does no to good to worry about why you didn’t get this role, part or project. Control what you can control, do your best and let the chips fall where they may. There is over a 90% rejection rate being in this business. That’s part of the game. Believe in you. Just remember what is meant for you is for you, learn from each rejection and take it up a notch the next time.

What I want the world to know about Clearwater Productions LLC, Benet Embry Films and HMH Entertainment is we have a purpose to educate and entertain, we have a goal of enlightening and inspiration in all our endeavors, in all our enterprises. A righteous brand doing exceptional things.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For the warm up, I would go to The Free Man Cajun Cafe & Lounge in Deep Ellum and partake in that Blackened Shrimp Platter, then would head over to any comedy show with Comedian Q hosting or performing and for the over all turn up, that would be Vinetti’s Of Addison, smoke a cigar or two and enjoy some adult beverages.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are alot of people I could shout out that helped me on this journey. The very first one would be my wife Danesheila Jackson-Embry for all her motivation, love and support. James Cain and NIkki Jackson for rocking with me on The Benet Embry Show that is still in syndication overseas. Hudrell Jones for believing in the vision of Clearwater Productions LLC as well as my talent. All the filmmakers that gave me an opportunity to be apart of their projects. The Brothers of The Craft at Lebanon Lodge #837 for giving me guidance, providing true brotherhood and showing me what to Freemasonry is about. All my friends in the acting world for mentorship and support. All my friends and family that has stood besides me. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit for His forgiveness, salvation, grace and mercy. Lastly and certainly not least, I shout out to myself for believing in myself when the negativity was overwhelming but having the fortitude to keep going and push through.

Website: www.clearwaterproductionsllc.com

Instagram: BenetEmbry

Twitter: BenetEmbryShow

Facebook: Benet Embry

Youtube: The Benet Embry Show

Other: Also follow Clearwater Productions LLC on IG

Image Credits
Greg Hughes Brent Weber

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