It was a quiet Sunday evening after a long day at church. My favorite way to unwind after service was to chill in the living room and watch a movie. I searched for movies on Netflix, and that's when I stumbled upon "Get Out." I had heard a lot about it from my friends, with discussions ranging from its addressing racism to its spine-tingling suspense. I have also seen clips of the film on social media throughout the years. I’d always been intrigued but never took the opportunity to watch it, so I decided to give it a try this time. As the film unfolded, I was captivated. "Get Out" was unlike anything I had seen before—a profoundly thought-provoking and culturally significant movie. Despite being a satirical, racially-charged horror, it resonated with me due to my experiences as a Black child growing up in a predominantly white environment. At the movie's end, I didn’t fully comprehend its intricate narrative, but I was acutely aware of the nuanced racial critique. Coming from a generally progressive community, I could identify some of the evaluations of subtle, liberal racism and connect it to my own experiences. Eager to discover its meaning and themes, I turned to YouTube and watched videos dissecting the film. I devoured Jordan Peele's interviews to understand the creative decisions that shaped this masterpiece. I was fascinated by the foreshadowing in the film, namely early in the movie when the dad mentions the basement being locked due to black mold, later learning the basement is where the brain transplants into Black bodies occur, creating a chilling and literal twist on the idea of “black mold.” This clever layering of details added to the film's depth and kept me engaged in unraveling its mysteries. In the following days, I returned to netflix to watch "Get Out" repeatedly, each viewing revealing new layers of its brilliance. I was intrigued by its dual appeal; I could watch it casually for its entertainment value or view it intensively for its radical commentary. The fact that it demanded multiple viewings to grasp its intricacies enthralled me. "Get Out" ignited a passion for filmmaking within me. I yearned to uncover the secrets behind its effectiveness—how it seamlessly combined social commentary with riveting storytelling by delving into various aspects of racism while using the real-life horrors of racism to intensify the on-screen horror. The journey to understand the magic of "Get Out" became a driving force in my development as an artist and has had a direct impact on my work. In my short film "Snow Bunnies Never," I similarly focused on a family's introduction to their child's interracial relationship. Just as "Get Out" used racism to intensify its horror elements, I employed elements of racism to enhance the comedic aspects of mine. “Get Out” has empowered me to tell stories rooted in my experiences as a Black man in America, and I hope to explore the complexities of identity and belonging through my films. My path was illuminated by this single film, leaving an indelible mark on my creative journey, and I am committed to carrying its legacy forward.

Securing additional funding is pivotal in pursuing my academic, professional, and personal aspirations. During my educational journey at college, I will focus on gaining the technical tools and business skills essential for achieving success as a filmmaker, preparing me to navigate and thrive in the dynamic media industry. Through my work as a filmmaker, I aspire to be a driving force in reshaping the perception and representation of Black artists in the media industry. I deeply care about addressing the underrepresentation of Black artists in Hollywood. It's a critical issue, particularly as one ascends to higher positions in the field, where diversity often diminishes. I envision establishing a Black-owned creative production company that can rival industry giants like Disney and Universal. This company would emphasize platforming minority storytellers and providing them with the resources necessary to bring their ideas to the world. Representation plays such a pivotal role in shaping the narratives we consume. The lack of diverse voices on the screen perpetuates stereotypes and limits the spectrum of human experiences portrayed in cinema. Within my envisioned company, I’ll emphasize diversity in casting and storytelling. It's not only about showcasing stories that delve into the nuances of the Black experience but also about presenting narratives where Black characters exist authentically without being hyper-focused on race. This multifaceted approach will challenge stereotypes, broaden perspectives, and contribute to a more inclusive cinematic landscape. Beyond the creative aspect, I want to address the systemic issues that extend to the corporate side of the industry. The absence of diversity in decision-making positions has far-reaching consequences. Minority groups often find their ideas, talents, and intellectual property exploited due to the lack of ownership and representation at the top. I will focus on dismantling barriers that hinder minorities from having a seat at the table, ensuring that their creative contributions are recognized and protected. The importance of diversity at the executive level goes beyond addressing exploitation; it's about cultivating an environment where many perspectives converge. This rich tapestry of ideas and experiences is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. By having diverse decision-makers, the company will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of a global audience, tapping into a reservoir of creativity that reflects the richness of our society. Financial constraints often act as barriers, preventing talented individuals from entering the art world. Unfortunately, systemic issues rooted in racism perpetuate this cycle. Additional funding is crucial in breaking down these barriers, opening doors that would otherwise remain shut. My family, while supportive, faces financial limitations, making external funding vital for my higher education. By receiving scholarship assistance, I aim to get my foot in the door and then use the resources at my disposal to help bridge the economic gap that disproportionately affects Black artists. This support would enable me to pursue my academic goals and empower me to contribute meaningfully to the media industry. It is an investment not just in my education but in breaking down systemic barriers that hinder diverse voices. With this assistance, I'm confident in my ability to make a lasting impact on the industry and beyond. My dream is to create a lasting legacy through my accolades and achievements, contributing to a shift in the narrative for Black artists and inspiring future generations.

When I was five years old, every day for a summer, I would wake up, change into my crappy Party City Spider-Man costume, and head to the drawer where I kept my original Spider-Man trilogy box set. I’d pick a DVD, stick it in my Blu-ray player, and sit on the couch, glued to the screen for the next two hours. Once the movie was done, I’d spend the next couple of hours playing in my living room, pretending to be Spider-Man. I tried my best to climb up walls, leaving scuffs and scratches behind as I attempted. I would jump from the couch to my dad’s work chair as if leaping from one building to another. That summer was one of the best and most formative of my life. Watching one of the three movies every day instilled core values in me that have stuck with me ever since. On the days I popped in Spider-Man 1, the value drilled into me was responsibility. Of course, everyone knows the famous line, “with great power comes great responsibility,” but throughout the entire film, we see Peter learn how to juggle these two things. Whether it’s humiliating his bully, Flash, with his new powers, letting the robber escape after the wrestling match, or by the end of the movie, choosing not to be with Mary Jane because of his obligation to being Spider-Man, Peter goes on a journey of figuring out how he will use his newfound power. As a kid, the dichotomy of power and responsibility was never more substantial than maybe choosing to get ahead on homework instead of playing video games during my free time. However, as I’ve grown older and been granted more freedom by my parents, I’ve encountered more serious situations. For example, being at parties where substances were present. In these moments, I have to consciously decide to turn down certain things. Through watching Maguire’s version, I learned how to handle the power given to me responsibly. When I’d watch Spider-Man 2, I’d see the struggle to balance Peter Parker’s life with his responsibilities as Spider-Man. I watched him sacrifice for the greater good, like choosing to become Spider-Man again when the city needed him, and being a hero even without his powers, as shown in the house fire scene. From this, I learned that labels don’t mean anything; it’s about the person you are. I learned to be a leader even when I didn’t have a leadership position, and the importance of sacrificing my desires when needed by my community. When watching Spider-Man 3, I learned about the dangers of letting revenge consume you. Peter became very self-destructive in this movie. Because of his pride, he grew out of touch with the people he loved. He was filled with rage and vengeance while trying to find Sandman, but in the end, he was able to find forgiveness in his heart. This film taught me not to hold grudges against my friends and to always check my pride and ego, as they can become dangerous and ruin my relationships. Tobey Maguire not only gave me great childhood memories but also imparted invaluable life lessons that have profoundly shaped my character. Through his portrayal, I learned about responsibility, balance, humility, and forgiveness. These values have become integral to my identity and will stay with me forever. Tobey Maguire will always be my favorite Spider-Man, as his impact on my life extends far beyond the screen.

Securing additional funding is pivotal in pursuing my academic, professional, and personal aspirations. During my educational journey at college, I will focus on gaining the technical tools and business skills essential for achieving success as a filmmaker, preparing me to navigate and thrive in the dynamic media industry. Through my work as a filmmaker, I aspire to be a driving force in reshaping the perception and representation of Black artists in the media industry. I deeply care about addressing the underrepresentation of Black artists in Hollywood. It's a critical issue, particularly as one ascends to higher positions in the field, where diversity often diminishes. I envision establishing a Black-owned creative production company that can rival industry giants like Disney and Universal. This company would emphasize platforming minority storytellers and providing them with the resources necessary to bring their ideas to the world. Representation plays such a pivotal role in shaping the narratives we consume. The lack of diverse voices on the screen perpetuates stereotypes and limits the spectrum of human experiences portrayed in cinema. Within my envisioned company, I’ll emphasize diversity in casting and storytelling. It's not only about showcasing stories that delve into the nuances of the Black experience but also about presenting narratives where Black characters exist authentically without being hyper-focused on race. This multifaceted approach will challenge stereotypes, broaden perspectives, and contribute to a more inclusive cinematic landscape. Beyond the creative aspect, I want to address the systemic issues that extend to the corporate side of the industry. The absence of diversity in decision-making positions has far-reaching consequences. Minority groups often find their ideas, talents, and intellectual property exploited due to the lack of ownership and representation at the top. I will focus on dismantling barriers that hinder minorities from having a seat at the table, ensuring that their creative contributions are recognized and protected. The importance of diversity at the executive level goes beyond addressing exploitation; it's about cultivating an environment where many perspectives converge. This rich tapestry of ideas and experiences is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. By having diverse decision-makers, the company will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of a global audience, tapping into a reservoir of creativity that reflects the richness of our society. Financial constraints often act as barriers, preventing talented individuals from entering the art world. Unfortunately, systemic issues rooted in racism perpetuate this cycle. Additional funding is crucial in breaking down these barriers, opening doors that would otherwise remain shut. My family, while supportive, faces financial limitations, making external funding vital for my higher education. By receiving scholarship assistance, I aim to get my foot in the door and then use the resources at my disposal to help bridge the economic gap that disproportionately affects Black artists. This support would enable me to pursue my academic goals and empower me to contribute meaningfully to the media industry. It is an investment not just in my education but in breaking down systemic barriers that hinder diverse voices. With this assistance, I'm confident in my ability to make a lasting impact on the industry and beyond. My dream is to create a lasting legacy through my accolades and achievements, contributing to a shift in the narrative for Black artists and inspiring future generations.