“I be feelin like somebody reached out and chose us”- Nipsey Hussle
Terrius Mykel has made his name in hip-hop as one of the go-to video directors in the music industry. Shooting music videos for a plethora of hip-hop artists including the likes of Rick Ross, Latto and Gucci Mane and Meek Mill, under his production company “Real Big Vision”. What started as a way to make money in college turned into a passion that has led him on the path to ownership of two entertainment companies.
Born in Greensborough, North Carolina, a young Mykel moved to Atlanta where he had goals of a career in sports management. Between playing football and focusing on his education, the director seemed to have forged a path in the direction of all thing’s sports, that is, until he picked up a camera.
Although planning for your future is a great way to make sure you accomplish advancement in life, what happens when your plans change? What happens when you’re called onto a career path you never saw coming?
Mykel’s introduction to the entertainment world took place during his time as a music producer. After building a report in the Atlanta music scene, the director found himself picking up a camera and catapulted himself into visual production. Creating a lucrative source of income, he dropped out of school and pursued directing and film production full time.
“In 2014, I started connecting with people. I began producing content, so whether it was photography, vlogging, shooting indie videos, that’s how I got in the mix. I was doing it at such a high turnaround rate and being very efficient. I took the same work ethic I had in football and applied it into the entertainment industry. People noticed my turnaround time and my professionalism and with that I gained more notoriety.”
As he created a buzz for himself the demand for his work led him to a crossroads that would have him choosing between ownership and an opportunity to work for a major network. For many, a contract with a big bag would be a no brainer. On the outside looking in, one would think working for a major network could bring bigger opportunities and more money. The catch? Mykel couldn’t work on any projects outside of the network. A true visionary, Mykel believed in his own work and was compelled to choose the path least chosen.
” In 2015/2016, I had a major network looking to hire me for a salary position and it was way more than I was making at the time, but they told me I would be locked in with them and couldn’t work on any other projects. I had to sit and think about it because I was like damn do I really wanna give up all these opportunities or should I just thug it out and see what this will bring. Every time I think about it I be like, damn i’m so glad I ain’t take that job.”
Mykel’s effortless decision would ultimately lead him to ownership of production company “Real Big Vision” and ownership of streaming network “Orgen TV“.
“I realized I had produced thousands of videos but there was no real ownership with producing that content. I realized that it was helping me to connect with people, but I needed to use those relationships to leverage ownership to produce content.”
In 2021, Mykel and his business partner Marcus Winstin created “Orgen TV” an online streaming service. With the success of shows like “Bosstec Bootcamp”, the network is growing in numbers and is creating a space for Black voices and creatives to authentically share their stories.
“The purpose of creating Orgen TV was to be able to create freely and employ thousands of people without waiting for a bigger entity to green light something. It’s very important for me to have a platform to help other people. When I was in the same position trying to get access, no one believed in me. So, companies like mine are very essential to the space because although we may not be able to green light everything, we are still providing the space for Black voices.”
A young Terrius Mykel first stepped onto the scene back in 2014, eager to work, grow and make a difference. Fully aware of the path that was destined for him, he continues to build a stellar resume. Remaining humble in all his achievements the director looks forward to inspiring the next generation of creatives. His advice? Build genuine relationships and have fun!
“Some advice I would give to someone on this journey is to focus on the bigger picture, focus on building your relationships. People take the time out of their lives to work with you even when they’re going through their own personal things. It’s a bunch of sacrifices being made to exist in the entertainment industry. Building genuine relationship is gonna be the thing that helps you the most. And finally make sure you find balance, don’t forget to have fun. When you’re on set with me I might have a drink and crack a few jokes. If it starts to feel like work, then you might have to refocus yourself. This should never feel like work.”
Jasmine "Jayy Marie" Morales is hip-hop journalist who focuses on culture related storytelling. She has written for publications such as Slam Magazine, Kicks, Southside Weekly and Dazesummit.com. In addition to writing celebrity profiles and reporting for numerous outlets, Jayy Marie is a correspondent on Whats the Word's weekly livestream.
