Meet Antrell McLean | Filmmaker, Content Creator, Media Production Specialist

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

Hi Antrell, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance is critical to overall mental health. Personally I have witness people dedicate their lives to a job, to only retire and pass away very soon after leaving said job. I feel keeping stress levels at a minimum is important for overall health, Typically spending time with the people who you care about the most is a good stress reliever, at least for me.

My balance changed dramatically once I began full time entrepreneurship. It’s important to solidify a daily routine as an entrepreneur in order to stay productive. I structure my weeks like most people, I keep one reserved day for rest, and I dedicate my Sunday afternoons to spending time with the kids. Me and my wife have a set time at night during the week when we both get off work to wind down together.

The structure of it all is very important to keeping the balance in tact, and the stress levels low.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
You don’t find many small town film success stories, until you read mine. My hometown is a city of 30,000 people that’s nicknamed “the Trap”. the mentality of Sanford is that of “you don’t make it out”. Overcoming that mindset, and not conforming to the stigmas and stereotypes often associated within the black community, especially those inspired & influenced by hip hop culture is my greatest accomplishment to overcome.

Was it easy? absolutely not! it’s going to take mental discipline in order to reach any level of success. Discipline, and then patience, because its a marathon not a sprint! Success typically doesn’t happen overnight, and in order to win at the game, you have to embrace it and be willing to continuously grow in your field, and your overall knowledge. We must NEVER stop learning.

To be able to come back home to Sanford and inspire the younger generation in filmmaking and creative arts is what I’m most excited about. My maturation process has evolved into a teacher/mentor. A major lesson I’ve learned along the way is that someone is always watching, wether positive or negative, so it’s just best to operate from integrity at all times.

Taking risks and holding strong on faith is what led to the point I’m able to create films for living, while managing a production team for a local church. I love what I do, I can’t say that enough. That’s truly the one thing the world needs to know directly from me, because LEGENDS don’t talk about what they do, they do what they love, and the world eventually boasts of all their glorious acts.

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?
A small town in a Bible Belt state, the best hangout spot is typically going to be church, and Im a part of. great one! Christian Provison Ministries under the leadership of Charles & Patti Mellette is a great place to socialize and learn more about the word of God.

Hands down the best Mexican restaurant in the city is Fonda Lupita, and you gotta try the quesabirrias, or if seafood is your thing, then Dirty Crab shack is the best food truck in the town. For the local brews, Hugger Mugger is your place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are too many people to give credit to for where I am today, so I think the best person to shoutout right now would be GOD. I didn’t understand and know the connections I would make to get here, but all of that was pre determined by a higher power. All I did was take the risk, and once I fully believed, everything changed. Momma kept me in church and close to the word when was younger, so I am a believer that prayer and manifestation works.

Website: ghmefilmsonline.com

Instagram: @ghme_films

Facebook: ghmefilms

Youtube: ghmefilms

Image Credits
LRP Media Flex Rice