Pops
POPS is a documentary web series that explores parenting experiences of African American men. This show provides a fresh and youthful look at parenting from men sharing video diaries and daily life experiences.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Garland McLaurin
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I found out I was going to be a father and I think the fear of wondering how I would be as a parent played a major role in why I made the film. Around the same time, all of the police shootings of African American men was a national topic of conversation. I began to reflect on my childhood, thought about people I grew up with, kids I watched in the educational system on a documentary I filmed and friends with kids.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this series?
You should watch the series if you’re interested in having a conversation around parenting or support loved ones with kids. I think you’ll have a better sense of what fatherhood means for black men and their families.
How do personal and universal themes work in your series?
Some of the universal themes we explore in the series touch on, “how do you follow your dreams after having a child misrepresentations, "creating a community where one doesn’t exist”, “defining parenting in the midst of success”. The more personal themes revolve around being a new father, life as a dad post-incarceration and same-sex parenting after adoption.
How have the script and series evolved over the course of their development?
It’s a docuseries and I’m following three fathers in three different states and lives happen in real time so if you don’t get it, you won't have it. So I’m mindful that things may change around everyday life events for the fathers. Initially, you go into filming with a general sense of what you want to film (after interviews and forecasting out ideal moments to film based on the stakes in peoples lives and themes) and then things naturally change. For example, child-care is a major topic in the early stages of filming, but as I talk to each father about that issue it may or may not work on camera. So you have to make an adjustment and have other relevant life events that you can pivot towards that still make sense based on your themes.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People that know you will always tell you they love it, lol. It’s gotten a pretty positive response from most people I know and the feedback online from people who support the project has been amazing. I appreciate the fact that it’s a topic that is relevant in my community and amongst everyday people. I’m honored by the support I’ve gotten from fathers and people who support the project.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I wouldn’t say the feedback has surprised or challenged my point of view. I think when you tell people about the research on how involved black fathers are in the lives of their children people are surprised. The myths and narratives around black dads being deadbeats have penetrated the national consciousness for a long time based off various misrepresentations.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I want to introduce my project to a wider audience of media creators and people looking at creative ways to develop and distribute content to audiences hungry for fresh perspectives.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
My project could use the help of distributors, journalists and festival directors that are interested in this type of material and web series. Our project can use the support of the creative communities that may have an interest in our project.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
To be honest, I’m hoping that it will contribute to the ongoing dialogue of issues that are addressed in the African American community and wider society. I would like my project to raise more questions about parenting rather than have concrete answers. I think the universal theme of parenting goes beyond the boundaries of race and class, I hope that a wider audience can relate to the everyday struggles of these families.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this series?
What does parenting in the 21st century look like for black men?
Would you like to add anything else?
If people are interested in learning more about the web series check out www.pops.life
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently, I’m developing a project around HIV awareness in the south.
October: 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Pops
POPS is a documentary web series that explores parenting experiences of African American men. This show provides a fresh and youthful look at parenting from men sharing video diaries and daily life experiences.
Length: 11 episodes, 1hr 37mins total
Director: Garland McLaurin
Producer: Garland McLaurin
Writer: Garland McLaurin
About the writer, director, and producer:
Garland McLaurin is a Peabody-Award winning filmmaker, his love for storytelling comes from its power to artistically explore the complex and conflicting social and psychological layers of people and society.
Key cast:
La Guardia Cross Jr.
Leah Cross
Amalah Cross
Shaka Senghor
Ebony Roberts
Sekou Senghor
Chris Stroman-Inniss
Shelton Stroman-Inniss
Jonathan Stroman-Inniss
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
I’m looking for distributors, journalist and film festivals interested in the content. It would be cool to meet producers as well.
Social media handles:
Facebook: @popswebseries
Twitter: @popswebseries
Instagram: @popswebseries
ITVS Digital & Black Public Media
Made in association with:
Black Public Media & ITVS Digital/PBS Digital Studios, WNET
Where will the series screen in the next month?
Episodes will be released every Thursday at 11am PST on www.storycastdocs.com