Mann Robinson

Mann Robinson has over 15 years of experience in the film industry working with major productions and actors. As an independent filmmaker his films have landed on national platforms such as BET, UMC, and more as exclusive content!

Mann’s newest drama film in which he executive produced Troubled Waters starring Harry Lennix, Robert Patrick, Gina Ross, Rick Fox, and more began streaming exclusively on BET+ on Thursday, December 17th, 2020.

Mann picked up major press with his film TURNT which starred and was co-produced by Jamal Woolard and Torrei Hart. TURNT included a very popular cast!

Mann is also an author in which his book A Look Into: Black Independent Filmmaking is the first black film making book providing insights on independent filmmaking, resources, filming techniques, funding, and film distribution.

This book is packed with information in which it acts as a guide or cheat sheet providing the necessary tools for independent filmmakers of color to fulfill their dream of creating a full-fledged movie.

Vocal readers, please enjoy our interview!

Tammy Reese:

What inspired you to become a Filmmaker?

Mann Robinson:

I think everybody is a storyteller in one way or another and if you add entrepreneur and creator to the mix you get what we call a filmmaker.

With that, my true inspiration comes from the desire to see people that look like me turn pain into triumph.

Tammy Reese:

What were some of your favorite movies growing up?

Mann Robinson:

Back To The Future, Trading Places, New Jack City, Terminator.

Tammy Reese:

How did the pandemic make an impact on the work that you do?

Mann Robinson:

The pandemic shed light on the obvious fact that streaming is now the king of cinema and the importance of creating content.

It's also made impossible to do so, with everything being shut down there was no way to film anything.

Tammy Reese:

What are some memorable moments in your career so far?

Mann Robinson:

Working with actors that I grew up watching on TV like Todd Bridges, Harry Lennix, Dorien Wilson, Jamal Woolard and meeting people like Martin Lawrence and Damon John .

Tammy Reese:

Please tell me about your film Troubled Waters starring Harry Lennix and Rick Fox?

Mann Robinson:

I was an Executive Producer on this project along with filmmaker Chad Lawson Cooper (Justice On Trial The movie) and it was the second project distributed under my company, "Metro Wealth Studios".

The story follows Ron Waters, played by Harry Lennix as he tries to live right but is living in the shadows of his own mistakes that people around him still judge him on.

Tammy Reese:

I understand Jamal Woolard who played Notorious B.I.G in the biopic co-produced your movie Turnt.

Mann Robinson:

Turnt was originally a documentary about the music industry and Jamal came in for an interview but once he found out the context of the story that I was telling, he suggested that I do a feature film.

Later on, during the filming of Turnt, Torrei Hart signed on as the 3rd producer and the rest is history.

Tammy Reese:

What was the experience like working with Jamal?

Mann Robinson:

Never a dull moment, we have actually become friends nowadays so going back and watching Notorious is much more rewarding than when I saw it in 2009.

I had no idea that I would be a professional filmmaker let alone be working with the man that brought Biggie back to life.

Tammy Reese:

How did your book A Look Into Black Independent Filmmaking come about?

Mann Robinson:

During the pandemic content creation became digital so one day I started to watch YouTube videos to hone some skills.

I realized that along the path of my self research journey, years prior I didn't recall seeing any videos or books that addressed the obstacles that Black filmmakers are faced with.

So I took the time to put all the things that I learned into a how-to guide.

Tammy Reese:

What are you currently working on?

Mann Robinson:

Torrei Hart and I are gearing up to film 6 movies this year, with the next one being a horror film, "Sebastian".

This is being filmed in Atlanta, Ga February, 25th 2021.

Tammy Reese:

What else can we be on the lookout for from you?

Mann Robinson:

The sequel to Turnt, Super Turnt, starring Harry Lennix, Jamal Wollard, Torrei Hart, E Roger Mitchel, Dennis LA White was shot in Atlanta during the pandemic. It will be our first release of 2021.

Metro Wealth Studios is expanding this year with new sound stages and recording rooms.

My second book, "Sober As F**K" will be released this year to celebrate my ten years of being sober and to help motivate others that want to quit drugs and alcohol.

My Non-Profit will follow the same trend by providing hands-on training for the youth while keeping a drug free focus.

Tammy Reese:

What advice would you have for anyone who wants to become a Filmmaker?

Mann Robinson:

Remember that the shoe company Nike, has the best slogan ever created, JUST DO IT!!

Keep up-to-date with Mann Robinson and his career journey by connecting on Instagram.

More on Mann Robinson HERE.