Where Freedom, Art, And Life Merge In Unison!

Producer and director, Tyrone D. Dixon, illustrates his true love for film making by blending various life and cultural experiences, translating them into dynamic colorful productions, and transforming them onto the big screen. Born in Houston, Texas, where he spent most of his early life, he completed his undergraduate education at Texas Southern University. Thereafter, having graduated from the prestigious American Film Institute in Los Angeles, he has continued to expand his deep creative passions as a producer and a director in a variety of productions. After graduation, Tyrone worked for over two years in development as a creative executive and assistant to Preston Holmes, the president of Def Pictures, a Russell Simmons company. The vast experience gained at Def Pictures provided for a rare perspective on film making that included coverage of over 100 screenplays, and development of numerous projects under Def Pictures. His passion for creating documentaries exhibits his talent as a creative, social historian of art, politics, and culture – as demonstrated through such diverse involvements as “The Afeni Shakur Story” and “8 Wheels & Some Soul Brotha’ Music” ( the latter has gone on to win multiple film festival awards during its release in 2005, and served as the inspiration for the Fox feature film, “Roll Bounce”).

Throughout the years, due to his various professional roles in production, art direction, and financial management, Tyrone has worked on several Hollywood projects that have provided him with the great opportunity to work with, and learn from, directors such as Mario Van Peebles, Kevin Sullivan, Clive Barker, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Spike Lee. His other creative collaborations include the legendary Debbie Allen. He has also produced urban productions such as “4 Life” and “Ruffnecks – Life On The Other Side Of The Pump”. Tyrone recently completed line producing the feature film “The Company We Keep” for Kensington Media, and was the unit production manager for the documentary “One Night In Vegas” for ESPN, directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood. As the line producer for the highly successful documentary, “Tupac: Resurrection”, he has also had the rare opportunity to be involved in a film capturing the life and legacy of the great revolutionary, Tupac Shakur. These enriching experiences have given rise to a well-rounded director, capable of taking on diverse productions in theatrical features, television dramas, and documentaries. Furthermore, he has directed and produced short films and music videos for independent hip-hop artists, and worked with the legendary Charles Wright, and The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.

Janine: First and foremost, what would you characterize as your main strive in life?

Tyrone: I have always wanted to be in a position to help other people. As a filmmaker, I am able to tell stories that can affect people’s lives. I hope to continue with this as I start my college teaching career. My passion in life is celebrating life and preserving that on film for all generations to discover and explore.

Janine: What inspired you to become a film maker/producer?

Tyrone: I watched a lot of television as a latchkey kid, and fell in love with the movies I would get to watch late night, while my mother slept. Elvis Presley and Jerry Lewis had the best films for a kid to get into. Then there was Hitchcock films and the Kung Fu movies of the 70’s that opened my mind to different genres and the different ways stories could be told.

Janine: What is it that speaks to you most about the work that you do?

Tyrone: I think that communication is a big part of the family structure, and I am all about growing our community one family at a time. I hope that my work creates understanding and reveals the importance of seeing life through different points of view, or different lenses if you will.

Janine: That’s such a wonderful perspective. What various aspects of urban culture (both past and present) do you try to capture through your art, and what messages do you aim to convey?

Tyrone: Truth. Discovery. Different Points of Views. In the urban culture, the word is “freedom”, and they use all of them to speak, whichever part will be heard. I want to capture that in its rawness and purity, and create a line of communication that crosses all barriers, colors, religions and politics.

Janine: Yes, and art is such a powerful tool in expressing creative, socio-political, and intellectual freedom. You have worked as the line producer on the famous documentary “Tupac: Resurrection”, which is a film loved by all those who love the legendary revolutionary, Tupac Shakur. I believe the film serves to illustrate and symbolize the everlasting legend, deep essence, and immortality of  Tupac. What was it like for you to be a vital part of an important production like that, and how did you become involved in it?

Tyrone: My mentor is Preston Holmes. He produced many films with Spike Lee, and as the President of Def Pictures, developed a personal, and super special relationship with Tupac during the making of “Juice”, which Preston produced. Preston produced the Documentary and hired me as the Line Producer. It was a great experience as it created an opportunity for me to be the director for a documentary on Afeni Shakur, “The Afeni Shakur Story”. It is cool to have a rare look into the life of Tupac but I really wish that he were still here to demonstrate his talent, passion and love.

Janine: That’s so interesting, I’m sure these must have been very unique, thought-provoking, and fascinating experiences. I believe that Tupac’s soul lives through all those who truly love him.  In my recent interview with Redman, when addressing the prospects of success for the youth, Redman responded that the possibilities are out there, and that it’s up to the individual to go out and get it. What advice do you have for young people who are aspiring to fulfill their goals, and what values would you highlight?

Tyrone: Stay true to who you are. Allow the resources in your life to reveal them, and with humility and gratitude listen to the guidance of those who walked before you. Never quit what you love. Allow God to be your light. Whatever it is you love, Practice, Practice, Practice. We have to practice life everyday. Educate yourself with knowledge and wisdom.

Janine: As an advocate for change and progress, I believe that we all have a responsibility to become involved in our communities in any capacity where we can help, and be of service to others in a positive way (and such social commitment and service can be demonstrated in a variety of ways). I also believe that true change comes from “actively” seeking solutions rather than merely focusing on the problems. What is your take on that, and what community involvements do you find critical?

Tyrone: As a parent it is important to me that we get our education system in check and start pushing, motivating, and encouraging our kids to love learning and appreciate learning through the arts. I really believe the arts are an important ingredient in getting our kids to want to excel in the classroom. The community has a responsibility to express the importance of this to their constituents and community. My family is working to do our part to grow our kids in the village with our Board Game Lounge and Store, Belongals. The experience of learning and playing all kinds of  cool strategy games and role-playing games adds to the development of kids and adults alike. It is a great way to connect and grow in a social environment, building confidence and promoting social development.

Janine: That’s great and I fully agree. I believe that we all have a direct responsibility to give back to society in any way we feel capable of doing. It all works as building blocks in creating a better tomorrow for humanity. What projects are you currently working on and what can we expect from you in the future?

Tyrone: Right now I am directing and co producing a feature documentary that profiles the marriage between dance culture and the music industry. We are featuring the hot new dance craze JERKIN’. I am really excited about having an opportunity to help share the voice of so many that might not be heard or otherwise misunderstood. The movie should be complete and in film festivals this winter. Also, I am actively producing a feature film called TROOP 242. A coming of age film about the journey of a Black boy-scout troop as they work to regain their once had prominence.

Janine:  Thank you very much. I wish you much continued success with all your professional and creative projects, as well as your positive community involvements.  God bless forever.

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