Meet Paul Patterson | Operations Manager & Production Assistant

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

Hi Paul, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Anyone not in a particular industry or business, usually have no idea of how that industry or business operates, or how to achieve an industry standard or a return on investment. Many people are unaware of some of the processes or steps needed to turn their idea into an industry standard product or service, In the movie industry, there is a lot that goes on behind a camera, and even more before and after a camera is ever turned on and off. Most people are unaware of how much work is put into productions, and how many jobs are involved, rather it be an audio or visual production. In music production, many musicians publish content unaware of copyrighting the material with the Library of Congress, or registering it with a publishing right society. In general, many people are unaware of how many transferable skills they already posses that prepares them for various industry positions, and unaware of the proper forms to fill out to take them to top tier of thier industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Im a veteran of the United States Army, after the military I attend The University of Akron to study International Business, German, and Mass Media Production. In college I worked as an operations manager for the University Student Union, and as a student assistant in The Leadership and Development Office under Dr Ron McDonald and Pamela Woodall-Caine, and in the Associated Student Government office. That’s where I originally met Mike Wendt. I left school to work in the nightlife and entertainment industry for the next 15 years. None of it was easy and there were many challenges to overcome. I’ve come this far because of faith and grace. What I learned along the way is to never give up, stay positive and be optimistic. When people ask me how am I doing, I say awesome. What I would want the world to know about me and my brand, We are the future, and the future is now. As for my story, its still in the making.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Akron, OH and I know all the good spots to eat drink and hang out, locally and in the surrounding areas. Unfortunately this is an area where there were more registered Klu Klux Klan members than anywhere in the history of the United States, and the number of activites for the black communities were always few. So when I learned to start a business, I built studios, operated night clubs and promoted parties, I created the favorite spots and fun times by creating jobs and promoting epic events. In my view, those were great times, but I was only destroying my community selling alcohol, and now I have a much different perspective of what’s fun and where it’s cool to hang out. Back in the day, all week we would be in the club with the stars partying til the sun rise. Today, after a week with me you will know about the three levels of government, who your city council representative is, your city budget, attend a few workshops, work in a garden, produce a song, film or business plan, have some sort of goal list or action plan based on our alined interest, and be a little more centered and grounded. We would be on the BLOC all week. The Freedom BLOC is what people need to be checking out, that’s where some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people are in this city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Glory to God, shout out to Ray Greene President of the Freedom BLOC, Jennifer Toles, Demario Cooper, Maria Rouzzo – Workforce Development Manager Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Mike Wendt – Production Coordinator Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Bill Garvey – Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Jesus and nem!

Website: thefreedombloc.org

Instagram: akroncreativearts

Linkedin: Paul Patterson

Facebook: Paul Patterson

Other: https://www.clevelandfilm.com/intern-corner/meet-the-intern-paul-patterson/

Image Credits
Paul Patterson