Will you give everyone a brief bio?
My name is Michelle Sneed and I am from a small town just outside of Detroit, MI called Inkster. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to somehow teach and be behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. I figured out how to do both in the film and tv world – by holding down many roles in the industry throughout the years and living by the notion; when I learn, teach. Sharing knowledge and resources played a hand in my most recent roles as Senior Director at BET Networks, and after that – the President of Tyler Perry Studios. I am known for my ability to produce multiple projects at once with the most efficient workflows and budgets. This ability has led me to executive producing hundreds of television episodes and multiple studio films. I am most proud of my new venture, A Few Good Women Productions. Here at AFGWP, we operate with a studio model to maintain majority ownership and control in the content we develop, produce, and exhibit – as it is instrumental to us that diverse groups such as our own – have the same opportunities as our non-diverse counterparts. We’re building the company we’ve not only always wanted to be a part of but one that we deserve. In my free time, I like to mentor amazing young people in the industry and spend quality time with my family and friends being silly and making hilarious memories.
You are paving a new way for the creators behind you. What changes are you looking to make in the entertainment industry?
The changes I am looking to make in the industry are meaningful and powerful equal opportunity for those who look like me – as executives, creators, producers, and the like. As a black woman in this industry, I have not always received the same treatment and opportunities as my non-diverse counterparts. By creating this studio model business with high-dollar private funding and keeping control of the projects within our diverse group, we are not only leveling the playing fields; we’re leading it. Having diverse groups at the top undoubtedly allows for more meaningful and powerful opportunities all the way around.
Why now?
The time is NOW to create the changes I want to see because, for one, I am not getting any younger, and my hard work, commitment, skills, talent, and intention have given me the confidence and resources to go after what’s fair and open more doors for diverse groups. I also feel it’s important to amplify the impact of powerful social movements throughout the U.S. that have forced leadership in all industries to not only take a look at their antiquated and discriminatory business practices but also to be held accountable for them and make the needed changes. A Few Good Women Productions is certainly inspired by this shift in energy.
As someone who has played a leadership role in the entertainment industry, it can be easy for those who look up to you to misunderstand the work and effort it took to get there. What important lesson have you learned in your career or life?
The most important lesson that’s been proven to me repeatedly in my career and life is that one must give to receive – and it’s best if both are done with good intentions. This held true during my days in entry-level positions to my highest executive roles and to even being a good friend and neighbor. Giving my time and energy – has ALWAYS led to some unexpected lifelong relationship, the next job or opportunity, a new skill, and/or so much more. Another little nugget I hold dear is what a mentor of mine named Tom Munroe once shared “It’s not your fault – it’s just your turn.” That phrase applies so much in this industry – and once I embraced it– being accountable for everything I’m attached to became so much easier.
What would you tell her if you could turn back the time and talk to your 18-year-old self?
I would tell my 18-year-old self “Baby girl, you are on the right track! You are doing everything you’re supposed to be doing. Give yourself some grace and kindness as you extend to others – you deserve it too.” Oh, and “take advantage of all that the beautiful campus of MSU has to offer!” I wish I would have done that!!
What does success mean to you?
My definition of success is having so much faith that nothing bad or negative – can ever steal my joy. Being free enough to always follow the beat of my own drum. Having quality relationships with the most important people in my life, and having the resources to create options and opportunities for my family and community.
Who would play you in a movie?
I would love for someone like KeKe Palmer to play me in a movie. She’s so self-aware, so honest, intentional, and talented – that I think she’d execute all the layers of my story with compassion, integrity, style, and grace.