Avery Todd Harrell

Recently we wrapped production on my @cocacolarefreshingfilms spot titled “The Usual”. This spot represents the community and bonds that the movie theatre experience can help facilitate. It was written and directed by yours truly and together with the amazing crew and faculty we became the very first HBCU to be a finalist in the 28 years of this program’s existence. Coincidentally we filmed this on the first day of Black History Month. Funny how life works out like that.

This entire 8 month process has been surreal in a way that’s almost indescribable. I’ve been able to work alongside the most talented people I know, work with one of the biggest brands in the world, and also showcase the culmination of the love and support that my community has poured into me.

I’m from a small town called Hammond in Louisiana and I’ve wanted to be a filmmaker my entire life. Growing up I never saw anybody who looked like me, talked like me, or was from where I’m from in film or TV. Since then I told myself I was going to have to find a way no matter what and along the way more people have helped me than I probably deserved. From my high school teachers pushing me to follow my dreams, to my family that believed in me, to the entire Howard film community that took a chance on a 17 year old country kid that talked kind of funny.

I would also like to thank the folks specifically who made all of this possible. I worked with an amazing producer @laidback.adi on this and through late nights and lots of coffee he made this production a reality! Our faculty advisors @srikanth__nandigama @montremissouri and @shom_2013 who gave wisdom, experience, and an ear whenever the team needed it. I’d also like to thank @lawrencelamont for letting me learn from under him many moons ago! It’s still impactful to this day. And of course my Mom and my cousin Brittany!

Last but not least, the cast and crew! Your hard work, talent, and dedication are inspiring! I’m so glad to have worked with every single one of you and would do it all again in a heartbeat (maybe not an overnight shoot this time but still!)

Anyways! Can’t wait for you to see the finished product! Love yall! Bye!