Meet Wayne Smith Jr.: Writer, Director, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wayne Smith Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wayne, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Giving up isn’t an option. Through the trials and tough times character & Resilience is birthed. Sports is big for me so I like to relate a lot of things to that. The work you put in during the off-season allows you to shine. Some times you feel like giving up but coaches & trainers push you past that point to build that strength. From where I come from if I would’ve given up I wouldn’t be alive right now. Gotta fall in love with the journey and wait till it’s your time while continuing to put the work in day after day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of the things that sets me apart from others is my originality & versatility. There isn’t one lane for me , I want to be one of the best writers in multiple genres & the impact my work has as well. The ability to inspire & provide hope through my work is one of the things I enjoy the most. I’m currently in the process of Producing & Directing my first Feature Film,” Population Zero”. Which was written by myself as well. This whole process has definitely been a lot of ups and downs but it’s all been worth it and I can’t wait to see the impact it makes. The road to get here wasn’t easy though. I faced a lot of challenges but staying true to the vision helped me through it. The thing I want the world to take from my story is,” It’s Possible”. There was many times I felt like it wasn’t, many Situations that told me it wasn’t , People as well. Even my family but I beat the odds & still have a lot more work to do. If there’s anyone that has a dream and scared to get it going just know,” It’s Possible “.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Stone Mountain Skates. One of my favorite past times away from my career. I feel like it’s mandatory to have or find an escape so roller skating is definitely one of mine.

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?
I definitely have to give a shout-out to God for holding me down even when i didn’t deserve it. Second my Family, I put them through a lot & they never gave up on me, now the dream I had is coming alive. Third , my Day 1 brothers,” James Lampkin & Chris McCormick. They never switched up on me or turned their backs. I got them for life. Last but not least,” Femi. He was killed in his freshman year & to this day it still hurts me. He was one of my biggest supporters & we had so many conversations about the top. Whenever I feel drained I feel that strength come back & I know it’s from him.

Website: www.populationzeromovie.com

Instagram: Waynesmithjr_

Image Credits
MaxVisuals Japel Porter