Meet Barry McLeod | Creative, Writer, Director, Producer, Composer, Filmmaker, Playwright, Artist

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

Hi Barry, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Realizing that there was ‘no difference’ in being broke in my hometown as opposed to being in another city. Understanding this gave me the courage to pursue the career I wanted.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

August 2023, I produced a 1-man show featuring myself telling my journey! It’s a Performing Arts show titled “I Became Me” where I shared/performed for a live audience, my childhood mindset and my various talents. Further, I demonstrated how they all morphed into the creative I am today. Also, in the show, I “demonstrated” many of my gifts by playing several instruments, showcasing some of my art, drawing a portrait from someone selected from the audience and showcasing my original fashion, which I was wearing! For the grand finale I played the bass guitar in one hand, the keyboard in the other hand, while simultaneously painting a portrait upside down. ALL TRUE!! People were amazed.

In addition to these talents I also edit video, compose music, act, direct and produce. I’m a filmmaker as well as a playwright. Much of my work is on my new streaming platform, www.bbingn.com.

I continue working as a hairstylist in my salon (Amani Hair Salon). I previously owned and operated two nightclubs. I worked as a DJ and I still perform in bands and play keyboards for the church. I do book signings and speaking engagements when I can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, there’s a few comedy clubs that are good, and there’s a couple of places that feature live music, which I love! And they also serve dinner. And there’s this one spot where I love the lamb chops!! So, between all that, I might invite them to my film set and office where I produce some of my work; and they might even meet a few of the people I work with!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well, there was my late uncle Bishop Sam Bannister who had the church with all the musical instruments, who encouraged us to play them! I started out on drums and was fascinated with the guitars. Next, it was my high school band teacher Atis Kirkland who taught me about playing brass instruments and performing in general. Next, it was Elaine Slocum (Mother of actor Tory Kittles/The Equalizer with Queen Latifah) who is a real friend! She is the first person who told me to ‘shut up and put up’ when it came to beginning the process of writing. But the late Professor James Haskins (The Cotton Club and more) was the first person of his caliber to tell me I had the potential as a screenwriter. He also grilled me and enlightened me to things about the filmmaking/Hollywood industry. But before each of them it was my wonderful stepfather, Moses McLeod, Jr. He taught me work ethic, consistency, staying focused and being serious about my mission and goals, and what it all has to do with being a “man”. But, actually, before them all was my grandmother, Eddie Mae Jones, and her sister, Inez Matthews, who made sure that I had respect and appreciation for understanding things that are very important to life and self!

Website: www.bbingn.com

Instagram: flroidasownbarrys.mcleod

Linkedin: Barrysmcleod

Twitter: Barrysmcleod

Facebook: floridasownbarrysmcleod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPtp0pdEC2vpd2qiep5h-4Q

Other: If you want the BEST CLOSE-UP on me and the works I’ve done, visit www.barrysmcleod.com and www.bbingn.com.

Image Credits
I received a Best Playwright Award in Shreveport, LA for my relationship comedy play “Divorce N’ Us” which, the full play is also featured at www.bbingn.com.