Meet Derick Pope: Media Producer, Director, and DoP

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

Hi Derick, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want others to remember me as a pioneer; someone who paved a new way and opened new doors. In the black culture, athletes and entertainers are viewed as the most successful and get the most respect. Our culture, and especially our youth, needs to recognize more leaders in other sectors.

For my legacy, I want people just see what confidence, risk-taking, and God can do for your life and how it can help you build an empire.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Man, I love what I do. I can’t view anything the same anymore. Movies are always getting paused and analyzed. I’m looking at everywhere I go as a potential filming location. It’s just such a big factor in my life. This sort of drive/obsession is what helped me to be part of the 1.2% of college basketball players that go to play professionally. I know that same drive will get me to the top 1% of my industry as well.

I have learned so much along the way, and one of the biggest things I’ve learned is to never stop learning. Production is a tech heavy industry and you have to stay on top of trends. Organization is huge as well. Your time, business structure, finances, and processes all have to be organized when doing high-level productions.

I’ve had so many failures along the way, but they all have made me stronger. I know we hear this a lot, but it’s so true. As long as you don’t let the failures make you quit, they always make you better.

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.
So if I have a friend visiting Atlanta, we’re definitely going to eat. Atlanta has some great food. One of my favorite places is Nouveau Bar & Grill in College Park, and then all the Jamaican & Seafood restaurants. Hanging out, I always like to have a little gathering at my place when friends come because my local friends are always a party. The comedy shows, bars, and sight-seeing are always fun as well Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely had a good amount of help to get where I am today! First off, my parents were great in trying to help me as much as possible to lead a good future. Especially in letting me stay at home for free for a while after playing basketball overseas.

Secondly, I’d like to thank my business coaches Benny Santaromana, Michael Stern, and Den Lennie for all of their efforts and knowledge that they shared with me. It has been priceless.

Website: www.higharcmedia.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/derickpope2

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/derickpope

Facebook: www.facebook.com/higharcmedia