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

What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Karmac Productions started because I was passionate about making films and I was passionate about storytelling. Whether it was movies or journalism I wanted  to share information, entertain, and inspire through various forms of media, whether it’s written content, videos, or other formats.

From an early age I wrote short skits and by middle school I started to understand the power of storytelling and how stories can affect and move people. In high school I wrote for The Macon Telegraph Teen Board section of the newspaper.

These opportunities were exciting because I was able to learn and expand the ways I told stories. I really enjoyed connecting with audiences in these ways. Building a connection with audiences was a powerful motivator.

In addition to storytelling it became a way to generate income as well. My skills in videography, graphic design, and producing has allowed me to produce content for others. Fortunately they were a source of income while being stories that I was excited about telling.

What should our readers know about your work?
Karmac Productions is a multimedia production company that produces movies, documentaries, news and informative pieces, commercials, and graphic design work. We also do photography and public relations work. Karmac Productions specializes in various forms of communication and produces thought-provoking documentaries. We are known for our documentaries and comedy films that are full of sharp wit.

I am most proud of the opportunities my company has had over the years. I have been able to work with various groups and people to tell a variety of stories from so many people from different walks of life. Stories that, when people see them, give them hope or make them feel good that someone is telling a story that represents them and their walk of life.

I have been fortunate that there have been so many proud moments from numerous awards and recognitions, including the “Feed the Hungry” documentary recognized at the state capitol in Atlanta in House Resolution 661, “MLK JR. BLVD” winning a Davey Award from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, and being voted runner up in Connect Savannah Best of Savannah for Best Local Actor and Best Local Theater Director.

Another proud moment was being elected to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Southeast Emmy Chapter Board of Governors. This moment was made very special when I found out one of the other board members worked at 13WMAZ and was the general manager during the time I was a kid admiring and watching the station. It was like a full-circle moment because I am on the board and working with someone who shaped the station I grew up watching, and that was special to me.

Recently, in December 2023, I was one of the Savannah Film Gala honorees for my work in the film and television industry in Savannah and Georgia. It was a huge honor to have my work and advocacy efforts recognized.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places I would have them visit in Atlanta are The High Museum of Art, Little Five Points, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Little Five Points, The Fox Theatre (for theater lovers!), Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park, and Sweet Auburn Historic District, to name a few, but there is so much more.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shout out?
I really have to thank my mom, Annette McMichael. I LOVE YOU!, because a lot of what I am today and where I am today is because of her not only believing in my dreams and what I wanted to do but also being very supportive of me and my work over the years.

I have to thank my dad, Charlie McMichael, for teaching me to be the best at what I do and teaching me about having a work ethic. I really watched how he interacted with clients through his painting company, and I learned a lot about business and interacting with people through working with him and watching him. I think I get a lot of my drive from my dad. My brother, Akeem McMichael, has always been a huge support for me. He even worked with me on some of my productions and listened to me when I was in certain situations. My brother has really taught me to be bold.

To all my aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends (Eleanor, Somiki, and more) who constantly support me and my company and even use my services and refer me to people, I thank you all and love you all.

I want to thank my Savannah State University family. My Georgia Film Academy family. The KCP Project, Free Williams, Jewel IV Vision, NATAS Southeast Emmys family, Carl Gilliard, BlazeHustle Films, G Allen Battle, Clara, Destin, and just anyone close to me with an impact in a prosperous way in my life.

Also, to my many business partners and clients, ranging from GA State Representative Carl Gilliard to Coastal Jail Ministries, Jerome Meadows, the Savannah Black Heritage Festival, SSU National Freedom Day, DFACS, the Rape Crisis Center, and more. I thank you all for continuously trusting me and my production company to tell your stories, whether it be through graphics, photography, or videos. You all have allowed me to create work for you that has been seen by many near and far, and I am grateful.

   

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