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

Hi VaShawn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
God Created me to create. I created Control Overdose Films LLC to show others that creation is the ultimate form of gratitude to the creator. Control Overdose Studios aims to help others realize their own creative talents; our movies, documentarys, short films and commercials all show positive influences inspired by real life trauma.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My Art comes from my Heart…

As an African American filmmaker, our way out of our ‘concrete circumstances’ are not always easy; from poverty/low income & small creative outlets our access can sometimes limit us in our abilities to Think and be as Creative as possible. I feel as though Concrete Roses is a movie that vividly tells our story from a different perspective through the lives of all who are limited in creativity. I believe in God & since we were All Created in his image, we are all here for a purpose! I believe that my purpose in life is to Create; to create/write/produce/direct/act & promote films so that I can teach others a different way of thinking & to help others find their purpose & passion in life. I feel that I can be a leader in the next generation of game changers, rule breakers, and brilliant minds that exist at the intersection of craft and culture; such as some of my favorite writers, actors, directors, & producers like Lena Waithe, Ava DuVernay, Spike Lee, Ryan Coogler, Will Packer, Eva Longoria, Denzell Washington, Michael B. Jordan, Issa Rae, Antoine Fuqua & John Singelton. I pray daily for understanding, guidance and purpose. I aim to be not only a humanitarian & philanthropist but also an advocate in promoting only positive influences in today’s society for the youth & culture and to challenge the next generation of culture with vivid storytelling & original content. Concrete Roses would help millions around the world find their passion and purpose in life. Movies such as Black Panther, BoyzNTheHood, Fruitvale Station, Straight Outta Compton & 13th that I have watched & taken to heart have influenced me positively and helped me find my purpose and passion.

At Control Overdose Films LLC. it is our goal to become a global brand film & visual production company. We aim to create, promote & empower; outlining the common challenges in the culture of creativity and then providing real-world advice and access to resources to overcome these challenges. At COD Films, it is our goal to be distributed nationally via streaming video, have national theatrical releases & win competitively at film festivals nationwide. In an effort to grow globally, COD Films will use every effort to become part of all national film & production guilds of America including but not limited to: Directors Guild of America (DGA), Producers Guild of America (PGA), Writers Guild of America (WGA) & Screen Actors Guild of America (SAG). Through our original content and vivid storytelling methods, COD Films will provide heart-felt encouragement from real people who have experienced the common struggles and blessings of life. We believe through film; providing a realistic picture of the benefits, challenges and real-world outcomes of life this will help us offer advice and valuable resources, and by offering heart-felt encouragement we can effectively carry out our purpose and passion, which is to remain in control by being creative and empowering others in a positive manner.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1. Moonboy Studio

2. Georgia Aquarium

3. Atlanta Botanical Garden

4. World of Coca-Cola

5. Atlanta Zoo

6. Museum of Art

7. Nikolai’s Roof

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this Shoutout to my family; brothers & sisters, associates, all the dreamers, entrepreneurs, clothing designers, photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists, directors, chefs, business owners, executives, fashion designers, social media influencers, nail technicians & those less fortunate & without, because I have been less fortunate & without during my creative process.

Thank you Jesus for Everything & Everyone! Thank you to my family & fellow Kings & Queens for assisting me in the creation of our projects collectively; all companies I have filmed commercials for, all clients I have created for, all cast & crew members.

Website: https://www.controloverdose.com/1-of-1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vashawn_dixon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vashawn.dixon.3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsAxWFCrbTqg8JMrqACMOMg

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