The Rise of an Empire
When Empire debuted on Fox television in 2015, nobody can deny that it took the world by storm. Week after week Empire became the first show in several decades to not just maintain it’s weekly audience, but actually gain new viewers every week.
We recently sat down with OD Harris creator of the original Empire After Talk, to discuss the show, his next moves, and the meaning of life. Well, perhaps not the meaning of life.
Interview with OD Harris
Slickster: Can you tell our readers a little bit yourself?
OD Harris: My name is OD Harris. I am entrepreneur based out of the state of Arizona. I was raised in a two parent household till my father’s death at a young age of 14. My father and mother had six children. I was the middle child.
It was challenging for my mother raising the remaining kids without my father. Somehow she managed it. I was raised in a strict Christian home where values were everything.
After graduating from high school I went on to attend college and graduated with my degree in Accounting. I used the skills I learned in college to open 31 national accounting firms. Many years later, I became a recipient of the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year.
Being the entrepreneur I am, I wanted to expand my platform so I started doing video/film/photography, as I already had a passion for it. My start was filming and doing photography for local individuals. Who would have ever known it would take off to seeing me on Red Carpets like the BET Awards, NASCAR, The Academy Awards, The Gospel Stellar Awards, just to name a few? I create content, sell and provide coverage for many local media companies in Arizona in addition to major networks like TMZ, Fox, and much more.
Empire Inspirations
Slickster: What moved you to create Empire After Talk?
OD Harris: I am a big TV buff; anyone who knows me would tell you I have a love of watching TV and great writing. After I watched the first season of Empire, I absolutely loved it. Eventually, I found myself stuck on talking to a few people about Empire but I wanted to engage the masses.
There was one night I remember sitting and thinking, “How can I add value to this show in a way that does not take the shine away from the program?” After a few hours, I thought I should do an after talk program like The Talking Dead.
From there everything else was history; I contacted 20th Century Fox they loved the idea. We went talk on the phone and via email conversing. I wanna say within three weeks they said yes. My God, I was excited. This was going to be big!
Slickster: I’ve watched a few of the episodes. The chemistry between you and your co-hosts is electric. How do you maintain that level of enthusiasm episode to episode?
OD Harris: I really was blessed with a good crew. My co-hosts That Creole Girl (Elizabeth Ward) and Jenn Shea are really passionate and are super fans of Empire. When it’s time to tape they are all in. When people are in their purpose it lights them up and you can see the excitement in their eyes and their work ethic. In addition to my publicist Lanzer Robinson, I just have a great team. Iris Huey, Larvell Whitt, Leslie Martin, Willis Neal, Vincent Orleck, Mechelle Tucker, Chandra Lapierre, Teddy Beard, and Aziza Louise. My bench is deep, and they all make Empire After Talk, the success that it is.
Creating Fun
Slickster: I love your segment “Who Said It.” Where did you get that idea from? Do you have any other fun or interactive segments lined up?
OD Harris: The game “Who Said It” was created by me. One evening my writer, Valley Clardy and I were brainstorming games that would add value and keep fan engagement up. While conversing back and forth it just came to me we should create a game where the fans can guess what lines these characters said. Then I said out loud, “Let’s call it ‘Who Said It.'”
She looked at my and said that’s a good idea. In that brainstorming session, we created more concepts but “Who Said It” and “Fleek or Fail” would be the fans choice.
I have many more ideas for interactive segments lined up. Everyone is going to have to keep watching Empire After Talk TV on Facebook and YouTube. Also, OD Harris Media’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Flattery or Imitation?
Slickster: I noticed on the official Empire channel they have their own version of your show. I’m curious is this a case of simultaneous conception? Or perhaps imitation?
OD Harris: I further noticed that Fox Now is doing an after show that pattern after my Empire After Talk and they call their program Empire After Show. It’s unfortunate but this type of thing happens all the time. I’m personally tired of it.
I was very disappointed that Fox decided to use my concept and idea without my permission. Considering it took me many hours laboring over these ideas for them to come and use it as their own. I never gave them permission to use it. Many people in the industry have dealt with this problem. But sadly this is what big companies do. They take your ideas and push small creatives out the way. Well, I’m, not a pushover and I don’t plan on backing down anytime soon.
The Empire Effect
Slickster: How do you feel about the massive impact Empire had on the ratings and American culture when it first debuted?
OD Harris: Empire has been a blessing to the black community, especially in Chicago. Many people I know in Film and Entertainment from the Chicago area have talked to me about their new employment with 20th Century Fox and the impact it has had on their careers and personal lives.
Lee Daniels and Danny Strong are geniuses. Since day one many felt that Empire exploited the stereotypes of our culture. Yet I never saw anything wrong with it because people are attracted to drama. Julia Roberts played a prostitute in a movie called Pretty Woman. She blew up after that. So it’s not fair to have a double standard for Empire.
Slickster: What do you think Empire means to the community?
OD Harris: Empire to Chicago means stability, opportunity, and financial prosperity. Empire to a nation allows us to address our issues as an American people through film.
Slickster:What does Empire mean to you?
OD Harris: Empire to me means I am not the victim but the victor. In addition, I have a noticed an increase in black films since Empire has come out. This has been a good thing.
Parting Thoughts
Slickster: Do you have any recommendations for young people looking to break into the industry?
OD Harris: My recommendations to any young person are to build a lot of relationships with people in the industry you are in. By the same token, it’s most important to film what you love and what you are passionate about. Also, don’t get caught up buying expensive equipment. Equally important, nowadays smartphones can do a lot, so be smart and use what you have got. I have seen great moments captured with a simple phone.
Slickster: What are you working on next?
OD Harris: I am working on some inspirational film projects, a few tv show concepts, and commercial branding. I have a new character I’m developing more content for called Brotha Evera-Dang. So be sure to be on the look out for him. He is a funny and inspirational character.
Slickster: Thanks for sitting down with us today. Do you have any links that would like to share for where your fans or fans of Empire can follow you next?
OD Harris: Please make sure you follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat: @od_harris and @odharrismedia
