Today we’d like to introduce you to Millz Davis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started off by making music in 2010, I was 11 going on 12. I use to write songs until I eventually turned my bedroom closet into a recording booth and from there I taught myself how to record and engineer using an old MacBook. Much like with music I began naturally get into graphic design, photography and videography because I had to promote and advertise my music. I was very big on learning and educating myself a young age and music was all I ever wanted to do. I found my purpose and mission in life without knowing that at the time. I was just doing what I felt like I should be doing. Eventually as I began to release music, advertise my cover artwork and pictures I began to garner some attention from people locally that we interested in what I was doing which then lead to me providing those services for others. I didn’t know it at the time but not only what I was slowing becoming an entrepreneur, learning as I was going and using those opportunities to hone my skills. Fast forward to 2013 when I began to film music videos and promotional videos using my older brother’s iPad. I did that for summer. At the end of my freshman year I signed up for a film class that was being offered at a tech school for high schoolers. Not knowing that class would end up changing my life. My sophomore year of high school (Fall of 2013) I started this class and I learned about filmmaking and an editing software called Final Cut Pro. By this time I was also taking marketing management at my regular high school and other business/entrepreneurial classes. From there I noticed I was already doing a lot of these things but I didn’t know anything about the specifics but once the lightbulb clicked in my mind I never looked back because it was confirmation that I was doing what I was meant to be doing. I sold merch t-shirts in high school and CDs. With that money in combination with the $10 studio sessions I did out of our home garage, I was able to fund my professional studio setup for my DIY recording studio and office in our backyard storage shed. by 2014 my brother bought a Canon T5i and I would use it to take pictures for music related promotion and eventually for photography bookings. It wasn’t until around 2015 where I started to use it for videos fully. My photography business was growing while still in high school and my music was as well. By the time 2016 came around and I was getting ready to graduate high school I established a pretty good fanbase on social media through my music while me and my close friends starting making short films together. By the time I graduated I was making steady income through studio session, photography and videography bookings. I established my now production company A Millz Davis Film (AMDF) in 2014 and became a full time travel based cinematography by 2017. Today I am still doing actively a music artist, entrepreneur, cinematographer, photographer, music producer, engineer, graphic designer and more. My business resides out of Irmo, SC for now but I’m looking to finally elocate in 2027. I travel the country filming weddings, commercials, business social media advertisements, music videos and more. We are a full service, all purpose film and video production company. Looking to expand internationally in 2027 as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part it’s been a smooth ride. I would say the only real struggle is not keeping myself in a box and showing my range but also looking for people to believe in me enough to bring their vision to life when I may not have had what they were looking for on my portfolio at the time. Other than that I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed the destination has been worth the detour.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a music artist, music producer, cinematographer, filmmaker, photographer, graphic designer, audio engineer and multi-fasciated creative.
I am known for my soul sample music production, lyrical raps, and cinematic cinematography.
I am most proud of the fact that I have never worked for anyone other than myself.
What sets me apart from others is my drive, determination, ideas and execution.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books:
Decoded by JAY Z
All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman
The Autobiography of Malcom X by Alex Haley and Malcom X
Music mainly helps me do my best work and pulling inspiration from others in my career field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/millzdavis and https://amillzdavisfilm.pixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/amillzdavisfilm
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/AMillzDavisFilm
- Twitter: https://x.com/AMillzDavisFilm
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amillzdavisfilm
- Other: https://linktr.ee/millzdavis
