Who is Autumn Bailey-Ford?

Autumn Bailey-Ford is first and foremost a believer. My faith comes before all else and carry’s me through my ups and downs. I am a fighter, survivor, and persistent with full determination. When I want to accomplish something, I get it done to the best of my ability. I’m a care giver. I want to see people succeed in their goals and aspirations as I achieve my own. As I like to say we all one industry family.

You’ve built your career producing projects that balance commercial appeal with culturally authentic storytelling. What originally inspired you to pursue producing, and what was the defining moment that made you realize this was your path?

What originally inspired me to pursue producing was my love for storytelling and my passion for creating opportunities for voices and stories that are often overlooked. I’ve always believed film and television have the power to connect people, heal, inspire, and spark conversation across cultures and generations. Growing up, I didn’t always see stories that reflected the world I came from or the people around me in an authentic way, and that stayed with me. I loved watching older movies.

What drew me specifically to producing was realizing that producers are the bridge between the creative vision and making something actually happen. Producers have the ability to bring people together, build worlds from ideas, and champion projects from beginning to end. I fell in love with the process of taking something from a conversation or script and turning it into something audiences can truly appreciate.

Producing is not easy. It requires vision, resilience, faith, and the ability to constantly problem-solve. But for me, it never became just a career it became purpose. Every project I take on, whether it’s faith-based, culturally driven, or commercially focused, starts with the same goal: to create stories that entertain people while also making them feel seen.

As a producer, what lessons did you learn early in your career that still guide the way you approach projects and partnerships today?

One of the biggest lessons I learned early in my career was the importance of relationships. Not just networking for the sake of exchanging business cards or trying to get something from someone but genuinely building real connections with people. Get to know the people you want to work with. Understand their vision, their values, and who they are as human beings. Some of the strongest partnerships and opportunities in my career came from authentic relationships built over time.

I also learned the importance of being friendly, taking initiative, and never being afraid to put yourself out there. In this industry, talent matters, but so does energy, work ethic, and how you treat people. I’ve always believed you should lead with truth, purpose, and integrity because your reputation will follow you long after a project wraps.

Another lesson that still guides me today is to stay proactive. Don’t sit around waiting for opportunities — create them. Reach out. Follow up. Have the meeting. Make the call. Pitch the project. So much of producing is about persistence and believing in your vision enough to keep pushing even when doors don’t immediately open.

And above all else: NETWORK… NETWORK… NETWORK. Relationships are everything in this business. One conversation can change your life, launch a project, or open a door you never expected. But the key is making those connections meaningful and genuine.

You’ve worked across both independent productions and larger studio-backed projects. How has navigating those two worlds shaped your perspective on storytelling and leadership?

When it comes to independent productions the creator has control. Larger studios have a lot of input on how they want the films to look. Of course, both worlds are open to suggestions and creative ideas, indie films are more free range while studios has a set look and style. I enjoy working with both parties. It brings different insight and ideas to bring a full picture to life.

How important is representation when deciding what stories you want to help bring to the screen?

Representation is very important. The type of stories I want to help bring to the films is a depiction of who I am as an individual. If I don’t believe in the way the characters talk to each other or the type of genre it is, I won’t produce. Granted, if I don’t do it then someone will, but not me. I have to think about what lifestyle I am showing the younger generation. I’m showing them, I don’t have to conform in order to stand out.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman of color producer in Hollywood, and how have those experiences strengthened your voice within the industry?

The biggest challenge I face is being a woman of faith because sometimes there are some good stories out there, but because they don’t align with who I am and my beliefs, I won’t produce them. Either the n-word is used too many times, or something is too gruesome, or talking about something I cant personally connect too. We have enough sob and depressing stories coming from the news. I want to uplift and inspire the viewers watching the films I help produce.

There’s often conversation about access and gatekeeping in entertainment. From your experience, what barriers still exist for women producers of color, and what changes are you hoping to see happen next?

A barrier I see is not having enough women in the room. There are a lot of creative, talented, hardcore women out there who can put there foot down and make good films. And they aren’t afraid to speak their mind, respectfully. I’m hoping that women continue to take a stand to be in the rooms and doors open, not cracked, but fully open for women to make their mark and get the credit they work so hard to get.

How do you maintain confidence and authority in rooms where producers who look like you are still underrepresented?

You have to look as if you belong in the room because you do. Producers work hard to be in certain rooms and when you get there show that room what you’re made of. Give strong creative ideas and direction. Help the people in the room see the vision. Speak confidently and know what you’re talking about.

Your upcoming Barbershop series is attached to such an iconic franchise. What excited you most about helping reimagine that world for television?

It was one of my favorite films growing up and to be given the opportunity to bring it back as a TV show was exciting. I’m glad MGM and Amazon trusted me to produce it. Also, for Bryan Smiley at Hartbeat for answering the call when I called to tell him I was picking up the project. We were trying to find a way to work together, so choosing this film was a no brainer. It’s about relationships and making it make sense. We are friends outside of the industry. Like I said earlier, it’s not just about connecting, but building relationships. When he has something, he feels I would be great at, he reaches out to me and brings me on the project. It’s about building together.

The original Barbershop films became cultural staples because of their humor, heart, and community conversations. How are you approaching the challenge of honoring that legacy while creating something fresh for a new audience?

I still have the humor, heart, and soul of the original film. Now, generations have changed since then. So now we appeal to a younger audience. Similar conversations but, tailored in a way for them to understand and be more relatable.

What can audiences expect from the tone and energy of the new Barbershop series that may surprise longtime fans of the franchise?

They can expect something inspiring and serious with a sense of humor and real that connects with today. Not everything has to be serious, but when it’s time to get serious that’s when all the emotions break loose.

Working on a recognizable property like Barbershop comes with expectations from audiences. How do you balance nostalgia with innovation as a producer?

In my opinion it’s about taking what people love and add an unexpected twist. I don’t want people to guess the ending before fully watching the film. So there has to be a distraction or something that throws the audience for a loop they didn’t see coming. I like to create “Ah ha” moments.

You’re also producing Boyz Trip, which already has people excited because of its cast and international setting. What initially drew you to that project?

I found the script to be funny, adventurous, and the scenes fitting for a place like Cape Town. This film is a wild adventure and what better place to have it than within our own culture.

Boyz Trip blends comedy, friendship, and adventure. Why do you think stories centered around Black male friendship and vulnerability continue to resonate so strongly with audiences?

You don’t see a lot of Black males being vulnerable. They’re taught to hide their emotions, toughen up, and don’t let no one see you cry. It’s a never-ending cycle of emotional bondage. But in Boyz Trip, we want to set a different tone. We want the audience to see there’s a softer side to Black males who are open to expressing themselves and can still be masculine. It’s about open communication and being mature in conversations.

Filming internationally can create both opportunities and obstacles. What was the experience like producing Boyz Trip in South Africa, and what did that environment add to the film creatively?

Producing *Boyz Trip* in South Africa was truly an incredible experience. One of the biggest advantages creatively was definitely the scenery. South Africa is absolutely beautiful, and the landscapes really helped elevate the film visually. The open fields, roads, and natural environments helped set the tone for certain scenes and made them stand out in a unique way. The location itself almost became its own character within the film.

Beyond the visuals, working with the South African crew was an amazing experience. There was never a dull moment. The energy, the culture, the food, and simply watching how everyone approached the work was inspiring. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with talented people from a different part of the world and experience a different filmmaking rhythm and culture firsthand.

Of course, filming internationally also came with challenges. One of the biggest was the heat. Now personally, I loved the heat lol, but for others it was definitely a struggle at times. There were days when temperatures got so high that our cameras would overheat, and we had to stop to cool them down with fans or move equipment into shaded areas. That definitely took away from some recording time and created delays during production.

Another challenge was adjusting to the time difference. There were moments when both some crew members and I were exhausted trying to adapt while still maintaining the pace needed to get the job done. It was not an easy adjustment physically or mentally at times, but everyone stayed committed because we knew the mission and understood what we were there to accomplish.

Overall, though, those obstacles became part of the experience and part of the story. For me, the beauty, culture, collaboration, and creative inspiration South Africa brought to *Boyz Trip* far outweighed the challenges, and it’s something I’ll always appreciate being a part of.

With Boyz Trip, how important was chemistry between the cast members in creating the energy and authenticity of the film?

Chemistry between the cast members was extremely important in creating the energy and authenticity of *Boyz Trip*. I truly enjoy working on films where the cast genuinely gets along because you can feel the difference both on and off screen. When actors have real chemistry and mutual respect, it naturally makes the shoot days easier, the dialogue flows better, and the overall vibe on set feels right.

Filmmaking is a team effort, and I believe the strongest casts are the ones where no one thinks they are bigger or better than the project or each other. Everyone supports one another, keeps each other accountable, and works together to make the film the best it can be. That type of environment creates authenticity that audiences can actually feel when they watch the movie.

Honestly, some of the best moments come from the bloopers and the laughter between takes. Being able to have fun on set is important because it keeps the energy alive and helps build real connections between the cast. That chemistry translates directly onto the screen and helps create memorable moments for the audience. For me, that balance of professionalism, teamwork, and genuine fun is what helps bring a film like *Boyz Trip* to life.

Looking at both Barbershop and Boyz Trip, there’s a clear emphasis on community, relationships, and Black culture. Is that a conscious thread you look for in the projects you produce?

I wouldn’t say it’s a conscious thread or decision; it’s something I’m drawn to because of my culture, supportive community, and relationships I share with people. I think it’s something within me that pulls me in and it just so happens these factors are a focal point of the film.

As someone helping shape the next generation of film and television content, what kinds of stories do you feel are still missing from Hollywood right now?

I feel like one of the biggest things missing from Hollywood right now is originality. We need more original films and stories that take audiences somewhere fresh emotionally, creatively, and visually. Even when certain genres have been explored many times before, there are still so many untold perspectives and unique angles that can make familiar concepts feel brand new again.

For example, there have been countless movies about vampires, wolves, and witches, but the real question becomes: what perspective are we telling these stories from, and what tone are we bringing to them? Are we seeing them through a cultural lens we’ve never explored before? Are we adding emotional depth, comedy, faith, social commentary, or a completely different point of view that challenges what audiences expect?

And yes, this is coming from someone who is remaking not one, not two, heck maybe three or more stories lol. But at the same time, I look at it differently. Through that process, I’ve come to see and understand even more why original stories truly matter. There’s value in revisiting familiar stories, but there’s also something powerful about creating worlds, characters, and perspectives audiences have never experienced before.

I think audiences today are craving stories that feel authentic, bold, and different. People want to be surprised again. They want films that are entertaining but also creatively fearless. Hollywood sometimes plays it safe by repeating formulas that have already worked, but I believe there’s room for storytellers to take bigger creative risks and bring more fresh voices and perspectives into the industry.

I also believe we need more stories that reflect real people, real cultures, and real experiences while still being commercially entertaining. Stories that are layered, meaningful, and memorable. At the end of the day, the goal should not just be to remake what has already been done, but to evolve storytelling in ways that connect with audiences on a deeper level.

You’ve also been vocal about supporting independent filmmaking and expanding opportunities in Atlanta. Why is it important for you to invest in creative ecosystems outside of Los Angeles?

It’s important because there are new voices everywhere, not just in LA. With new voices come new experiences, new perspectives, fresh ideas. There’s millions of people in the States, someone has to bring something new to the game.

What advice would you give aspiring producers—especially women of color—who are trying to break into the industry but don’t yet have access to major networks or resources?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Pick up projects that speak to you and what society needs to hear. Get a mentor and study the industry. You don’t want to be a, “know it all”, but you want to know what you’re talking about when you do have an opportunity to break in.

When people look back at your body of work years from now, what do you hope they say about the impact Autumn Bailey-Ford had on the entertainment industry?

When people look back at my body of work years from now, I hope they say that Autumn Bailey-Ford was one of the most inspirational producers the industry has ever seen. I want my work to be remembered as projects that spoke life, truth, and purpose into people. Stories that entertained audiences, but also truly impacted lives and made people feel something real.

I hope people see that I never allowed myself to be boxed into one genre or one lane. Whether it was comedy, faith-based films, action, horror, or thrillers, I always stayed true to the art of storytelling and focused on creating meaningful work with heart and authenticity.

More than anything, I want my legacy to reflect that I genuinely cared about people and about opening doors for others. This industry can be difficult, and so many talented voices never get the opportunity they deserve. I hope people say I used my platform not only to create great content, but to give opportunities, mentor talent, and help others believe their dreams were possible too.

At the end of the day, success for me is not just measured by awards, box office numbers, or credits. It’s measured by impact — by whether the work inspired someone, healed someone, encouraged someone, or changed someone’s life in a positive way.

Final Word

Onward and Upward.