Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Inspire creatives and entrepreneurs by sharing Trey Haley’s journey in the entertainment industry.
• Highlight the importance of persistence, self-belief, and strategic networking.
• Promote Haley’s current work, especially the BET+ series The Family Business.
• Educate listeners on the realities of Hollywood and the long-term mindset needed for success.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Origin Story & Early Influences

• Trey Haley grew up in Dallas-Fort Worth, with a mother in corporate sales and a father who was a criminal defense attorney.
• His passion for entertainment began early, influenced by music, Spike Lee scripts, and editing during college at North Texas.

2. Leap of Faith to Los Angeles

• Moved to LA with no backup plan, driven by passion.
• Took a courier job to network and eventually landed an internship with Morgan Freeman’s company, Revelations Entertainment.

3. Building Tri Destin Studios

• Co-founded Tri Destin Studios with Nikita De Brown Jones.
• Emphasized creating their own lane and owning their content.
• Their goal: “Change the perception of the world” through storytelling where “we always win.”

4. The Family Business

• Based on Carl Weber’s bestselling book series.
• Independently produced before BET+ picked it up.
• Features a star-studded cast including Ernie Hudson, Valerie Pettiford, Michael Jai White, and Javicia Leslie.

5. Industry Wisdom

• Success in Hollywood is about relationships, consistency, and character.
• Warns against shortcuts and “hook-up culture” in entertainment.
• Encourages young creatives to focus on talent, value, and long-term growth.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• On taking risks:
  “My mother said, go jump off the ledge and go fly like a bird.”

• On self-belief:
  “Who told you you could be an attorney? Nobody. You figured it out. I’m going to figure it out too.”

• On breaking into the industry:
  “I took a courier job just to meet people in the studios. I dressed like I worked there so they’d see me the way I needed to be seen.”

• On creating value:
  “The most powerful people create their own companies, their own stories, and tell them consistently.”

• On longevity:
  “If your roots aren’t settled and strong, anything can take you out.”

• On perspective:
  “Your perspective in life is the key. If you see negative, you’ll get negative. If you see the win, you’ll fly high.”

📺 Current Project Highlight

The Family Business

• Streaming on BET+
• Multi-season crime drama with layered storytelling and strong character development.
• Haley serves as executive producer and director.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST