Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Turner
Hi Ricky, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins with a flicker of inspiration that ignited an all-consuming passion for storytelling. Growing up with my grandma living with us was a true blessing; she brought with her a treasure trove of VHS movies. It felt like having a personal mini Blockbuster right at home, a dazzling portal to endless worlds of imagination. Each night, I transformed into an adventurous traveler, diving into cinematic escapades that sparked my wildest dreams and pushed the boundaries of my creativity.
As I immersed myself in the mesmerizing universe of cinema, I discovered my own creative voice. Captivated by the art of anime, I poured my heart into crafting two books, drawing inspiration from iconic shows like Naruto and Tokyo Majin. My journey took yet another exciting turn when I began creating AMVs (Anime Music Videos). With iMovie as my canvas, I stitched together GIFs and music. This wasn’t just a hobby; it was a vibrant expression of my passions, a manifestation of my dream to share stories with the world.
Then came the rise of DVDs, and those captivating “Behind the Scenes” features opened my eyes in a way I never expected. I became mesmerized, not just by the enchanting tales, but by the incredible teamwork that brought them to life. Fast forward to my 18th birthday, when the entrepreneurial world buzzed with figures like Gary Vee and Tai Lopez, a surge of inspiration ignited within me. I felt a powerful urge to share the spark of creativity and possibility with others.
So, I took a leap of faith and wrote an ebook detailing my journey and insights into the business world, hoping to empower others to chase their dreams. After completing it, a friend and I teamed up to film a promotional video. It was my first taste of filmmaking, and as we began shooting, I had an incredible revelation—I had discovered my true calling. This was more than just crafting a video; it was an awakening to the limitless possibilities of storytelling in its many forms.
My journey is a powerful reminder that every little spark of inspiration can blaze into a wildfire of creativity. Today, I am dedicated to creating experiences that are impactful and inspiring, working towards making a lasting impact on my community—and eventually, the world.
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?
Every road has its bumps and twists, and mine began with an extraordinary woman: my mother.
She was a warrior—a survivor, fiercely battling the echoes of her past as she grappled with the aftermath of sex trafficking and the heavy burden of severe PTSD. Watching her fight was both heartbreaking and inspiring. I saw her struggle to find solace in the depths of alcohol during her darkest hours, and it pained me to witness her fight alone. In those moments when she needed me most, I made sacrifices of my own. I put my dreams on hold, selling my equipment just to make ends meet, entrusting the remaining equipment to a friend. My focus became her well-being; I couldn’t abandon her when she needed me by her side the most.
Then came a call that shattered my world—a stark reminder that life waits for no one. “Ricky, I’m sorry, but your mom has passed away,” the officer said. Those words struck me like a freight train, plunging me into a suffocating pit of despair. I had lost my anchor, the only parent I had, and the weight of that loss felt crushing. Yet beneath that heartache lay a flicker of determination. I realized I had to find strength—not just for myself, but for my daughter, who looked to me for guidance and support.
Even now, I can hear my mother’s voice echoing in my mind, urging me forward: “Son, you have a gift that can make a difference. Use it, embrace it.” It wasn’t easy, but with time, I shifted my perspective. I reminded myself that her greatest wish was for me to thrive. In honor of her memory, I vowed not to let her struggles be in vain; I would transform my pain into purpose.
I began to take steps forward, embracing the journey ahead with newfound resolve. Each challenge became a stepping stone, each moment of doubt a lesson on resilience. My mother’s spirit lives on in my determination to rise above, to create a better future for myself and my daughter.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create transformative experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. My expertise lies in digital cinematography, as a colorist, and the art of filmmaking. If I’m being honest, I may not yet have as much recognition for my work, but that’s not what drives me. The journey I’ve traversed, particularly the heartbreak of losing my mom, has redefined my perspective and reignited my passion. Her memory becomes my motivation, urging me to pursue my creative dreams with relentless determination.
Though I may not be known just yet, I take pride in the unique attentiveness I offer. I believe that every story deserves to be told with care and authenticity. My approach goes beyond mere technical skill; it’s about connecting with the narratives of others in a way that brings them to life. This genuine energy and unwavering support is something I see as my distinct mark in a world that often lacks that personal touch.
Having navigated through darker times, I hold a profound appreciation for the beauty and positivity that life offers. This understanding fuels my desire to embrace the good and turn it into something meaningful. I aspire to create art that not only inspires but also ignites a spark of hope in others. I want to be a catalyst for change, using my craft to uplift and empower, showing others that even from the depths of grief can emerge powerful stories waiting to be shared.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My mother was my steadfast champion, always cheering me on, even in the face of her own challenges. I could fill volumes with the stories of how she inspired me to become the man I am today, but for now, I’ll simply say her strength and unwavering determination have become guiding lights in my own life.
Mentorship comes in many forms, and I’ve been fortunate to have a wealth of mentors, both in person and through the pages of books, and Directors. Each one has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. Visionaries like Maxwell Maltz, David J. Schwartz, and Gary Vee have taught me to harness the power of positive thinking and the importance of resilience. Creatives like Jordan Peele and Quentin Tarantino have shown me the magic of storytelling and the impact of unique perspectives.
David Deida has influenced my understanding of relationships and the significance of authenticity. Paul Walker’s legacy reminds me of the importance of living fully and passionately.
Every lesson, every insight from these incredible individuals has been invaluable in developing my habits, sharpening my work ethic, and refining my communication skills. They have illuminated the path toward understanding the power of my subconscious and the richness of life. I carry their lessons with me, motivated to push boundaries and inspire others just as they have inspired me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickytturner_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RickyTurnerFilms
