Daily Inspiration: Meet Charles Ashley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Ashley.

Hi Charles, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
I got interested in video creation after I took a trip to Italy my junior year of high school (2006). When I returned from that experience, I took those digital pictures and put them to my favorite song at the time in a program called “Windows Movie Maker.” 

From there, I looked for opportunity to use this skill as much as possible through college, small jobs, and even at church. 

After years of growing this hobby for about 6 years, I got my first job as a video manager at a pretty large non-profit in Detroit (2013). Through that time, I gained a lot of soft skills that I still use in my work today. At that time, I also had a pretty grand vision for my career. I wanted to work for myself and work at a production company, so after being at the non-profit for 5 years I decided to take a risk and pursue my dreams. 

A few years later, I’ve done just that (2018). I created Produced By Charles, a sole-source video production consultant and service provider, as well as joined a team (2019)! Full View Productions is the premier video content creation studio of Detroit! I also love that we are black-owned and get to provide opportunities to people that look like me. I’m now the Vice President of Creative, where I can help clear roadblocks for our creatives and business to grow this company! (2023) 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been a few obstacles along the way. The first one being after I bought my first camera in college it was stolen a week later at a camp event. I’ve had editors lose footage of a wedding, and I got cursed out by the mother of the bride. I’ve had team members (including myself) get injured on set. There are so many challenges in pursuing a dream like this but what I’ve learned more than anything is that you have to be able to be resilient and willing to ask for help. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently I’m a Vice President of Creative at Full View Productions. I got to this title by initially being a Producer, then Creative Director, and now I’m all 3! lol 

My role is to find opportunities for our clients and our team to be creative. So often the budget doesn’t match the idea, but that’s where creativity comes in. Our team specializes in commercial brand storytelling and occasionally visual corporate communications for our larger clients. 

We’re known for being the best team to work with because we not only get the job done but have fun and look good doing it. 

I’m most proud of me! I had a goal and accomplished it, but now, my pride is in the team we have here and seeing them grow into ‘powerhouse creatives.’ 

What sets us apart is the obvious: most people don’t expect to see Black people who are as knowledgeable and professional as we are. We also have a robot in our studio, which also hosts an LED wall and a white and green cyclorama wall. 

How do you define success?
I define success as doing what you put your mind to. Success looks different for everyone, but most give up before they see progress. I see success as a measuring tool on your progress in life. How many times have you put your mind to something and accomplished it? 

Contact Info:

• Website: fullviewpro.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/producedbycharles
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/charles-pelham-ashley-bb07b564

Image Credits
Full View Productions