Recapping ‘a Short Break’ With Director, Writer, and Producer Geno Brooks

A Short Break is back with its latest episode featuring the multi-talented Writer, Director, and Producer Geno Brooks, known for Black Boots and Johnson. This Sunday we enjoyed his series You, Me, Us.

The anthology series about a man and woman who are truly connected by their unique experiences and can only depend on one another to see themselves out of trouble, love themselves into a lifetime, laugh themselves out of cheering for the less talented, role-playing to keep their passion, caring for those less fortunate and standing up for what will become their legacy. Brooks also starred in the series! Read more below if you missed the live show.  

Introducing a new virtual show a Short Break where host Damien D. Smith and co-host Emma J. show the best short films in their entirety and then replay with a live director’s cut where the audience is able to interact and ask questions to their favorite filmmakers! Tune in every Sunday at 4PM PT / 7PM ET to join in on the LIVE conversation via Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Where did you get the money for your first film? 

Geno Brooks: I was a social worker in Compton and this was the money to support my family. I took another job working at a group home and this money is what I used to produce my short films and web series, so I worked overnight for it. 

You have a unique story on how you filmed this project since you also starred in it. Can you share how the production went? 

Geno Brooks: 95% of the things you’re seeing on the screen it was just me and Nia Witts. I set up the shots, I had to check the focus and come back. Our challenge was for the series of short films, that we did everything we possibly could by ourselves. We ran the sound, co-directed, and co-wrote. It was only a few spaces where we had help but everything was shot with me and Nia.

Can you speak to the importance of creating relationships within the industry by working with them?

Geno Brooks: I try to leave my name in the room of every room that I come in, in a positive way like “Damn, Geno is pretty talented” or overall “I can be around Geno”. I don’t really ask for much in regard to my mentors. I have a short film that I am about to do and I feel like it’s going to change the world. I’ve never really asked my mentors for anything because I have been holding out my ask for when it really mattered and when it really counted. 

Watch the full clip on Facebook and Youtube now, plus listen on Spotify! Don’t forget to watch previous episodes with directors Lawrence 'Law' Watford and Carl Seaton! 

Follow a Short Break on Instagram @aShortBreak4910, @DamienDSmith, @FromEmmaJ, and @4910RosalieProd 

a 4910 Rosalie Production www.4910Rosalie.com

See you every Sunday at 4PM PT / 7PM ET!