Kris Hicks, executive producer and music supervisor for Rhythm And Views Productions LLC, has been fortunate to work with the National Museum of African American Music, National Black Nurses Association, and vocal artists Tre Thomas and Mariah Maxwell, in just a few short months since she formed RAV in January of this year. In addition, they have assisted churches with marketing and branding and are in the process of locking in projects with two notable gospel artists.
The California State University Fullerton master’s program graduate, realized while in school working on her undergraduate degree in PR and communications at Johnson C. Smith University, film and television was a field she could pursue professionally without placing her educational goals on hold. This was the perfect formula for her considering she grew up in a household that loved music and television. “As a kid watching ‘Sesame Street,’ I was interested in how the show was created visually. I grew up listening to a myriad of music from Phyllis Hyman, Whitney Houston and Richard Smallwood to the Sugar Hill Gang and Snoop Dogg,” she says.
Read what she has to say.
What inspired your career path?
After a few internships, the NBC Page Program and a couple of temp jobs in the business, I landed a job in music licensing at a major cable conglomerate. I took notice of show theme songs and commercial jingles. I expressed an interest in learning more about television music to an executive who in turn, took me under her wing and taught me more than I could have imagined. I was also fortunate to meet many female TV and film producers who encouraged me to write and take on projects that would help me grow creatively. Today, I am taking my broad scope of industry knowledge and utilizing it to help people and businesses.
Who is an ideal client for your company?
Ideal clients include TV and film production companies in need of assistance with music licensing, placements for promos, main titles, in-show and live appearances. Additionally, we cater to unsigned artists, helping them to gain exposure on a major platform. Also, we work with businesses and individuals seeking to work with music artists to enhance their brand.
Please share a little about your most memorable project to date.
My most memorable project to date was a documentary I did on Yvette Lee Bowser a few years back. She is the first African American woman to develop and executive produce a primetime sitcom series on a major television network including “Hanging With Mr. Cooper,” “Living Single,” “Half & Half,” and she’s currently working on Cedric The Entertainer’s show “Soul Man.”
It allowed me an opportunity to highlight her accomplishments and contribution to both African American and women’s history. I was also able to take a look into the role of African American women in television in front of, and behind, the camera. Actors Telma Hopkins, Essence Atkins, Ann Marie Johnson, the late Lou Myers, producer Sara Finney Johnson, and comedian D’Sean Ross were also featured.
What advice would you share with someone younger who seeks to follow this career path?
The entertainment business is hard, particularly for African American women. You may get a lot of “nos” but you only need one “yes!” Oprah says, “What you do today, creates every tomorrow.” Stay focused and become the master of your craft, then redefine it. Walk boldly in your gift and if you can, bless others in the process.
How can people reach you?
Visit us at www.rhythmandviewsproductions.com or email me at [email protected]. You can also follow us on Facebook (Rhythm And Views Productions LLC) and subscribe to Kris Hicks on YouTube.
