From Auditions to Ownership: My Journey to Creating It’s a R.A.P. Production

Chasing the Acting Dream

For years, I chased the dream of becoming a successful actor. Like so many others, I ran from audition to audition, spent money on headshots, and searched tirelessly for a talent agent all in hopes of landing that next big break. But as time passed, I realized something crucial: as an actor, my success was entirely in the hands of others. Talent agents, casting directors, and film directors were the gatekeepers. No matter how prepared or skilled I was, they held all the power.

Limited Opportunities for Black Actors

When it came to opportunities for Black men in film, the options were frustratingly limited. It felt like most roles were either gangsters or Christian films—two extremes with little in between. Storytelling is everything to me, but the characters available for Black men often felt shallow and built on tired stereotypes.

If you don’t like something, change it—so that’s exactly what I set out to do.

Finding Inspiration in Vin Diesel’s Story

Film has always been my passion. There’s no greater joy for me than being on set. But as I searched for ways to break into the entertainment industry on my own terms, I needed a new approach. That’s when I came across Vin Diesel’s story and it changed everything.

After struggling to gain traction as an actor in California, Vin Diesel moved back to New York, where his mother gave him a book called Feature Films at Used Car Prices by Rick Schmidt. That book gave him the blueprint to take control of his career.

Vin Diesel went on to create Multi-Facial, a short film that caught Steven Spielberg’s attention, and later Strays, which made it into Sundance. These two projects launched his career.

I thought to myself, “If Vin Diesel can do it, so can I.”

Building My Own Path

With that realization, I started planning. I wanted to build a company that told authentic, meaningful stories—ones that weren’t driven by stereotypes. I also wanted to create a space where actresses wouldn’t feel pressured into unnecessary nude scenes. I’ve known talented actresses who turned down roles simply because a director insisted on nudity that had no real impact on the story. These two guiding principles became the foundation of my vision, and as a result, I founded It’s a R.A.P. Production, LLC and I haven’t looked back since.

Taking Control of My Own Success

Will I act again? Probably not, but if I did, it would have to be a story I absolutely love. Right now, my focus is on writing, directing, and mastering the art of producing and fundraising. Being multifaceted in these areas means I don’t have to wait for permission to succeed.

The Formula for Success

The formula is simple:

✅ Write a compelling script.

✅ Create a solid proposal.

✅ Raise the money to shoot.

All it takes is one solid story to get Hollywood’s attention. None of this is easy, but I would much rather be the one creating my opportunities than waiting for someone to hand me one.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Looking back, founding It’s a R.A.P. Production was the best decision I ever made. Today, we’ve built a company that’s telling stories on our own terms, gaining recognition on platforms like Amazon and Tubi.

Betting on Myself

So here’s to betting on myself and building something that lasts.

P.S. Thank you, Vin Diesel, for the inspiration.

— Roshaun Akeem Page