What does it really take to make a meaningful film when the story is personal, the journey is long, and the stakes are real?
In this powerful episode of A Conversation with Host Floyd Marshall Jr., host Floyd Marshall Jr. and co-host Okema T. Moore sit down with Cori Robinson — singer, actress, and executive producer — for an unfiltered conversation every filmmaker needs to hear.
Cori Robinson shares her real journey through the creative industry, from early artistic breakthroughs to moments of survival, self-doubt, and resilience. She opens up about sleeping at the YMCA, navigating the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it means to carry the responsibility of telling a story rooted in legacy.
At the center of this episode is Cori’s work as Executive Producer of the documentary I Was Born This Way, which explores the life and legacy of Carl Bean — Motown recording artist, minister, activist, and the original voice behind the anthem that later inspired Lady Gaga. Cori discusses what it means to protect truth, integrity, and humanity when telling a story that belongs not just to history, but to family.
This conversation is especially valuable for:
-
Independent filmmakers
-
Documentary directors and producers
-
Film festival creators
-
Storytellers navigating long production timelines
-
Creatives balancing purpose, survival, and sustainability
Topics covered include:
-
Why some films take years — and why that matters
-
How to keep going when the industry tests your resolve
-
Story ownership, legacy, and ethical storytelling
-
Advice Cori wishes she had earlier in her career
This episode isn’t about overnight success.
It’s about endurance, responsibility, and why some stories demand to be told — no matter how long it takes.
If you’re a filmmaker questioning whether the journey is worth it, this conversation will remind you why you started.
================
Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:
Connect With Floyd Marshall Jr:
