Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity daily. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like Station Film Director Seyi Peter-Thomas.
Seyi’s journey from his childhood in London to his current success in the American film industry is a testament to his passion for storytelling and commitment to excellence.
Growing up in London, Seyi discovered his love for dramatic storytelling while entertaining his Nigerian relatives with plays, despite their initial weaknesses. This early exposure ignited a fire within him to pursue his creative aspirations.
Upon relocating to the United States, Seyi’s journey led him to the esteemed Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., followed by film school at New York University (NYU). It was at NYU where Seyi’s distinctive style, characterized by strong characters, impeccable comedic timing, and vibrant cinematography, began to take shape.
Seyi’s portfolio reflects his diverse talents and unwavering dedication to his craft. Notable achievements include an Emmy Award-winning Black History Month campaign for Nickelodeon, delving into the history of Charleston, S.C. His branded short film for Motionpoems, inspired by the poem How Do You Raise a Black Child?, earned widespread recognition, garnering accolades from prestigious institutions such as the One Show, Webbys, AICP, and shots.
Among Seyi’s standout projects is a compelling PSA campaign for Youth Ambassadors, recognized by the One Show for its innovative approach to addressing the challenges faced by urban youth. Additionally, his work on a Farmers Insurance campaign featuring JK Simmons and a Sesame Street collaboration celebrating the iconic children’s TV series’ 50th anniversary further underscore Seyi’s versatility and creative vision. Seyi has also collaborated with renowned personalities such as Shaquille O’Neal for The General and Stephen Curry for Rakuten.
Furthermore, Seyi’s inclusion in the Directors Guild of America’s TV Director Development Program marks a significant milestone in his career, affirming his potential to shape the future of television directing.
As Seyi Peter-Thomas continues to make his mark in the entertainment industry, his passion, talent, and commitment to storytelling promise to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Let’s meet Seyi!
What’s your origin story?
I grew up in London with my Nigerian-British single mom. Then, when I was about twelve, she fell in love with an American and we moved to Washington, DC. Moving to America felt like stepping into a movie. Everything was sunnier, more vivid and more dramatic somehow. Also, I knew no one, so I’d go and watch movies by myself on the weekends. That was my escape as a teenager.
It wasn’t long before I was making little films at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in DC, and then heading to NYU for film.
How did you get into commercial directing?
I started directing at MTV in the On-air Promos department. It was a really fun place to work with lots of young, creative people who wanted to make stuff. And, there was a natural path from there to commercial directing.
What did your parents think you would be?
A journalist. But I had a hard time sticking to the facts.
Who were your mentors?
Not a mentor, per se, but early on in my career, I spent some time filming Cornel West. He’s one of those people where you learn so much just from seeing how he shows up in the world. That experience galvanized a feeling in me that (sometimes) my work could have impact and purpose, beyond just entertaining.
I also want to shout out Amy Campbell who gave me my first directing opportunities. And, Steve Orent, Caroline Gibney and Michelle Towse at Station for their unwavering support and insights.
Bravest thing you’ve done?
When I was 8, an older, tougher kid punched me in the nose. I remember his fist hurtling toward me and my face exploding with pain. That was a Tuesday. And, for the next two days my life became the training montage from Rocky II. On Thursday, I lured him into an after school meet-up, made a fist in my coat pocket and then punched him back.
The brave part was that I had no plan for after that first punch; I was fully prepared for him to kill me. He started to, until I was saved by a group of moms and then my mom tended to his wounds. So, bravery, blood and betrayal. An operatic day.
How Do You Handle Failure?
Yeah, I don’t like to fail. But, it’s kind of essential sometimes. I try to practice buoyancy. You might get tossed around by the waves, but they never sink you. Also, I’m always convinced there’s something awesome right around the corner, so I just imagine that.
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
What’s a product or service that you are dying to do a campaign for?
I’d love to direct a sprawling, emotive Nike campaign.
Also, I think it would be funny to shoot something in that style for an otherwise mundane product, like toothpaste or post-it notes.
Who is a talent, actor, director or writer, you are dying to work with?
Don Cheadle. I’m always happy when he’s on screen.
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner
Hm. I really want to match the person to the meal, and all of mine are night people. So, I’ll bend the rules and do HH with James Baldwin. Then, a sneaky dinner with Harriet Tubman, followed by whatever purple midnight snacks Prince is into.
You would give up your career to go on tour and perform with what singer/band?
Parliament. Looks like a fun time.
Colman Domingo is a national treasure. Yes or No.
This is actually a game my wife and I play. We’ll be watching something and one of us will spontaneously elevate someone to national or international treasure status. I’ve overlooked Mr. Domingo, so let’s correct that… Ok, done.
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé or front-row tickets for Taylor Swift?
Nosebleeds; I’ll bring Bey-noculars.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Peanut butter, Dua Lipa (thanks to my 9-year-old), and Skinwalker Ranch on Netflix.
What’s brewing for your 2024?
It’s feeling like a busy year workwise, which is great. And, I also want to make some time to shoot a pleasure project. I think for any creative person it’s important to make some stuff for the sheer fun of it; whether you share it or not, it feeds back into the work. I’m also trying to get my SCUBA certification this year.
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