In a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Angie Martinez and Chad Sanders sit down to discuss their journeys as writers, the challenges of navigating Hollywood, and the importance of staying true to oneself in an industry that often demands compromise.
A Writer’s Calling:
For Angie, storytelling has always been at the core of her work. Now, she’s stepping into new creative territory—penning her first screenplay entirely on her own. It’s a bold move that speaks to her commitment to authenticity and creative control. Meanwhile, Chad discovered his writing ability as early as six years old, nurtured by a highly structured and education-focused household. That early discipline laid the foundation for his ability to craft narratives that challenge the status quo.
Hollywood’s Machine & Going Rogue:
Chad knows firsthand how the entertainment industry can dilute a vision. After selling a TV show to BET, he had aspirations of becoming the next Issa Rae, only to find the network deliberately dumbing down his work. That experience led him to a breaking point. “I’m gone full rogue,” he admits, explaining that he once tried to play by Hollywood’s rules but ultimately realized the power of being unapologetically himself.
Embracing his full personality, Chad reflects on how he no longer feels the need to be demure or fit into any particular mold. “I feel lighter. I’m getting it off. I feel free.” His shift in perspective has allowed him to navigate the industry with more confidence and authenticity.
Black Creatives & the Power of Ownership:
During the conversation, Chad also reflects on the millennial voice of Black anger that he embodied after his George Floyd op-ed in The New York Times went viral. He acknowledges that he leaned into that persona not just for passion, but out of necessity. “I chased it because I needed money, and I live in New York.”
However, both he and Angie agree that now is the best time ever for creatives. The industry is changing, and the ability to own one’s narrative has never been more powerful. “Call your own numbers to grow in those spaces that you want to.”
Leaving Money on the Table:
Angie shares her experiences bringing the culture into spaces that weren’t ready for it, admitting that she has often chosen integrity over a paycheck. “I’m the queen of leaving money on the table,” she says. Chad relates, reflecting on the conversations around artists like Snoop Dogg being accused of selling out. He sees it differently—not as mistakes, but as choices that were made out of necessity. “We didn’t choose this. These are choices that fell on us, and we’re trying to navigate this… I too have left a lot of money on the table.”
Learning from Legends:
Chad’s career has taken him into rooms with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Kanye West. He describes the environment surrounding Kanye as one where everyone was in “yes ma’am” mode, a revealing glimpse into the power dynamics at play.
However, it was working with Spike Lee that left the most lasting impression. The biggest lesson? “Be analog.” Spike’s hands-on approach to his work reinforced the importance of being deeply involved in your own creative process—something Chad now carries into all his projects.
Lessons from the Journey:
Looking back, Chad reflects on the wisdom he’s gained along the way. He emphasizes the power of names and how the words we exchange with each other should hold real weight. “When we say something to each other like ‘pull up,’ let it mean something.”
Now, with the release of his new book, ‘How to Sell Out,’ Chad is peeling back the layers on what it truly means to succeed on your own terms. His journey serves as a testament to the power of staying true to oneself—even in an industry that constantly demands otherwise.