From Music To Movies

By Bro. Brandon BroWn

Bro. James Elam (Kappa Eta / Fall 1989) carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry as an entertainment lawyer in early 2000. Bro. Elam negotiated numerous agreements in music publishing, licensing, distribution, merchandising and investment. He also served as general counsel to corporations, as well as individuals in the industry. Bro. Elam worked with some of the largest names in the industry; Jill Scott, Jaguar Wright, John Legend and the Roots to name a few. Outside of the legal arena he also held positions as an adjunct professor at Drexel University and Saint Joseph’s University. After almost a decade in the industry he left the world he created because of the proliferation or standard of “bad music,” to create another world for himself in the movie realm.

In 2008, Bro. Elam created Eternal Crescent Media, where he serves as the President and CEO. Eternal Crescent Media is an independent media company that produces feature and documentary film, television and digital content. “Movies tell messages, overtly and subvertly,” stated Bro. Elam. When asked about his vision for his new endeavor, he shared, “to create movies that will change the black male’s image…to eliminate racial profiling.”

Currently, Eternal Crescent Media, working out of Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia, has producer credits with three movies: Magic Valley (Tribeca); Ass Backwards (Sundance); and 513 (Cannes). “Put in work to master your craft and be prepared for future opportunities,” is his advice for any emerging professional. When asked what lessons Sigma taught him that have helped with his professional life, he smiled and said, “#2 of the 12 Inch.”

For more information on Eternal Crescent Media, visit their website at www. eternalcrescentmedia.com.