In this episode of The Practice of You™, Robert Darwell, Head of Global Media for Sheppard Mullin, gives us a behind the scenes look at his life as the Director and Producer of two award-winning documentary films, “Black Uniform” and “The 90s Club”. “Black Uniform” features 12 Black veterans who share their heartfelt perspectives on what it felt like to be on the proverbial front lines as a Black man or woman in the U.S. military. “The 90s Club” takes on ageism by showcasing the vibrant wisdom and life lessons of 12 diverse individuals between the ages of 90- to 99-years-old. “The 90s Club” is available on Amazon Prime and “Black Uniform” is coming soon on Amazon Prime.
In particular, they discuss:
1) Life is short – how will you spend your valuable time?
2) Be open to the energy and enthusiasm of others.
3) “No!” should inspire you.
4) Relationships and taking the long view on business development.
Robert Darwell has practiced transactional entertainment law for over 30 years. He’s currently a partner and Head of Global Media at Sheppard Mullin. Over the course of his career, Darwell has helped clients in connection with the development, production, and distribution of hundreds of motion pictures, including personal favorites “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” and “Brokeback Mountain.” In 2022, the first documentary that Darwell produced and directed as a filmmaker, “The 90s Club,” premiered at the prestigious Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The charming documentary takes on ageism by showcasing the vibrant wisdom and life lessons of a dozen diverse individuals between the ages of 90- to 99-years-old.
Darwell quickly followed “The 90s Club” with another oral history documentary, “Black Uniform”, which features the voices of 12 Black veterans serving within the ranges of WWII to present day who share their heartfelt perspectives on what it felt like to be on the proverbial front lines as a Black man or woman in the U.S. military – covering the period when the military was still segregated; addressing whether they voluntarily enlisted for action or were called to duty by a draft; highlighting the nation’s shifting views on those who serve; and tackling the unique and additional challenges that women in the military face when they enlist.
“Black Uniform” is currently completing its run on the festival circuit where it was selected for inclusion in approximately 25 film festivals and won top prizes at several of them. The film is coming soon on Amazon Prime.
Learn more about Robert and his firm: https://www.sheppardmullin.com/rdarwell
Connect with Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-darwell-94b9519/
Check out the trailer for “Black Uniform” at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1REcwUgD7XI
Connect with “Black Uniform” on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090859986343&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Check out the trailer for “The 90s Club” at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfEyvn6xv3o
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Jeff Sklar is Co-Founder of Sklar Kirsh LLP and Co-Chair of the firm’s Corporate practice. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a California-based law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, bankruptcy, and litigation.
* Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-sklar-4a35014
* Visit the Sklar Kirsh website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com
* And our podcast page: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/the-practice-of-you-podcast
