Interview By: Charron Monaye
Lem Collins is a powerhouse creative whose journey from actor to accomplished filmmaker reflects the true spirit of independent cinema and storytelling excellence. With a career span of over two decades, Lem has built an impressive portfolio, appearing in films and TV projects across BET, VH1, Tubi, and more. As an actor, his standout roles in A Taste of Betrayal, Infidelity, Christmas at the Frat House, He’ll Never Let Go, and the cult favorite I Got A Story to Tell have made him a recognizable and respected talent on-screen.
Behind the camera, Lem is equally dynamic serving as writer, director, and producer on projects like Brown Sugar Healing, For What It’s Worth, and The Bottom. Known for his ability to develop raw, layered characters and twisted, unforgettable plots, Lem is a storyteller who pushes creative boundaries while staying grounded in authenticity. Whether collaborating with stars like Jamal Woolard and D.C. Young Fly in the film Car Lot, or developing meaningful, purpose-driven content, Lem Collins continues to carve out space as one of the industry’s most multifaceted voices.
HH: Hey Lem, Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us and allowing me to spotlight your journey for our readers! It’s truly an honor. How are you?
Lem: I’m great. Thank you for asking.
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HH: You’ve had such a dynamic journey—from actor to writer, director, and producer, what originally pulled you into the film industry? Was there a defining moment that made you say, “This is it—this is what I’m meant to do”?
Lem: I’ve always been drawn to the arts. As a kid I wrote poetry, short stories, and music. I starred in elementary school and stage plays when I got older. My defining moment is when I woke up one Saturday morning in 2008 and watch a documentary called “The Secret”. That changed my mindset from “I will be” to “I Am”. So, I wrote my first movie in 4 hours, put a team together, shot it, starred in it, then moved to Atlanta.
HH: We connected through our sister TV/Film Producer Ty Johnston-Chavis when I came on as Executive Producer for TheWake-Up Call, which you wrote. What inspired that particular story, and how did you approach blending purpose and real-life with entertainment?
Lem: “The Wake-Up Call” was inspired by a true event. One of my college roommates died in a car accident years ago. After he passed away, I never deleted his phone number and accidentally called it one day and someone answered. The phone company had assigned my roommate’s number to someone else. She and I didn’t start talking or build any type of relationship like I wrotein the movie, but that’s where I got the inspiration to write this piece.
HH: You directed the short film/music video for gospel artist Bri Babineaux’s “Confident”, how different was that experience from directing for film? Do you find spiritual projects tapping a different side of your creativity?
Lem: I enjoyed working on the Bri videos for a lot of reasons, but I’m going to keep it short, lol. The main thing I loved about it is that it was so positive. Being in the entertainment business we have to ENTERTAIN. Unfortunately, sometimes that means I have to write, direct, and/or produce projects that’s only meant to entertain. With Bri videos I felt good because it was something I could sit down and watch with the entire family, mainly Grandma. Grandma doesn’t want to watch any of my edgy content. LOL
HH : Wait, you’ve acted in films like Madea Goes to Jail, Three Can Play That Game, and TV shows like Dawson’s Creek, how did you manage to land such diverse roles early in your career ?Is there a film or TV project you haven’t done yet but really want to?
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Lem: I started acting back in 2000. I had an agent in Charlotte NC who use to help me get on set and learn the business. I was mainly an extra in all the projects early on and that’s what led me to write myself as the lead in my first film “Close, But Closer” in 2008. It was about two friends test of loyalty and learning that sometimes you have to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. As far as projects that I want to do, would probably be one of the many scripts I’ve written but there are a few people that I would love to work with. (Ice Cube, Jeffery Wright, Donald Glover, Issa Rae, Quinta Brunson, Jordan Peele, Colman Domingo) These are people whom I truly admire because they do all that I aspire to do. Write, act, direct, produce,…CREATE!
HH: As a producer, you’ve helped bring powerful projects like Under His Influence, For What It’s Worth, A Taste of Betrayal and Brown Sugar Healing to life. What makes a script or project stand out to you enough to say, “I need to produce this”?
Lem: If the script or project has a powerful message I more than likely would want to be a part of it. I love what I do and if I can help others bring their vision to life then that makes it even better if I can connect with the script, story, and characters.
HH: Let’s talk about Car Lot, you’re starring alongside Jamal Woolard and D.C. Young Fly. What was that vibe like on set, and how did that project stretch you as an actor or creative?
Lem: Car Lot was a BEAST. I’m not gonna lie and sugar coat it.. LOL We shot mid-July in the scorching hot ATLANTA HEAT in the height of the COVID pandemic. The production got shut down a couple of times because a few people got sick. I must say tho, we had lots of fun shooting it….It was tough, but it was still worth it. The vibe was cool, and everyone knew we had to complete the mission, so we put ten toes down and grinned it out. D.C. was hilarious as usual, and it was funny to see Jamal play this type of character. We all had fun with our roles. This role definitely tested my ability, and I learned a lot about myself during this process. I had to carry the movie, and I proved that I could.
HH: Now, we’re partnering on A Twisted Obsession, a psychological thriller with a lot of suspense and drama that is currently in development. I brought the story to you, and can I say you transformed it, “twisted it even further”! Is the thriller genre a personal favorite? Do you find yourself drawn to “twisted” real-life plots more than the “new” narratives?
Lem: Yes, Thank you for bringing me on to write this with you. This is actually my favorite genre to write. I love suspense/thriller movies and lately it seems like people have been dropping the ball. Your story was already good, and now with us working it together it is going to show audiences layers and twists they didn’t see coming.
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HH: You’ve acted, written, produced, and directed. What drives you to stay involved in every layer of storytelling? Is there one role you feel most connected to or do you thrive wearing all hats?
Lem: I love it all. There’s not one thing that I would choose over the other. I definitely thrive wearing all hats.
HH: When you’re not creating, what does downtime look like for Lem Collins? What’s your go-to way to unplug, reset, or refuel your creativity?
Lem: I don’t get to unplug often but when I do I like to just chill at the house. I don’t like to be around large crowds and people I don’t know. So, for the most part I stay home and think of new ideas. I really enjoy that. Oh! And I love to play golf when I can.
HH: You’ve got a whole catalog of films and shows out right now, some of which our readers may not even realize you’re in or helped create! For our Hype Hair audience, what would be your go-to “Lem Collins Weekend Watchlist”? Give us that perfect lazy day, TV-and-chill lineup so we can tap in and show love.
Lem: Go to BET Plus and watch the first season of “I Got A Story To Tell” it’s also on Tubi along with a film that I wrote titled “Christmas at The Frat House”. You can watch “He’ll Never Let Go”, “Under His Influence”, ‘A Taste of Betrayal” “For What It’s Worth”, “The Bottom”, The Car Lot”, Infidelity and more. Those are a few good ones to start with.
HH: For the aspiring creators who want to act, write, direct, and produce but don’t know where to start, what real advice would you give them about staying the course in such a competitive industry?
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Lem: The only way to get where you want to be is to keep going. Never stop. Never give up. No excuses. And always keep in mind that “If you’re not willing to risk it all, you don’t want it bad enough.”
