Qadree Holmes has successfully risen from intern to production assistant to producer and, finally, to the Founder / Executive Producer of Quriosity Productions.
While line producing, he recognized a significant shift in the market — clients and agencies were seeking integrated creative talent options to represent the different social channels now available.
Conversely, they did not want to sacrifice quality or production value because budgets were shrinking.
Quriosity’s talent roster covers the genres of comedy, slice of life, visual storytelling, food, product, children and families. The company represent directors, photographers, and editors both domestically and internationally. The real life experiences of each individual is authentic and personal to who they are. Believing that this represents the true fabric of America. Quriosity specializes in bridging those storytelling divides and finding the common experiences that tell authentic stories through visual media.
Qadree is currently a board member for Free Spirit Media, AICP Midwest, and the Midwest Independent Film Festival. In addition, he is the receipt of the 2017 Global Mixx Game Changer Award.
Quriosity’s advertising work has been featured in Ad Week, ShootOnline,Time Magazine, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, Reel Chicago, and Screen Magazine.
Quriosity has had a successful run on the entertainment side, handling the post production on the following projects:
“The Jamz” — 2015 New York Television Festival Official Selection, Netflix
“Written Off” — 2016 New York Television Festival Official Selection, Amazon
“Signature Move” — 2017 South X Southwest, Amazon
“Public Housing Unit” — 2017 New York Television Festival Official Selection
“Drive Slow” — 2017 New York Television Festival Official Selection
“The Best Thing” — 2017 Black Harvest Film Fest Official Selection
What was your first break?
I worked as an intern for David O’Connor Casting. At a party at David’s home, I was introduced to Jeff Marpe’ who owned Line 9 Productions. Jeff gave an opportunity to a very young naïve Q and taught me about the business. I am forever grateful for him taking the risk….and the rest was history.
Worst thing that ever happened to you to remind you that you are Black?
I was born in Florida. My grandparents would collect cans on the beach and recycle them for money to supplement their income. During summer breaks we would help them collect cans.
I was picking up cans on the beach when a group of white spring breakers yelled down “Nigger” from their hotel balcony. I was taught at a very young age that you NEVER EVER under any circumstance let anyone call you that. I was probably 6 years old at the time.
My response … I gave them the finger. A group of these spring breakers came down and threw me into a trash can. As my grandmother came to my rescue, I am fairly certain they will never forget her impeccable strength and courage at that moment. I sure have not.
This was the first time that I realized that being black means it will come with its challenges in the world.
Best thing to ever happen to you to remind you that you are Black?
I can honestly say the election of President Obama as the first African American president of the United States was a pivotal moment for me.
Like many other Chicagoans, I was in the park that night and it was magical. After so many years of wondering what the limit to being a black man in America could be, we finally had the BEST answer.
He proved to many African Americans and the world that the sky is the limit. No longer would anyone be able to tell a young black child when asked “what do you want to be when you grow up” and they say President of the united States … hey you should probably consider another occupation.
Work you are most proud of?
I was most was honored to be invited to work alongside Burrell and GMMB on the African American market Hillary for America campaigns. It was a collaborative process throughout the election season.
When you see your work featured in every major publication an hour after final delivery and running on the evening national news … WOW! The work that we did will be studied by historians and classrooms for generations because of the historical significance of the campaign and the outcome.
In addition, I am most proud of the work that I have been doing with Free Spirit Media and the Chicago Advertising Federation Diversity Council bridging access to opportunity. The hard work that we are doing now will help create and secure a diverse future within the industry.
How has the business changed since you broke in?
The value of content creation has decreased, but the speed and volume of what we are creating has increased. There is a lot more diversity within the business. The barrier for entry has become more obtainable, but still has the same level of challenges. Because of the internet advertisers as a whole have become more informed and educated about the creative process and execution of their work.
And finally, there are no MapQuest printouts for directions or bags of quarters to call and check in at payphones … I’m not really that old, but the MapQuest part is true.
Trapped on an island what are the creative essentials you must have?
A rocking chair, sun hat, diet coke, laptop and cell phone with an unlimited solar power and uninterrupted internet connection. It would be isolating, but it would allow me to stay connected to the world.
If you had a time machine, what would you say to your past self?
All in due time.
If you could have a one-on-one with anyone who would it be? And why?
I would of love to speak with my great grandfather, Charlie Daniels.
He was the first “Papa” and represented an important turning point in my family’s legacy. He taught us that business ownership as a black person can happen even if it begins in the 1930’s and 1940’s. You are worthy of being treated fairly. When you pay your bills, you also have to learn to pay yourself.
I’d love to know what gave him the courage given the time he was born in knowing that today we still struggle as a country with race relations.
To read about others on The Reel Black List, click here.
