( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Y-esha Griffin Tours with St. Louis Rap Star Huey
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
Television and film are upgrading thanks to Tiffany Y-esha Griffin, TV and film producer and founder of The ACE Network. This network is focused on providing positive and uplifting content for the Black community. Based in Atlanta, The ACE Network features music videos, scripted and unscripted shows, movies, and short films of various genres, including comedy, action, and sci-fi. The ACE Network is unique because it provides visibility to talented emerging artists, and Black artists and creatives create all content. A progressive platform where content is shown that counteracts the negative and stereotypical imagery often found on media and television.
Before The ACE Network was formed, she was a recording artist in her hometown during her teens and early 2000s. Her stage name was Y-esha, and her popularity soared. She won the Artist of the Year Award, and local radio stations played songs. A small development deal with Jive Records was a kickstart for her career. Later, she teamed up with St. Louis rap star Huey and went on a music tour.
“I always wanted to be a rap superstar,” Griffin said. “But I decided to go to college at Missouri State University to learn the back end of things so that I wouldn’t get screwed over in business. I ended up studying Electronic Media Production, where we worked in recording studios, on TV sets, learned how to run the cameras for a news station, and they taught us 3D animation. We also learned how to assemble the boards and run your system. That’s not what I initially wanted to do, but it opened a whole new world for me.”
In 2006, Griffin launched her own production company, REEL Point of View Media. Some of the productions included “A Day in the Life of Ronnie” ft Ronnie DeVoe (legendary R&B group New Edition, the UPN series “Da Hookup,” and the web series “Black N Boomin’.” The origin of The ACE Network began when Griffin reflected on the hardships she went through in the media/production industry. According to Griffin, “In most cases, I was the only Black woman in the room, and I noticed that a lot of things are smoke and mirrors. I never really felt like I had a voice. Instead, I was just another check in the diversity and inclusion box. Your voice, even if it is heard, is manipulated and heard in a different way than it was intended by the time it reaches the decision-makers. I want to change that. I want people to be heard, which is why I started The ACE Network.”
The ACE Network focuses on establishing a presence at major businesses and entertainment and social events. It is currently accepting ideas and submissions from entrepreneurs, content creators, music artists, and filmmakers. Tiffany Griffin shared with us her interest in music and how it led to TV and film production. In addition, she discussed the impact of the creation of The ACE Network and how it gives opportunities for Black voices and creatives.
Tell us about yourself and how your interest in music began your career as a recording artist named “Y-esha.”
Having a rough childhood, music was my outlet. I have always loved R&B, but my brother introduced me to rap. The first song he made me memorize was Notorious Thugs by Biggie and Bone Thugs, and I have been hooked ever since.
How was completing your education in Electronic Media Production at Missouri State University beneficial to your TV and Film production career? What tips did you learn that you still use today?
My degree helped me learn more about the behind-the-scenes of the music industry. Knowing what it takes to produce music and TV gave me leverage when negotiating studio time and video shoots. Lighting and editing techniques have evolved, but understanding each of the basics keeps me ready for all the technological changes.
What are some vital advice and tips to consider when starting your own production company?
Always consider funding. Starting any business takes a lot of money. Be ready for the ride. You will have highs and lows, but you have to stay the course.
Any life lessons you learned from your experiences in music and entertainment production, and how have they helped you grow in your career?
I learned that you have to know how to pivot. Things change very fast in this industry, and you have to stay on your toes and know when and how to pivot. This has helped me numerous times during my entrepreneurship journey because, as we all know, challenges arise, and there have been times when I have had to alter my strategy to ensure success.
The ACE Network allows Black voices, artists, and entertainers to create stories and share truths on the screen. What is the importance of sharing these experiences on-screen on behalf of the Black community? What are the setbacks in the entertainment industry that The ACE Network is trying to change?
Giving true and authentic TV shows and films that kids of color can watch and relate to. Showing them inspiring stories and uplifting them to overcome any obstacle. The narrative emphasized today within our culture is violent and sexually suggestive. The ACE Network will shine a light on the creative, intelligent, ambitions sides of the community.
Do you have any future projects you can share with us that The ACE Network is working on?
Yes, we are currently filming and casting for our original series “AMBITION”. The title speaks for itself. Growing up in areas with less opportunity, we have to have the ambition to persevere through any challenges we face. Anyone interested in the casting can get more information at www.theacenetwork.net
Tiffany Griffin says, “Our focus is to create something of impact where people truly have a voice that is not altered and manipulated and where people can see diverse and authentic representations of black people and our interests.”
Continuing her point in her vision of The ACE Network, “When I was growing up, I watched shows like 106 & Park, Teen Summit, Rap City Tha Basement, TRL, Family Matters, Martin, Real World, Road Rules, and Dawson’s Creek. We had networks like TGIF and UPN. So, I want to bring that vibe and sense of community from the 1990s and early 2000s into the present day for this generation.” Learn more about The ACE Network by visiting www.theacenetwork.net and following it on Instagram here. Viewers can watch content on ROKU or Fire TV.
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