Today we’d like to introduce you to Antione Way.
Hi Antione, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started with a passion for serving my community and creating opportunities for others. I began my career working in Parks and Recreation before transitioning into leadership, compliance, and program management roles. Throughout my career, I have worked with military families, educational institutions, and community organizations, gaining experience in operations, business development, and leadership.
Entrepreneurship became a natural extension of my desire to build something meaningful. I founded several businesses, including AWay Productions, where I serve as a filmmaker, producer, director, and actor. What began as a passion project grew into producing feature films, television projects, commercials, weddings, and community based media initiatives. My first feature film, *My Shattered Life*, was created to raise awareness about gun violence and the impact it has on families and communities.
Today, I continue to balance business ownership, filmmaking, and community engagement. Whether through storytelling, workforce development, or entrepreneurship, my goal remains the same: to create opportunities, inspire others, and leave a positive impact on the communities I serve.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs and creatives, I’ve faced plenty of obstacles along the way. Building businesses, leading projects, and working in the film industry comes with challenges that people don’t always see behind the scenes.
One of the biggest struggles has been learning to be patient with the process. Many people see the finished film, the successful event, or the completed project, but they don’t see the years of work, setbacks, revisions, and problem-solving that happened beforehand. My first feature film took years to develop and complete, and there were plenty of moments where things didn’t go as planned.
I’ve also had to learn how to lead teams, manage different personalities, and stay focused on the vision even when others couldn’t see it yet. As a filmmaker and business owner, you’re constantly adapting, learning, and overcoming unexpected challenges.
Through it all, I’ve learned that growth often comes from adversity. Every setback taught me something valuable, strengthened my resolve, and helped prepare me for the opportunities that came later. Looking back, the struggles were just as important as the successes because they shaped the person and leader I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
AWay Productions is an independent film and media production company based in North Carolina. We specialize in narrative filmmaking, television productions, commercial content, event coverage, and visual storytelling that entertains while also sparking meaningful conversations.
What sets AWay Productions apart is our commitment to telling authentic stories that reflect real people, real communities, and real-life challenges. Many of our projects are inspired by experiences and issues that impact everyday families, which allows audiences to connect with the stories on a deeper level.
We are perhaps best known for creating original films and series that highlight themes of resilience, family, faith, community, and personal choices. Projects such as My Shattered Life and Tales of the 2-6 showcase our dedication to producing quality content while creating opportunities for local actors, filmmakers, and creatives.
One thing I am most proud of is our ability to build a platform that not only produces entertainment but also helps develop talent within our region. We’ve been able to provide opportunities for aspiring actors, crew members, and creatives to gain experience and be part of meaningful productions.
I want readers to know that AWay Productions is about more than making movies. It’s about creating stories that leave an impact, inspiring others to pursue their creative passions, and demonstrating that high-quality productions can be created right here in our local communities. Our mission is to tell stories with purpose, create with intention, and leave a lasting legacy through the work we produce.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m a big believer that you never stop learning. To be honest, one of my favorite resources is what people jokingly call “YouTube University.” There are so many professionals with decades of experience who freely share knowledge, insights, and lessons learned. I’ve spent countless hours learning from filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders through YouTube videos, interviews, and educational content.
I’ve also invested in myself through masterclasses from directors like Spike Lee and Ron Howard. Learning from accomplished storytellers has helped me grow not only as a filmmaker but also as a leader and entrepreneur.
More recently, my team and I have been exploring how artificial intelligence can improve workflows and production efficiency. I’m always researching new technology and learning more about filmmaking, production management, and the business side of the industry.
That said, I haven’t embraced AI for scriptwriting or storytelling. For me, writing is personal. It’s where my experiences, perspectives, and creativity come together, and I want those stories to remain authentic to my voice. That may change as technology evolves, and I’m always open to learning, but right now I prefer to write my own material. Where I do see tremendous value in AI is on the production side, helping with organization, call sheets, scheduling, workflow improvements, and even visual effects.
I also enjoy listening to podcasts and interviews, especially conversations with filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have built something meaningful. Hearing their journeys, challenges, and successes provides both inspiration and practical lessons.
At the end of the day, I think the key is staying curious. The moment we stop learning is the moment we stop growing. Whether it’s through a masterclass, a podcast, a YouTube video, or a conversation with someone who’s been there before, I’m always looking for ways to improve my craft and continue evolving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antioneway.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awayproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialawayproductions/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antione-way-a36507103
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvmSfhXo_V3N_6NkTr3hriw
