Rome Royce, VP Music Executive for Rich Nation ENT & Head Music Executive (partner) for Universal Music Group, Virgin Music South Africa, Virgin Music & Roc Nation. Mr. Royce is also a movie producer/director.

How many years have you been a judge?

5+ years

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

Meeting new people (Telly staff, judges & artist) give factual feedback to better the artist & you never know when we are scouting.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

I was introduced to the filming world at the age of 4. They thought me a lot about motion picture to what it will lead me become a motion picture producer.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

I don’t just have one, but I am most proud to be on board on every venture I have been on.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

Creating is always a tough task. When creating, it can take a long process to be completed. But with the right team, everything goes well.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

I look for the following; Camera angles, editing, lighting, talent (facial expressions, presence, etc) directing, audio, delivery, etc.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

Music: Head Music Executive, Film wise producer & director. What I love the most about everything I do is meeting new people & creating.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

I am the lead producer for various of major studio film projects (including a Michael Jackson film) & on the music side, going to launch a major artists.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?

I go by a motto “Today I am great & tomorrow I shall be greater.”

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

To entertain the world, to give the people something to either listen to or to watch & bring happiness, joy & unity.

In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

The one thing I am seeing changes is 2 major factors; A.I. & independent. For film, A.I. has helped us to cut time & cost in the filming industry. As for music, finally (after over 10 years trying) the major lables are no longer signing artists. Instead, they (we) are giving only distribution deals (none 360). There no more gatekeepers in the music industry.