Today we’d like to introduce you to Deon Stubbs.
Hi Deon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Almost Famous really grew out of my own experiences and observations of ambition, community, and what it means to chase a dream while juggling real-life responsibilities. I wanted to tell a story that was funny and heartfelt, with characters who feel like real people you might know or have grown up around. The idea started small, just a concept in my head about a small-town entertainer trying to reclaim a dream, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized there was a whole world to explore.
Bringing it to life has been anything but smooth. Building the team took time because I needed people who not only believed in the story but were willing to roll up their sleeves and make it happen. Along the way, we had cast members leave or change, scripts that needed rewriting, and the constant challenge of limited funding. Each of these moments was frustrating at the time, but they also forced me to get creative, stay flexible, and really dig into what the story needed to succeed.
The process of filming and producing Almost Famous has taught me so much about collaboration, patience, and persistence. Seeing the characters and the world we imagined start to feel real has been incredibly rewarding. For me, this series is more than just entertainment — it is about capturing authenticity, showing the humor in ambition, and reminding people that chasing your dream is messy, imperfect, and worth it.
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. Bringing Almost Famous to life has been exciting, but also full of challenges. One of the biggest struggles has been building and keeping the right team. Finding people who believe in the story and are committed to seeing it through has taken time, and along the way we had to adjust when cast members left or schedules changed.
Funding has also been a constant challenge. As an independent series, we often had to get creative with resources and figure out how to make scenes, sets, and production work without the budget we would ideally want. There were moments where progress felt slow or uncertain, but those obstacles pushed us to be resourceful and intentional with every choice.
Despite the setbacks, every challenge has shaped the series into something stronger. Recasting, rewriting, and problem-solving have led to better chemistry, sharper scripts, and a production that feels polished and authentic. The road has been bumpy, but seeing the show take shape and knowing it will connect with audiences makes every struggle worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
With Almost Famous, my work centers on creating authentic, character-driven stories that are funny, relatable, and culturally rooted. I specialize in taking concepts from idea to screen, overseeing everything from writing and casting to production and post. My focus is on building worlds and characters that feel real while making sure the story resonates with audiences who see themselves reflected in it.
I am known for bringing together strong teams and keeping the vision moving forward, even when challenges arise. Producing Almost Famous has required problem-solving through staffing changes, limited budgets, and unexpected obstacles, and I take pride in turning those challenges into opportunities to improve the show.
What I am most proud of is creating a series that blends humor, heart, and ambition while staying true to its voice. What sets me apart is my ability to balance the creative and operational sides of a project — I can manage the logistics of production while keeping the story alive and engaging. At the end of the day, I create content that connects with people, makes them laugh, and makes them feel seen.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the quality that has been most important to my success is consistency. No matter what project I am working on, whether it is building a program through the Hyer Merit Association, producing the HMA Awards, developing my series Almost Famous, or expanding partnerships with Blooprint, I show up and keep things moving even when the circumstances are not perfect.
Consistency keeps me grounded. It helps me push through setbacks with staffing, funding, or scheduling because I have learned that progress does not always look big; sometimes it is just taking one intentional step every day.
Along with that, I would say adaptability plays a big role too. I have had to adjust directions, rebuild teams, and pivot ideas more than once, but staying consistent and flexible at the same time has allowed me to keep the vision alive and continue growing each platform.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deonthegreatt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572275826737
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hyermeritassociation
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/deonsalmostfamous/
