Meet Rodney Washington | Videographer, Filmmaker and Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rodney Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rodney, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Southern California, my upbringing in this vibrant and diverse region had a profound impact on shaping who I am today. From an early age, I was captivated by news and media, particularly the Long Beach Press Telegram’s Sunday paper, which offered a treasure trove of local community magazines, entertainment news, and intriguing stories. Recognizing my passion, my parents supported my interest by gifting me a newspaper print kit for kids. As I progressed through high school, my fascination with journalism led me to take journalism classes and become involved in student council and video production. After working in various roles in local cable, I embarked on a partnership with my sister, creating a teen soap opera and other projects. In 1993, I moved to Phoenix, where my videography skills caught the attention of a big box retailer, leading me to produce projects for them. Years later, this love for storytelling and promoting positive content inspired me to start TNC Network, where I served as a videographer and editor, focusing on local access programming and filmmaking. This passion for showcasing projects and individuals working towards positive change continues to drive me today as I establish STM Daily News, a news blog dedicated to sharing stories of a more optimistic and inspiring nature. Our goal is to highlight issues and the people who are making a difference, avoiding sensationalism and negativity in favor of a more informed and positive perspective on the human experience.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would like to acknowledge the incredible projects and endeavors that have played a significant role in shaping my path. TNC Network, the company that I founded, has been instrumental in promoting diverse content and supporting fellow artists and visionaries. Through TNC Network, we have been able to showcase our news blog, STM Daily News, which focuses on delivering stories with a positive outlook and highlighting the efforts of those making a difference. Furthermore, Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report, our brand dedicated to covering the exciting world of pickleball for senior players, has allowed us to engage with a passionate community. Alongside these ventures, our podcasts have provided a platform for meaningful discussions and sharing insights. Lastly, our filmmaking endeavors have been a source of creative expression, allowing us to bring stories to life and connect with audiences on a deeper level. These projects have been the culmination of passion, collaboration, and the support of remarkable individuals, and I am grateful for the opportunities they have provided in my journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting me in Phoenix, I would be determined to give them the most incredible week of their life. We would start by exploring WestGate in Glendale, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere and catching an exciting sporting event like the Suns, Cardinals, or Dbacks, depending on the season. The next day, we’d venture to Old Town Scottsdale, where we’d wander through the charming streets, visit art galleries, and enjoy a delightful meal at one of the local restaurants. Our itinerary would also include a day in downtown Phoenix, where we’d soak up the energy of Roosevelt Row, admire the street art, and end the evening with laughter at one of the city’s top-notch comedy clubs. Throughout the week, we would savor the diverse culinary scene, indulging in Mexican cuisine at Barrio Café, devouring mouthwatering pizzas from Pizzeria Bianco, and treating ourselves to Caribbean flavors at The Breadfruit & Rum Bar. We’d also make time to explore the natural beauty surrounding Phoenix, like hiking in Camelback Mountain or taking a peaceful stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden. With a perfect blend of sports, culture, delicious food, and entertainment, I would show my best friend the best of what Phoenix has to offer, ensuring they have an unforgettable time in the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a heartfelt shoutout to the incredible individuals who have made a profound impact on my life. First and foremost, my dear friend Jeffrey, whose musical talents and unwavering support have enriched our projects. Even after relocating from Southern California to Phoenix, Jeffrey continued to contribute his original music to our soundtracks, showcasing his dedication and creativity. Another person I want to acknowledge is Mike Sliwa, my filmmaking partner in crime for an impressive 28 years. Our shared passion and collaboration have brought countless projects to life, and his friendship has been a constant source of inspiration. I also want to express my gratitude to my Dad, who always took pride in talking about me to his friends. I’ll never forget the joy on his face when he watched one of our short films on the big screen at the Phoenix Film Festival. Last but not least, my incredible mom, who became my biggest fan and source of inspiration, especially after a challenging period in my younger adult years. Her unwavering support and belief in my abilities have fueled my drive to pursue my passions. I am truly grateful for each of these remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on my journey.

Website: https://stmdailynews.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmdailynews/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnc-networknews

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tncwrapup/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sleevespickleballreport

Other: https://sleeves-spr-people-of-pickleball.castos.com/

Image Credits
Images by Rod Washington