Sura Khan of VSE Enterprises: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker

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People look to me for leadership, hoping I may be the answer to their prayers. I don’t take this lightly. I’m very proud of being an inspiration and example to others. If I can help you as an actor or crew member navigate these turbulent waters in show business and help make their ride a bit smoother, I am content with that. My own life has become enriched and purposeful.

As a part of our series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker”, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Sura Khan.

Sura Khan is a thirty-year veteran in the entertainment industry, and a writer, producer, director, and author with a drive and determination for creation that’s unprecedented. Over the past five years, he’s spent his time developing various original television series and film projects. He’s a visionary who believes that there’s a time for everything and everyone. As a result, the actual he’s developed are rooted in something extraordinary and timely. Creating programming based on the unique needs of the viewer and the times we live in is his formula for creating a winning catalog of content. Sura feels that anything is possible if we can connect with a source whose capacity to see our vision and all its possibilities is secured. “I do not doubt my unique ability to move an audience.” Learn more about Khan on his website and his recent television creation, “The Chambers — In God We Trust” right here.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit of the ‘backstory’ of how you grew up?

Yes, absolutely. And thank you for having me. In my early days, my two siblings and I were raised by our single mother, Cynthia Richardson. We lived with our grandmother Sadie and a host of aunts and uncles in a five-bedroom apartment in the Williamsburg Housing Projects in Brooklyn, New York City. It was tight but filled with love. My mother was a painter, and I learned early about the commitment and focus needed to create incredible art. My mom was my first true inspiration.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

My aunt is the late Tony Award-winning actor Virginia Capers. She is best known for her role as Grandma Hattie Banks on the NBC hit sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, starring Will Smith. When Virginia was visiting our family back in 1977, I told her how much I wanted to be an actor like her. I shared my enthusiasm about her performance in the film “Lady Sings The Blues” starring Diana Ross. Virginia played the role of (Mama Holiday) and how much I enjoyed watching her host the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. To my surprise, the following words that proceeded from her mouth would change my life forever. “Would you like to join me at the telethon this year and help us out”? I was filled with joy and anticipation about where this new adventure would lead me.

It was the beginning of my career in television and the arts. Thanks to Virginia Capers, who saw this spark of light in me and decided that she would nurture it at that moment.

Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your filmmaking career?

This story is not funny, but it’s most certainly interesting. I developed a documentary I’ve been working on for more than ten years. The working title is “Life on The Walk of Fame — The Virginia Capers Story.” As I previously mentioned, the late Virginia Capers and I are related. One day I was watching television, flipping through the channels. Virginia appeared on the screen in an episode of “The Golden Girls” I always enjoyed watching her on screen; she was my inspiration and my family. I immediately thought, “Virginia is getting older now and has done so much work in this industry over five decades. There must be a documentary about her life in film and television”. From a place deep within, I was inspired to give her a call and ask her if she would support me in producing her documentary. She graciously said absolutely. I prepared for two weeks, then took a flight to L.A. from NYC to spend a week with her, film a two-hour interview, go to church with her, and meet some of her friends. The interview was successful; she touched on much of her history and associations with some of Hollywood’s finest. I went back home to start the process of getting support and endorsements for the documentary.

Six weeks later, I got a call from her son telling me that she had just passed away. I was devastated at this revelation and grateful that I allowed her to share her testimony before leaving this earth. The letters of endorsement and support for the documentary started arriving in the mail. The envelopes read, Jerry Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Marla Gibbs, Diana Ross, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tim Reid, Leslie Uggams, Isabel Sanford, Cicely Tyson, Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis, Jewell Gresham Nemiroff, ABC, NBC, CBS, Disney, Sony Television, The Tony Awards, Paramount Pictures, and so many others. All were granting me rights to their names and materials for the productions. What baffled me was the timing and following my gut to call Virginia when I did, not knowing that 8-weeks later, she would no longer be among us. With the proper funding, I will one day finish this journey (documentary) Virginia, and I started together. I hope to share her life story and testimony with the world in her own words one day soon. I recall saying to Virginia before I left her house after the interview.

“Virginia, when you see what I’ve done with your story in this documentary, you are going to be so proud of me,” she responded in her last words to me. “Sweetheart, I don’t have to see it, and I’m already proud of you.”

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Oh, there have been many over the years. John and Patty Duke Astin, Tony Orlando, Lainie Kazan, Ben Vereen. Musical great Bobby Rosengarten, Liza Minnelli, Julius La Rosa, Sammy Davis Jr., and Yul Brynner, among others. They all gave me wisdom and inspiration.

Here’s a story about the late actor Yul Brynner. It was the night before the live telecast of my first of many years at the MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon in New York City. I was (13) thirteen years old then. I was fascinated by the colossal standing cameras on the sound stage floor. It was dark in there.

I saw a long bleacher with many telephones, an audience section filled with empty chairs, and a tote board hanging from the ceiling to calculate the donations coming in. It was a strange silence about the place. Then, out of the shadows, this man appeared; he had a deep voice as I had never heard before, and he said, “Hello, young man, what are you doing”? I said, “hi, just looking around,” he said, “What’s your name” “Sura,” I replied. “Can you turn on the camera? I want to be on T.V.”? I said. He replies, “What would you say”? “I would tell the people to please send money to help the kids in the wheelchairs .”Yul just smiled, placed his arm around my shoulder, and said, “I can’t turn the camera on, but I can promise you this, one day, you will get your turn” “I want to do it now,” I replied. At that moment, a man with headphones interrupted our conversation. I ran off to continue exploring the studio, which was WNEW –T.V., now Fox 5, New York. I stopped, turned back, and shouted to him, “What’s your name?” He shouted back, “Friend, just call me friend.”

I said, “OK, friend, see you later.” I ran off.

It was labor day weekend, and immediately following would be the start of the school year. It was my final year before high school. I was sitting in theater class as my teacher, Mr. Nelson, would pass around a record album of the stage musical the school would be producing that year, “The King and I .”We (the students) were all preparing to audition for roles. When the album cover finally got to me, I was shocked when I recognized the face on the album cover. It was my friend (Yul Brynner). When we were speaking back at the studio, I had no idea that he was an actor and famous. I stood up and shouted to the class, pointing to his image, “This is my friend!” the class burst into laughter. They didn’t believe me. I recall the teacher saying something like, “OK, Sura, you will be playing the King, the role of your friend.”

They laughed again.

“Really,” I said, “he is my friend!” I was so hurt that they didn’t believe me. I would later see my friend on television starring alongside Charlton Heston in the role of Pharaoh in the classic film “The Ten Commandments.” My friend Yul said many things to me that evening, and I hope to one day share them with readers in my autobiography. Over the years, I learned many things about my friend Yul and how purposeful that encounter with him was.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

There are many, but I’ll give you this story about this same teacher Mr. Nelson and the Yul Brynner story I shared. I didn’t understand the power of this story until I became an adult.

I wasn’t a good reader in school, and it was difficult for many to hold my attention very long. Wanting to be an actor meant having to read a lot and memorize scripts. I was not too fond of that process and sometimes skipped theater class because I wasn’t prepared like the other students. I liked being the center of attention, and being cast as the King in the stage play “The King and I” was flattering. I was the star of the show, and I loved to sing. However, I didn’t want to put in the work. I had an understudy who was smart and knew his lines for Act One and Act Two of the musical by the time we were at the 3rd rehearsal. Each role had an understudy and would be allowed to perform one performance during school hours for the other classes. I missed my routine because I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t have Act Two memorized, and I just gave up.

After giving up and having no further interest in the show, I decided to come to class this day when the teacher was giving this lecture on the importance of focus and commitment to your craft. It was a day that I wished I had cut class because it was hard for me to hear the truth. Now the teacher had the complex task of selecting which students would be performing the evening show where parents and other guests would purchase tickets to attend. This performance would have all the trimmings, Major Lighting, Make-Up, Orchestra, Stage Hands, etc. I was starting to wish I had given more focus and commitment to this opportunity, and I felt like a failure for the first time. The following words to come out of Mr. Nelson’s mouth would send shock waves throughout my body. “ For tonight’s performance, the role of the King will be played by Sura Khan. I was speechless, and time had frozen at that moment. “How can this be?” I thought to myself. I heard whispers around the room after the teacher had selected me. I looked to my right at the other student/actor who played the King in all the other performances after I gave up on the show. Tears were flowing from his face, I remembered. He was disappointed, and rightfully so. He deserved to be selected for that significant performance.

I had to find new strength and find it fast if I were to pull this off. I had four hours from 3:00 pm after school to 7:00 pm when I had to return for wardrobe and make-up. In that four hours, I had to refresh my memory of Act One and memorize the whole of Act Two. The pressure was on. My mother and other family members were all coming to see my performance. It was challenging, but I did it! I was a hit and received a standing ovation. My friend Alberto, the other student/actor who played the King, was at the performance (I guess as a backup in case I was a no-show). He was kind to me and even let me wear his costume for Act Two’s final. The memorable scene from the Broadway version between the King and Anna was “Shall We Dance.” Set in 1860s Bangkok and tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship between the King of Siam and Anna. A British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

Over the years, I would understand the power of that decision to allow me to perform that evening. This experience would bring out things I didn’t know were present inside me, like the ability to learn in four hours, which seemed impossible to understand over four months. Even though I didn’t deserve the opportunity, I was fortunate to receive it. It changed my perception of the definition of teaching. Mr. Nelson made a wise decision to put the weight of that entire show on my back, knowing that I was nowhere near prepared, and somewhere in his soul, he had faith that I would deliver. I believe he knew that the lesson in all of this would benefit me in the long run and that what I might learn through this experience would change my behavior. I am grateful for him and that experience — the true definition of a teacher. I would periodically return to that school (I.S. 49) over the years to honor a student in theater and music in his memory and also sponsor from my company a cash award for the student.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Peace is something you’ll never experience if you keep letting things you can’t control, control you. Let it go.”

For many years, I would beat myself up trying to control the outcome of events and circumstances and how others saw life. Now I allow things I can’t manage to be as they are and focus on what I can control, and that’s myself.

I am very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

Diversity in film and television is crucial because we live in a diverse world with many different cultures and perspectives. Also, there are still many untold stories that can be shared by artists effectively through the eyes of those who truly understand its need and importance. Unfortunately, with the boom in social media, we find that too many people accept stories and information at face value. Yet, in such a diverse world as ours, we can genuinely learn and advance in many genres and areas. We must make room for each other and allow what’s inside us an outlet for authentic expression.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I am proud to announce that my latest project has won 34- awards on the festival circuit to date in only three months. We won in the following areas: “Best Web/TV Pilot”, “Best Director”, “Best Original Story” and “Best Ensemble Cast”. I use my name before all my titles because I am a brand, and I want viewers to know that when they see “Sura Khan” over a title, they are in for something special and unique.

This new television pilot is set in the Chambers Central operations unit of the State City Supreme Court and designed for the Judge and the offices of his senior staff during the fictional administration of Justice H. Joseph Kimble. The series focuses on conversations, law, judiciary lessons, politics, and crisis management. Plots range from behind-closed-door negotiations to personal problems such as stress disorders and other emotional issues. The show explores the connection to the mayor who appoints the Judge into office. The Program highlights how politics and other events at City Hall might play into the city’s Supreme Court. The series is inspired by shows like “The West Wing,” “House of Cards,” and “Madam Secretary,” but our focus is the judiciary system.

Never before has there been a show about the court system that didn’t focus primarily on the courtroom until “Sura Khan’s the Chambers.”We focus on the Judge’s chamber’s office and his law clerks and senior staff as they navigate the Chambers central operations unit. We are still shopping for the series and hope to be on a broadcast platform soon. We plan to begin shooting season one at the top of the new year. Even if we have to raise venture capital to continue filming the first season before landing a home for the series, we are prepared to do so. I can assure you that this new show will be the next big thing. Sura Khan’s The Chambers –In God We Trust” is becoming a force to be reckoned with. Special thanks to the fantastic cast who won several awards for best ensemble and the talented team members for a job well done. I couldn’t have done this without my Producing partner Bobby Bostick who saw my vision and stopped at nothing to help me see it through. I sincerely thank Kenny Sattaur, Terri Patterson– Associate Producers, and the Film Festivals- for recognizing the series as unique and special. Finally, I send a heartfelt thank you and appreciation to television creator/writer Aaron Sorkin for being a great inspiration to me.

Which aspect of your work makes you most proud? Can you explain or give a story?

People look to me for leadership, hoping I may be the answer to their prayers. I don’t take this lightly. I’m very proud of being an inspiration and example to others. If I can help you as an actor or crew member navigate these turbulent waters in show business and help make their ride a bit smoother, I am content with that. My own life has become enriched and purposeful.

Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

When you create a film, which stakeholders have the greatest impact on the artistic and cinematic choices you make? Is it the viewers, the critics, the financiers, or your own personal artistic vision? Can you share a story with us or give an example about what you mean?

I would say a little of all above. The viewers because they are my motivation and purpose for creating in the first place; it’s about entertainment & enlightenment for them. The critics because I want to give them something unique. Something different and exciting would challenge them to be greater at what they do in deciphering my vision and work to understand more about me and my artistic choices. As for the financiers, I want them to see that their money is being put to good use, and with that money, I can be even more creative. As well as allow them to be involved in television originality and help them make money and make a difference in the world through my vision. It helps me to convince financiers that my projects are the best choice. Remember that there once was an earlier version of Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, just like myself today, that no one might have seen coming. The King brothers (King World Productions), the early salesman for the Oprah Winery Show, saw that spark in Oprah. The earlier financers of the Tyler Perry brand also saw the light in him, just a spark at the time but look what that spark has become over the years. I’m sure that both Oprah and Tyler also had to make artistic and cinematic choices that would be impactful for their financiers. I also make sure that I stay true to my original concept through the creative process, and that alone impacts my personal artistic and cinematic choices.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

The movement I would start would be geared toward our youth. I served young adults for 16 years as a Community Service Aide, Community Associate, and finally, Director for the City of New York. I created programs to help develop our growing teens. I would start a movement that would bring different cultures of teenagers together. Various programs would be implemented to help them understand the differences in our cultures and religious differences, the importance of diplomacy, and how to understand one another and respect those differences by first understanding and accepting that we are a human family first. The youth are our future, and taking the time to guide them is an excellent investment in our future. Today social media is teaching our young ones. They are misinformed, judgmental, and flooded with opinions and suggestions that might not be best for us as a human family. No matter how much money we make in this life, we cannot take any of it with us when we leave. So creating programs that could make this world a better place is my desire — creating a movement that can live long after I do. Making a difference is the fuel for my fire.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

The movement I would start would be geared toward our youth. I served young adults for 16 years as a Community Service Aide, Community Associate, and finally, Director for the City of New York. I created programs to help develop our growing teens. I would start a movement that would bring different cultures of teenagers together. Various programs would be implemented to help them understand the differences in our cultures and religious differences, the importance of diplomacy, and how to understand one another and respect those differences by first understanding and accepting that we are a human family first. The youth are our future, and taking the time to guide them is an excellent investment in our future. Today social media is teaching our young ones. They are misinformed, judgmental, and flooded with opinions and suggestions that might not be best for us as a human family. No matter how much money we make in this life, we cannot take any of it with us when we leave. So creating programs that could make this world a better place is my desire — creating a movement that can live long after I do. Making a difference is the fuel for my fire.

How can our readers further follow you online?

They can go to my website or follow me @vse1surakhan on Instagram.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!


Sura Khan of VSE Enterprises: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.