News Summary
Roderick McClure, a Birmingham native, has made a bold leap from sales to filmmaking. His debut film, ‘Both Eyes Open,’ premieres in theaters on January 17, 2025. Co-founding RodFather Productions, McClure aims to tell compelling stories drawing from his vibrant childhood. The psychological thriller, featuring well-known actors, explores themes of resilience and personal struggle, promising to resonate with audiences and showcase the magic of storytelling.
Birmingham’s Own Roderick McClure Makes a Movie Magic Transition
In the heart of Birmingham, a new voice in filmmaking has emerged, bringing a story that resonates with many. Roderick McClure, who grew up in the city’s Powderly neighborhood during the vibrant 1970s, has taken a remarkable leap from his successful sales career into the thrilling world of cinema. His debut feature film, “Both Eyes Open”, hit theaters on January 17, 2025, and it is already creating quite a buzz.
Inspiration from the Big Screen
Growing up surrounded by the charm of Birmingham, McClure found his passion for storytelling through the classic movies of his youth. Those films, he says, helped to broaden his horizons and sparked dreams that took him beyond the boundaries of his neighborhood. With each story, he envisioned a world filled with possibilities, and it’s that same magic that he hopes to share with audiences today.
RodFather Productions: A Family Affair
Co-founding RodFather Productions in 2024 with his son-in-law, Joshua Ferrell, McClure brings a blend of business acumen and creative vision to the film industry. Their first joint effort, “Both Eyes Open”, is a psychological thriller that stars notable actors like Gail Bean and Taye Diggs. Just imagine the excitement when they concluded casting after a single lunch meeting in November 2023! Talk about efficiency!
A Thrilling Plot with a Meaningful Message
“Both Eyes Open” follows the gripping story of a woman named Ally, who is attempting to escape from an abusive relationship. However, her journey is not as simple as walking away. Instead, she finds herself haunted by visions of her past abuser, crafting a narrative that speaks to resilience, survival, and the quest for freedom. Written by Ariel Julia Hairston, who also directed it, the film dives deep into psychological themes while offering a fresh perspective on personal struggles.
From Sales to Silver Screen
Roderick McClure’s journey to becoming a filmmaker is as compelling as his movie. After graduating from West End High School, he initially took a job as a janitor at West End Hospital, not quite sure where life would take him. Yet, he swapped his mop for a sales pitch and quickly climbed the ladder in companies like Minolta and Panasonic. At Pitney Bowes, he became a respected regional sales manager, out-earning his girlfriend, Terri, who later became his wife. Their partnership has flourished for 35 years—all while McClure made waves in the professional sphere.
A Give-Back Philosophy
Beyond sales, McClure has made quite an impact in philanthropy, donating millions to ministries and nonprofits, especially in his beloved Birmingham. His dedication to serving the community remains at the forefront of his life, and he also found fulfillment in exploring ministry, earning a bachelor’s degree in Bible/Biblical Studies. His efforts extend to disenfranchised communities, emphasizing the significance of social justice and equality.
Life Away from the Cameras
Family remains the cornerstone of McClure’s life. He and Terri have two loving daughters, Kirstin and Morgan, along with five delightful grandchildren. In his downtime, Roderick enjoys cycling around Atlanta, using his rides as a form of meditation and reflection, solidifying his commitment to the four pillars of his success: faith, family, finances, and fitness.
Bringing It All Together
So, as “Both Eyes Open” plays in nearly 50 theaters across the nation, it’s clear that Birmingham’s Roderick McClure is gracefully transitioning from the boardroom to the big screen. With a rich past to draw from and a bright future ahead, this local talent is set to enchant audiences with a story that’s not only thrilling but also deeply relatable. Be sure to catch it in theaters and witness the magic of a remarkable storyteller come to life!
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Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: Roderick McClure’s First Feature
- BBC News: Culture and Filmmaking
- News Channel 9: Behind the Scenes of Violence
- AL.com: Birmingham Names New Finance Director
- Alabama News Center: Sidewalk Film Festival Highlights
