About Me
On the day of November 19, 1981, a genuine gift was born into this world. His name is William Ralph Palmer, Jr. and little to the world's knowledge or his own, would he change so many people's lives. Destiny definitely had a plan in evolving the young boy into the wise, giving man he is today, exemplified by his formal name. William "valiant protector", Ralph "wise counsel", Palmer "palm bearing". Today at the age of only 26, the Producer, Director, Professional Model, and Actor "Sphinx" Palmer is already made a groundbreaking impact on today's entertainment industry. Sphinx is one of the most focused, outgoing, and ambitious individuals that one may meet, with his art, craft, and originality proving he was born before his time.
Sphinx was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia where at the early age of three he was unwillingly forced to take part in his older sister's plays that she would put on for family and neighbors. Never did he expect to enter the entertainment industry until scouted on the university campus he attended fifteen years later by a New York Model Scout. It was then that Sphinx Palmer became a natural in front of the camera and the timid young boy became the ambitious outgoing man he is today.
Traveling the United States with other models and actors truly opened his eyes to what the world truly had to offer. From visiting some of the top model agencies in the world, to attending auditions and open calls up and down the eastcoast all the way to New York, he adapted to the industry receiving his first taste of rejection at a young age. Through rejection, his ambition increased, knocking on all doors until they began to open. He landed work in music videos as well as feature film. Through his trials and tribulations he learned that the entertainment industry was not at all promised. It was then he remained on his pursuit to education attending Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA where he studied media production in radio, television, and film.
At school he strengthened his passion for the entertainment industry and more of the behind the scenes concepts, theory, and technicalities of the field. This strengthened his urge to get back infront of the camera as well as behind. Through being on various sets, Sphinx Palmer began landing small featured extra roles in feature film and music videos (Nelly - "Hot In Herre" - UK Version - 2002) (Warner Bros. - ATL - 2005) shot in Atlanta and on the campus of his school, Clark Atlanta University (Warner Bros. - Drumline - 2002).
Without life planning, Sphinx constantly became involved and surrounded with media and industry professionals infront of and behind the scenes. His passion grew and grew while interning for the Black Family Channel, A Robert Townsend Production, where he became a production assistant and editing assistant on four network shows. With the hands on teachings of his cinematography teacher who also happened to teach Music Video and Feature Film Director Bryan Barber, "IDLEWILD" and Feature Film Director Spike Lee, "INSIDE MAN", Sphinx learned to apply theories and bring them to life. He did so by creating short films that changed the direction of what we call film and creating pieces that were 180 degrees different than the norm. The guidance and mentorship of others truly enabled Sphinx and motivated him into becoming the Producer/Director he is today.
Sphinx began to understand how much the behind the camera direction went hand and hand with the action taking place in frame. This not only enabled him to become a better subject infront of the camera, but it also strengthened his ambition and skills as an aspiring director. This became more than just a hobby for Sphinx Palmer, founding 180 Degree Films, LLC. "Changing Direction for Media Excellence". Sphinx Palmer, classmates, and a small group of passionate individuals formed a production company creating short films, tv pilots, etc. showcasing their own talent infront and behind the camera. Today 180 Degree Films has acquired work with shows on network television (UPN, ESPN2, etc.), created media for promoters and venues in the city of Atlanta, GA (The Source Magazine, Club Compound Atlanta, etc.), and honorably completed work for his alma mater, Clark Atlanta University. Sphinx's overall vision is to created original programming in television and create feature film that will change the lives and perspectives of individuals today. Sphinx Palmer is well on his way with the support of other industry professionals, executives, and talents in entertainment.
In May of 2005 he received his B.A. in Communications with a concentration in radio, television, and film. In the years to come Sphinx Palmer will definitely make a groundbreaking impact in the film and entertainment industry, just as some of his fellow classmates who attended school with him; Eva Pigford (America's Next Top Model) Bobby Valentino (R&B sensatiion). Through meeting all types of people from around the world, traveling, and life changing experiences, Sphinx Palmer has become a polished professional at his craft. His passion for being infront and behind the camera has grown through feeling there is a need for positive role models in the day and age which we all live.
"My drive in life is to change others' lives through portraying life in its most beautiful form. The most beautiful form of life is the realest, purest, and untouched form. There is no better way for me to show life in this form than through the medium of television and film. With my skills, drive, and passion, I plan on changing the direction of television and film. I will lend a voice to the unheard, ignored, misunderstood, and exploited, creating an artistic outlet to educate and transform the oblivious to the reality, therefore forming 180 Degree Films, LLC. My plan is to create films & peices which will exterminate the ignorance in cinema, in an entertaining fashion, whether it be infront or behind the camera."
William "Sphinx" Palmer has been noted to be a true inspiration and dear attribute to anyone's production. He believes that true art imitates real life, which allows his pictures and visual art, through the medium of film and television, to speak way more than a thousand words.
First and foremost I must say I'm just an imperfect guy who works, prays, & believes. I don't consider myself to be anything more than an ordinary guy, blessed with extraordinary talents, who knows his talents need to be shared with the world.
I believe in turning the oppositions in life into opportunity and the negativity in life into positivity......spreading the light to others.
The main reason I created this page was for BUSINESS PURPOSES, inspiring others, and to keep in contact with my family and close friends because of my busy schedule. I want to personally thank my family and close friends who've nurtured me on this long road throughout my proccess in humbly making these dreams you see before you a reality. Your efforts in joining my movement and your love and understanding of what I'm doing has meant the complete world to me. Thanks for understanding what I'm doing is not just for me, and thanks for helping me help others! The love will forever be unmeasurable and irreplaceable. I'm greatly humbled by all the kind messages and all the love people have given me here on myspace and I'm extremely grateful to those who have given me the past opportunities to launch myself as one of the youngest producers and directors in the game today. I'm also equally as grateful to everyone who didn't believe and built roadblocks on my path to success, because you all motivated me to work harder to become the strong successful man I am today. For with God, no man can be against me, and for what God has for me, no man can take away. I love you all as well because in the end love conquers all.
When taking a look at my page, please don't make a God out of the entertainment industry as the rest of the world has. Understand this is my talent, my calling, and most importantly my PROFESSION, just as any other. If you haven't heard of me before, you more than likely wouldn't have unless you work within my field or you are part of the "young hollywood" crowd. I keep my entourage and my circle small and profound and I try not to get caught up in hollywood politics unless it's business related. I honestly do what I do for the pure LOVE of it and will always have a neverending obsession with television and film, however "fame and fortune" does come with the territory. These are things I'm slowly learning to adapt to these days, but I still make it a constant effort on a daily basis to always remain centered. I try and live a well balanced life and everyone who TRULY knows me, knows I'm a flawed individual just like the next man. I believe in living everyday of life to the fullest. Life is all about having a blast everyday, establishing long lasting relationships, creating unforgettable memories, growing from experiences, creating an eternal legacy, and most importantly changing lives!
"Off-the-set" I'm a guy who loves to joke around and laugh at all times possible. I have a natural passion for life in general, not just in my profession. I'm a prankster and love comedy. I like to see others having a great time and happy around me and I'm a big kid at heart. When not working, which is hardly ever, you'll catch me spending time with my family and getting together with friends, both inside and outside the industry, doing simple things like clowning around, bowling, etc. The next best thing I like doing in my off time is definitely without a doubt traveling and meeting new people. I'm lucky because my profession allows me to do both. When traveling I like trying new foods and learning about different cultures other than my own. I have a natural thirst for knowledge, so learning and experiencing new things are golden to me. I read quite often, but mostly motivational work and books that allow me to enhance my craft. I'm a huge fan of extreme sports, mostly boarding, because I was around it growing up as a child in VA. I've been known to board from time to time, but haven't lately because of time constraints, so I'm definitely a bit rusty. I love all mediums and forms of art whether it be visual, music, or dance. Graphic Art and still photography is my most favorite medium as well as a great hobby of mine. I create graphic work and brand aside from television production. Intricate graphic design and contrast still photography that tells a story is what catches my eye the most. I'm heavily into music and love all genres. I appreciate all innovative artists & true musicians who are at the top of their craft melodically. I don't watch too much television because it kills my creative processes. However I will watch a good melodrama like Grey's Anatomny or documentaries on the Sundace Channel or National Geographic. As long as it's informative, real, or resembles reality, I'll watch it. Due to my modeling background I dig threads, garms, & style to a certain degree, especially sneakers & footwear. I have an Adidas addiction and collect different styles, designs, etc.; its art for the foot. I love any and all things Adidas. I wear that and mostly anything they give me from shoots lol. As far as the social scene, inside the industry I attend many events such as release parties, wrap parties, fashion shows, etc. If you catch me at an event, I'm most of the time there only in support of something I was in or one of my colleagues/friends was in. I like to go out occassionally, but I could spend all night infront of my mac. Either one would suite me the same. But to know more about me, just check out my PICS section and you can see some pictures of my travels, life on the set, me on vacation, hobbies, etc. I must say that my life is an exciting one, but I always try and stay centered because I could get caught up living life in the fast lane at anytime. I make sure I keep good people around me at all times who I know have my best interest at heart, and I live a stress free life. Believe me when I say misery loves company and right now negativity is so non existant in my life, I couldn't even tell you the last time I had a bad day.
Today people need to become rich in their hearts, minds, & soul, looking outside of what society deems important. It's time to make a difference in lives these days. Time to make a difference for the neglected, abused, & those afflicted that the media has chosen not to focus on. In my eyes you're not unaccounted for and godwilling I will be able to make a huge impact and difference in the near future. Anyone out there who is actively pursuing anything in life, whether it be school, sports, the arts, or whatever the case may be, put God first in your life and surround yourself with those that support what you do, that's very important. A support group is very important. Keep dreaming big & stay on that pursuance because you love what you do. When times get hard understand success doesn't come without hard work & sacrifice. Discover your motivations & realize struggle is just preparation for what is to come. "To whom much is given, much is required". Becoming confident in your craft paves the path for others to believe in it as well, but it all begins with YOU believing! Understand that what God has for you, no man or force can ever take away. No hustles are ever overlooked or done in vain and FAITH & PATIENCE is the key.
* A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES & INDIVIDUALS **
Everyone @ 180 Degree Films, LLC "Changing Direction for Media Excellence"Clark Atlanta UniversityBlack Family Channel - A Robert Townsend ProductionUPNESPN 2BETMTVBunim Murray Productions - The Real WorldAfrodisiak ProductionsBeing Bobby Brown Season 2 (Production Staff & Cast)UPN Pilot: Urban Idol (Production Staff & Hosts)Divadend$ - Chicks Making Money (Production Staff & Cast)Afrodisiak Show (Production Staff & Hosts)Tupac Amaru Shakur FoundationSouthern Comfort SpiritsSource MagazineRolling Out MagazineSean John ClothingLRG ClothingLive Mechanics ClothingRed Gorilla ClothingCompound Nightclub AtlantaDr. Herbert EichelbergerDr. Alice StephensRobert TownsendCarol HunterYvette BroughtonMicah WhiteTrina BraxtonMontell JordanRobert HardyFritz NgwenyaHakim FoglerLee SerrantJeremy MillsJazze PhaeAkonQ from 112Afeni ShakurSet ShakurNoah Smith
I truly believe what separates most from reaching their dreams and achivieving their goals from those that do not is not luck or circumstance.......but it's perserverance and will.
Like I said before, I'm just an imperfect guy who works, prays, & believes....but I know I have some warrior angels watching over me without a doubt.....there's no question.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths." Prov. 3:5-6"
PEACE & PROGRESS
