(Black PR Wire) Affectionately referred to as Florida’s Own, Barry S. McLeod is a talented writer, director, producer and musician with over four decades of experience in the industry.  The Gainesville native had dreams of making his mark in the entertainment industry as a young boy where began playing drums in his uncle’s church. He went into the Navy right after high school and formed a band playing bass guitar. Upon leaving the Navy with an honorable discharge, he became a hairstylist. Although a hairstylist by profession for 34 years, McLeod was always a prolific writer who dreamed of success on Broadway or in Hollywood.

To expose himself to the entertainment industry, McLeod started writing, choreographing, directing and producing fashion shows for local organizations. At the same time, he played in professional bands doing many gigs for various organizations and clubs.  Later, he decided to write for film and although he got two close calls, nothing really worked out.

Determined not to give in or give up, McLeod started writing, directing and producing his own stage plays and presenting them for churches.  A man of many talents, McLeod also acted in them and would go on to produce a stage play tour. Continuing to make his mark, McLeod was unceasing in writing for film and also wrote and self-published four books. He continued playing in bands and DJ’ing while filming a series of short films and sitcoms.

McLeod admits that he was encouraged by the late Professor James Haskins (The Cotton Club).  “He critiqued my first screenplay and told me that I had potential.” Somewhat of a mentor to me, I learned from him and I took off like a rocket in search of a destination. This turned into penning over 20 screenplays, 18 stage plays, and four books while directing, casting, producing, acting and touring my work.”

Positive testimonials from many have added to McLeod’s popularity. In fact, Gainesville resident Brenda Vanessa Bryant-Rose called one of his performances fantastic. She said the play Divorce N’ Us was a perfect example of what people in marriages go through.  "It was funny, creative and the actors did a good job," Bryant said. "It related well to today's marriages."

Relating well to his audiences have contributed to McLeod’s longevity in the industry. Believing in the adage, “It’s never too late,” he has continued to keep it moving to make his mark.  Some of his accomplishments during his four-decade span in the industry include: 

• Spoke at churches and allowed them to utilize his productions for their fundraisers.
• Participated in youth mentoring by training young people how to operate and facilitate a live stage production that entailed operating the lights, sets, props, sound, hosting and more.
• Toured numerous productions and presented in several Florida cities such as Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key West, Tampa, Orlando, Melbourne, Lake City and several small cities and towns throughout. Outside of Florida, McLeod toured in Shreveport, LA, Augusta, Brunswick, Columbus and Valdosta, Ga.
• Entertained residents at nursing homes.
• Wrote, directed produced songs and videos for artists. R&B legend Lenny Williams considered a song written and produced by McLeod.
• Wrote a song entitled “I’m Sorry”, which is about a “real” man respecting his woman.
• Wrote an anthem for the American Beauty Contest and performed it for them in Ft. Myers, Florida.
• Participated in several author’s showcases.
• Wrote, produced his own R&B CD, entitled “TEN.” The CD is the soundtrack from McLeod’s 4th book “Why I Did Them That Way.”  Each chapter, centered around a woman, has its own song.
• Conducted several relationship workshops for both churches and women’s groups.
• Created The Woods Puppets Comedy Show whereby McLeod hand-made the puppets himself and did the voiceovers, filming and editing.
• Wrote, directed and produced several original films.
• Committed to feeding the homeless annually in partnership with Deep Sea Ministry in Gainesville, Florida.
• Used his talents to raise funds for student scholarships, youth programs and outreach ministries.

Throughout his career, McLeod has certainly done a spectrum of work in various capacities such as personal growth, relationships, inspiration, comedy and more. He specializes in independent films, stage plays, sitcoms, web series, literary/books, music production, workshops, and book signings. A fuller perspective can be seen on his website (www.barrysmcleod.com), along with links to his new online comedy, THE DUVALS.

THE DUVALS is a hilarious weekly sitcom (played by real comedians) about a close-knit family who, due to an unfortunate circumstance, sauntered their way from the projects into an upscale neighborhood …and brought the hood with them! Barry describes it as the “New Cray, Cray Too Funny Comedy Show” that you’ll surely enjoy …if you’re NOT too deep in yourself.” 

So, what’s next for Florida’s Own Barry S. McLeod? He will definitely continue making his mark in the industry!

“In addition to presenting my latest one-man production I Became “ME” I desire to do more speaking engagements and book signings; preferably packaged with other live shows I’ve written and directed,” he said. “I want to encourage those with their AARP cards already, to keep believing and acting on their dreams. And at the same time, I want to share with more young people what the journey is like if you believe in yourself and understand what your natural talents are. I also want to experience some of my previous works come into fruition!”

Time and again, Barry S. McLeod has showed that versatility is the name of his game, and that he is truly, the right kind of different! He has proved that your natural talents can take you far, but he’s not done yet. He will continue making his mark, as “It’s Never Too Late.”

To watch Barry’s new online comedy, The Duvals, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_UpHINhfwBXbJ7Rq0jzsbw

To find out more about his new production I Became “ME” please inquire.

Barry McLeod is currently available for interviews, book signings and speaking engagements. To contact him, call him at 352 371-2700, write to him at 1020 NW 23rd Avenue Ste. B Gainesville, FL 32609, or email him at info@barrysmcleod.com. 

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