The sound of a director’s clap echoes through a Birmingham warehouse turned studio. Bright lights cut across the room, casting a warm glow over a team of women who have rewritten what power looks like behind the camera. This isn’t just another day on set. This is history in motion.
Meet The Ladies of SRJR Productions: Chay Crews (Chay Butta), Donna
Ingram (Lady D), Andrea Carlisle (Drea’ C, honored in lasting memory), and LaCindra McGowan (Sweet Lou). Together, they have built more than a production company. They have built a legacy rooted in courage, creativity, and collaboration.
Their story begins in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, where four women with diferent dreams met on the common ground of purpose. What started as conversations and late-night ideas quickly grew into SRJR Productions, a name that now represents vision, grit, and artistic evolution.
On Set and In Sync
There is a rhythm to how they work, a silent understanding between women who have faced both applause and obstacles. Chay’s sharp creative instinct drives direction, Lady D’s voice anchors the emotion, Sweet Lou’s strategic fre fuels the mission, and the late Drea’ C’s spirit continues to guide every production.
“Every time the camera rolls, we’re not just telling a story,” Chay says softly between takes. “We’re giving someone a reason to believe that their story matters too.”
A New Script for Representation
Their projects do more than entertain; they empower. From gripping independent flms to community showcases, every frame they create holds intention. SRJR Productions refuses to ft into traditional molds. They craft stories that speak to those who have felt invisible, unheard, or underestimated.
In an industry where women, especially women of color, are often told to wait their turn, The Ladies of SRJR decided to build their own stage. Their productions shine light on raw truths such as family, struggle, joy, and resilience. It is art with impact, made by women who know what it means to fght for a seat at the table.
Beyond the Lens
What happens when the lights fade and the cameras stop? The work continues. Mentorship programs, creative workshops, and community partnerships all sit at the heart of their vision. SRJR Productions is not just about what happens on screen; it is about planting seeds for those who will one day take their place behind the camera.
“We don’t just produce flms,” Sweet Lou shares. “We produce opportunities.”
Each project becomes an act of legacy building. Every scene, every story, and every shared success feels like a tribute to the strength of women who refuse to be defned by limits.
Carrying the Torch
Andrea Carlisle, known lovingly as Drea’ C, was one of the early forces behind SRJR’s foundation. Though she is no longer physically present, her energy
remains the heartbeat of every creative decision. The women speak of her with pride and reverence, the kind reserved for someone who left more than memories. She left direction.
Future in Focus
The next chapter of SRJR Productions promises expansion, new collaborations, and projects that will push boundaries even further. Their goal is not just to create content but to continue shaping culture through authenticity and heart.
As the lights dim on set, the team gathers for one last take. There is laughter, a few tears, and the undeniable sense that something special is unfolding.
The Ladies of SRJR Productions are not waiting for permission. They are creating the world they want to see, one story, one lens, and one legacy at a time.
© 2025, Logan. All rights reserved.
