Cierra Lemott 
Gary Langfield, Jr., a True Star filmmaker, production, and journalism team member, has been a part of the True Star family for just over two years. He has used his time here to build countless connections, publish articles on a variety of topics and create a short film that gained him a full scholarship to Columbia College Chicago. This year, he is our featured star in our latest fundraising campaign “Sprint Into 2025: Driving Opportunities, Empowering Youth.”
Keep reading to find out more about this TRUE STAR!
How long have you been a part of True Star?
It’s been two, going on three years, since I’ve been with True Star.
What made you want to become a part of True Star?
I was at school, just talking to my homie about needing a job, and he said that he gets paid to write articles for this company called True Star. I knew I was a good writer, so it seemed like a fit for me. I could write articles, especially because they allowed me to review TV shows and movies and write articles about things I was interested in. I was getting paid to do a thing that I liked. I really appreciated that.
How did your True Star discipline spark a passion for learning?
With writing articles, you can write opinionated pieces, but as I became a better and better writer, I would research certain topics that deepened my thirst for knowledge and made me want to get to the bottom of stuff. It activated my journalism spirit.
What transportation challenges have you had since working for TS?
I don’t have a car. I commute, so I’m on the CTA a lot. It’s kind of time-consuming, but I do it because I know I have to be there. You’ve got Lyft and Uber. Sometimes the prices can be a little too crazy, but most of the time if I’m in a rush and I need to be there, then I could do it and then just be there. It would be nice not to rely on CTA because CTA is very unreliable and very unpredictable.
Why do you think TS needs a Sprinter van?
True Star could benefit a lot from a Sprinter van because of the whole transportation aspect. It will be ideal for picking up True Star members and taking them to the big events that we need to cover. Also carrying equipment. We’ll be able to produce way better quality content just because we’re able to carry all of our equipment with us when we go cover an event. We’re known for doing interviews and getting the inside scoop on things. Being able to have a van that can convert into a mobile studio when we are out in public, would be a great way to get content and control our environment, blocking out the background noise.
How would TS having a Sprinter van benefit you personally?
Like I mentioned, I don’t have a car, so having a Sprinter van means someone from True Star can pick me up to cover events and assignments. It also means that I can get brought back home safely and not have to worry about taking public transportation at night.
How have you benefited from being a member of True Star?
True Star definitely keeps me busy by being able to cover events throughout the city, meet new people, get my face out there, get my name out there. I can put my name on stuff. I can go out and really make a name for myself while I’m continuing to build the brand of True Star. Just building my persona, my character, my brand. All of that is building and I’m building it under the powerhouse of True Star which is special in a magnitude of ways. I could be independent doing the same thing, but True Star is helping me a lot. They helped me build my brand.
Keep your eyes on our Instagram and web platform for more content from Gary Langfield, Jr. and the rest of the star staff.
Help True Star sprint into 2025 with a new sprinter van by donating HERE.
By Cierra Lemott, Columbia College Chicago Alum
Instagram: @kodakscamera
X: @LemottCierra
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. By donating at truestarmedia.org/donate you are helping to empower young creators and transform lives.
