When he was first starting as an entrepreneur, Anthony “Ape” Pratt was heavily undermined and criticized. In his words, “Being a black business owner comes with the same challenges of being a black man in society.” Nevertheless, he worked hard and stayed focused on his vision to help brands become international contenders in their industries.
Today, Anthony Pratt is the CEO of Gorilla With A Pen, a company that creates opportunities for social influencers and businesses that have been overlooked amid their saturated industries but have all the potential to achieve great heights. As a minority-owned company, it is determined to succeed against all odds.
Anthony Pratt is a United States Army veteran , investment professional, and is also recognized in the entertainment industry, having worked with top-tier talent ranging from American Idol, The Voice, British X-Factor and America’s Got Talent. He grew up in South Central Los Angeles, experiencing unfavorable circumstances, surrounded by negativity, and people did not hesitate to voice out their doubts in him. Still, Anthony used the negativities to fuel his dreams, and he has proven that believing in oneself truly takes a person a long way.
Gorilla With A Pen prides itself on having some of the most seasoned creatives and professionals from various industries such as e-sports, cosplay, TV and film, voice-overs, real estate, production, and entertainment. Collectively, Anthony Pratt and his team boast an impressive background working for prominent companies such as Creative Artists Agency, Walt Disney, RE/MAX, Universal Music Group, and William Morris Endeavor.
Gorilla With A Pen thinks outside of the box and has reshifted their approach as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They aim to span across new emerging markets such as cosplay, esports, and finding new ways to help music artists, culinary personalities, actors, start-up companies, and athletes gain new audience penetration through a unique approach.
Gorilla With A Pen’s in-house team caters to brands of all sizes, believing that there is immense potential for success even in the smallest start-up companies.They are making socially-conscious innovations and strategies for businesses and talents who choose to rise to the top and look at the future with a unique perspective. The company is passionate about storytelling and creating campaigns for its clients. “When our clients win, we win and at the end of the day, we want them to win,” said Anthony Pratt. “It’s truly a partnership and a total team effort,” he added.
Since its founding, Gorilla With A Pen has reached several milestones. The company has been invited to participate in the first-ever WonderCon @Home 2020, Comic-Con’s iconic event aiming to keep the annual gathering alive, even during the pandemic. Additionally, Anthony has also orchestrated a partnership between Gorilla With A Pen and Six Flags, geared toward producing new content for their visitors.
Also, Anthony Pratt has partnered with top female athletes to rejuvenate the Women’s Roller Derby scene in Los Angeles. The entrepreneur has also established working relationships with prominent attractions like The Los Angeles Zoo and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Hollywood.
“As a company, we firmly believe in developing from within, creating opportunities for those who might have been looked over in the past. We feel that the key to survival is to span across multiple segments and to demonstrate flexibility,” said Anthony Pratt. Gorilla With A Pen strongly focuses on developing content and products that challenge what has been proven and done and uses an out-of-the-box approach.
Asked where he sees Gorilla With A Pen five years from now, Anthony Pratt said that he considers himself and his company continuing to help others and actively involved in each creative process to help clients reach new heights.
Anthony Pratt is a firm believer that each person in society has a part to inspire the next generation to become innovators and greater than those before them. “Gorilla With A Pen accepts the responsibility of being an innovator and hopes to influence and inspire through creativity,” Anthony said.
To learn more about Anthony Pratt and Gorilla With A Pen, visit their website.