Q&A: Elrico Tunstall on Family Vibez

John Blackwell is not trying to hold it together. He's raising his nephews, his niece, and his outspoken mom, and a rookie film crew just showed up to document all of it.

Family Vibez is a mockumentary about what a real family actually looks like, made by a military veteran who wanted to put something different on the screen.

We talked to writer, director, and producer Elrico Tunstall about why he made it, what Pensacola brings to the story, and what he means when he says this show has a soul.

Where it started

What was the seed of Family Vibez?

The idea was birthed from the need for positive content in our society and culture. The concept of showing strong male figures in society centered on faith and positive relationships is the basis of Family Vibez.

The disruption at the center

The show opens with John's life getting turned upside down. Why was that the right starting point?

The importance of showing the disruption during this point is intricate in the context of how we as a society handle adversity at the most pivotal moments in our lives.

The veteran perspective

You served in the military. How did that shape what you wanted to make?

As a military veteran, I wanted to show that as adults sometimes we become so lost in our careers that we forget the moments that make us happy. And those are the moments we create with the ones we love.

What "Family Vibez" means

The title is doing real work here. What does it mean to you?

Family Vibez means love and joy. When you experience real family, that vibe is one that can be replicated and can only come from family. I want people to see this show and feel the wholesome energy from the characters.

Pensacola as a character

The show is rooted in Pensacola, Florida. How did the city shape the production?

We wanted to show the genuine energy that emanates from the city of Pensacola by using authentic locations and actors to give a soul to the story.

Where the characters came from

Vonda and Gilbert feel like people you've actually met. Where did they come from?

By looking at my personal experiences of life and wanting authentic characters from people's real families to share with the world. There is a Vonda and a Gilbert in a lot of families.

What the show is really teaching

The show deals with real family conflict but keeps landing on solutions. How did you think about that balance?

By bringing back real solutions to issues that occur in families. Showing examples of how talking to our youth instead of yelling yields better solutions.

The funniest moments

What was the funniest or most chaotic moment from making this show?

The funniest moments can't be described in one single moment. I believe the entire story that Elrico Tunstall is conveying will leave the audience feeling like they have been in the Blackwell living room laughing and living along with the family.

Before you press play

For someone discovering Family Vibez on Relay, what would you want them to know?

As a writer, I want them to know that the characters they are about to see are wholesome and relatable. As a director and producer, I want them to understand that this is a mockumentary from an amateur filmmaker, The Nerdy Kid From Escambia Productions.

Comedy

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Streaming now on Relay.