Born in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of a skilled carpenter, Tatum's initial foray into the realm of filmmaking occurred during his high school years. Alongside his closest friend, he embarked on an ambitious project, remaking the iconic film Hoosiers by meticulously cutting footage from VCR to VCR, thus cultivating his understanding of the art form.
Following his high school days, Tatum pursued his collegiate aspirations, enrolling in a football program. However, his academic journey took an unexpected turn when he discovered a passion for the theatre department. He made his stage debut in a small, original play titled Heirlooms, where he played a pivotal role as the comedic relief.
The audience's enthusiastic response to his performance, marked by laughter at all the right moments, left an indelible mark on Tatum. He was subsequently hooked on the world of theatre and the thrill of live performances.
Upon graduating, Tatum made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles, a move that took place mere weeks after his academic triumph. Since then, he has remained committed to his craft, founding Cross Light Productions in 2001 to create and produce content that showcases his versatility.
Throughout his career, Tatum has appeared in a diverse range of commercials, television shows, and films, solidifying his status as a talented and accomplished artist.