We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacques Philippe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jacques , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

I believe ideas are the seeds that birth the all the creations around us. Ideas can often lead one to their purpose. I would say that is what led me on this path of visual arts, fashion, and writing novels. I always had a passion for art. Coming from the ghetto we are exposed to art daily such as graffiti, murals, and music. This was a way we can articulate ourselves. Coming from the bottom, I was always constantly thinking of ways to make it out. I wanted to pursue a career that I would be excited to wake up to and get to right to work. Ever since I first played with my parents VHS Camcorder as a kid, I knew I wanted to be involved with cameras. From filming music videos, to working on independent films, I enjoy every step of filmmaking. Even the toughest times experiencing guerrilla filmmaking, it all helped mold me as a creative. Living in Boston, I felt limited to the resources and outlets to further expand my reach so I then decided to move to Los Angeles, the Mecca of Films. I then rebranded and launched my new company called Eyez On The Prize Productions, in which we have been growing throughout the years. At ETP Productions, my goal is to continue to put out bodies of work that can inspire someone else watching. Whether its screenwriting, releasing novels, or even fashion design, I constantly come up with new ideas that hasn’t been done. That alone tells me I’m on the right path.

Jacques , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

One thing I can say that separates me from others is my will and drive. I was always a student athlete which I continue to apply those characteristics to this very day. I played Running-back in High School and in College. Though I don’t play football anymore, I continue to apply the same execution with anything I touch. If its one thing for sure, I finish everything I start. Quitting is just not me and not an option. People who have worked with me know regardless to what obstacles I may face, I will get the job done. That is what brings me more clients, knowing I am well equipped to complete a project efficiently and provide satisfaction on any task. That is a big part of why I named the company Eyez On The Prize Productions. No matter what life throws at you, you have to maintain focus on your purpose. You have to have tunnel vision for you dreams and aspiration. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonades. Unfortunately, where I’m from, most people I knew or went to school with ended up in prison or passed away. Mentally it can take a tole on you, but I found something that gave me a positive outlet. It also kept me grounded and enabled me to tell stories from an authentic standpoint. My will and purpose allowed me to go against all odds and not be just a product of my environment. That is what I am most proud about, and I hope other young black and brown children can be inspired as well.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Certain resources I wish I knew about earlier would be more online competitions, film workshops, and an introduction to this field. When I first started, I mainly worked in the nightclubs making promotional videos in Boston, Rhode Island, CT, and also New York City. I was constantly on the road. In the midst of that I began working with many mainstream artists. I began filming music videos, tours, and vlogs. It was a blessing to work with some artists I grew up listening to on the radio to now filming them. Though it was a tremendous pleasure, I wish I got exposed to filmmaking more then just the music aspect. When comparing Boston to Hollywood, there is no outlets for the youth to really get exposed to filmmaking. When I started writing and creating webseries, most people didn’t really understand what I was trying to accomplish. In their eyes, it just wasn’t as cool as being around all the top Hip-Hop artists. When I discovered the independent filmmaking industry, I realize there is a whole network out there of people like me from all around the world. I just wish there was more exposure in Massachusetts because there are many talented people but we lack resources to help educate them on the film industry. We don’t have to chose to be just a rapper, or an athlete. We can branch into other business ventures and diversify our portfolios. If I have been pre-exposed to some film industry outlets, I believe I would be much further in my career than I am now. Eventually, I would love to work with people like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Pearl Street Films, Mark Wahlberg & Closest To The Hole Productions ,who are also from Boston, and provide more outlets for the youth. To help the next generation enter the film industry and share their vision with the world. Those names have made a major contribution to telling incredible stories from Boston; however, there are many other stories which has yet to be told that correlate to the multicultural aspect of the city.

Any advice for managing a team?

“Heavy is the head that wears the crown!” Being a leader is a tough position that most are not built for. The mental and physical tole it takes on a person can be overwhelming. On the other hand, it can also be a great reward to put other people in position to win. I believe that is the greatest reward for being a leader or owner of a company. Its as if you plant a tree and gradually watch the branches grow as they continue to create new life. Expansion and growth comes with the territory of managing a team. I learned that from playing sports growing up. A good leader will reflect on the whole team. In relations to film production, it is truly a blessing when people can commit to you vision to bring it to life. So I am humbly honored to have worked with people passionate enough to help me accomplish my goals. Nonetheless, I also keep in mind, that its not just about me, it is a team effort and no one can truly succeed on their own. One hand washes the other, and it is important to help others as well. I try my best to fulfill the needs of others and not just my own. Understanding perception, and also perspective in any given situation. I discovered that the best way to manage a team is to have patience and understanding for others. At the end of the day, we are all human.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/hittheroadcity
• Instagram: @hittheroad_city / @etpfilms
• Other: Current Project In Development: “Dollar And A Dream” https://gofund.me/ba717907 Fashion Line: www.choixiz.com