Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joe Jennings Jr.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joe, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I learned how to write screenplays from a book titled, ‘Screenplay’ by Syd Field. I also read other screenplays online.
I used to practice on Microsoft Word 95 before I had a screenwriting program (Final Draft) by tabbing character names and dialogue into the right spots (laughs).
As for filmmaking, I learned from being on set as a production assistant, which I consider to be the most valuable training I’ve ever had. PA’s get to watch and learn from every department on set. Its film school, essentially.
I honestly believe my learning curve in film has been at warp speed since I’ve decided to do it. I also believe that timing is everything, and God controls what happens when it happens.
My most valuable skill as a filmmaker is learning how to be resourceful. You need the right cinematographer to make your $1000 film look like $100,000 as well as set dressers, makeup, etc. In Indie filmmaking, you learn that creativity is more important than a big budget.
Working full-time (or adulting) while being a filmmaker can take away from learning more. You have to use your time more wisely and focus as much as you can on your craft in your free time.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
If you like hard-hitting, thought-provoking dramas or situational comedies, then we are the brand of filmmaking for you.
Hello!
My name is Joe Jennings Jr. and I am an indie filmmaker from Atlanta, Georgia. Our Production Company is called Blinded By Ambition Entertainment. We have been Officially Selected by over eighty Film Festivals around the world and have won 25 Awards for our work. We are looking to make our first feature film in 2023.
We have more projects coming up, as well as premieres for our current work, and we would like for you to watch our work on our youtube channel (Blinded By Ambition Ent.) and follow us on Instagram at @bba_ent and @joejenningsjr.
Thank you so much for reading!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
‘Lead The Field’ by Earl Nightingale is an audiobook that I listen to everyday. It changed my mindset and helped me make sense of thinking independently. It’s I also find relevance in the book, ‘Outwitting The Devil’ by Napoleon Hill. The two of these books keep me focused as an independent business owner and encouraged me during those tough times of stagnation.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is for people to have seen your work and have been impacted by it.
A young man approached me once after a screening of my film, ‘A Leg Up’ and shared with me how it made him evaluate his priorities and concerns as an African-American male in America.
That was entirely the point.
We want to inspire people to do great things and to leave our films with more vision and courage to apply to their lives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @joejenningsjr @bba_ent
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068489642411
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-jennings-jr-a653536/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVRVeisy9pkiQRGAuweQu3g
- Other: Filmfreeway – https://filmfreeway.com/JoeJenningsJr
Image Credits
@blakematic