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

Jonathon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Around 2018, I took a risk and left a stable full-time job and profession to pursue a career in film and acting. It was a difficult decision and for years I wondered if I made the right decision to move to LA in late 2018. During the struggling years in Los Angeles, I wanted to quit multiple times and I wondered if I made the right decision to pursue this craft.

Thankfully the risk paid off in 2024. Recently, I did a film screening and charity event for my first feature film, Broken City (2023), in my hometown of Barstow, California. It’s a small town with about 20,000 residents. I am one of the few filmmakers from Barstow to create a feature film. The knowledge of how to create a business plan, make a film, and distribute a film isn’t readily available.

When I brought my film to the city and premiered it, I talked to multiple young people who said my film inspired them to create their own films and content. They thought making a film was impossible if they grew up in a town like Barstow. My film helped open their minds to what is possible if they truly believe in themselves.

I fully realized the impact of the film when I was recognized by San Bernardino County for my charity and filmmaking efforts.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I like to create art and stories that deal with modern issues and the moral concerns around those issues. My last film, Broken City (2023), dealt with the complexity of what happens to the lives of people when jobs are cut by artificial intelligence. Will they start stealing and robbing the wealthy? Is stealing always wrong? I feel that for my brand and films, it’s not about giving right or wrong answers, but about bringing up challenging questions for the audience to think about.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There is so much noise in Hollywood about how to make a movie, and much of it isn’t helpful. I didn’t start making traction in the industry until I got the correct mentorship from producers who actually made films and knew how to distribute them. Once I understood the process, I was able to map out what I needed to do and who I needed to work with.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is someone telling you that your art was worth their time and it helped them see the world differently.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibucinema