We were lucky to catch up with Timashion Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Timashion, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
As an independent filmmaker, I’ve always had a passion for creating beautiful, heartfelt movies. Some of these films have even generated multiple Emmy Awards, but even with that recognition, making money from these award-winning films remains a constant challenge. I began producing films around 2013-2014, right as DVDs were phasing out and Blu-rays were coming in, and then streaming completely changed the landscape. The way people consume media has evolved, with mobile devices now being the primary way viewers watch content. Streaming has opened up great opportunities, but the biggest hurdle to profitability in our industry remains marketing.
As I often say, ‘Before anyone knows that Timashion is a great filmmaker, they must first know who Timashion is.’ Meaning that awareness of the person or content precedes falling in love with the person or content. You can make the greatest movie ever, but if no one knows about it, it will never reach its potential. I was once at a screening where the production company shared that they spent $4 million making a film but a staggering $20 million marketing it. They fully understood that awareness is key to a movie’s success. As an independent filmmaker, we simply don’t have those kinds of resources. Our budgets are smaller, and our marketing budgets can’t possibly match what’s spent on big studio films.
With that being said, we often find creative ways to get the word out. We leverage social media groups, engage with film reviewers, and seek out podcast interviews to share our story. Our email lists may be smaller, but our supporters are incredibly loyal and passionate. Still, getting enough people to hear about our films is the biggest obstacle to profitability. The marketing challenge in independent film is real, and it’s the one that keeps us on our toes.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I gained my very first experience in filmmaking in 1997 as a senior in high school at Communications and Media Arts here in Detroit. I acted in a short film centered on mental health, which sparked my interest in the industry. Filmmaking began as a hobby for me in 2002. I taught myself how to shoot and edit by creating spoof videos, and eventually, I transitioned into weddings and event videography. However, in 2010, I decided to pursue filmmaking more seriously. I teamed up with a couple of friends, and together, we pooled our resources and talents to write and produce our first feature film, A Love That Hurts. The film has since accumulated over 4 million views on YouTube.
Our second project was the Emmy Award-winning documentary Cody High: A Life Remodeled Project, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of storytelling in a more impactful way. Since then, I’ve produced and/or directed over 15 narrative films, documentaries, and short films.
In addition to filmmaking, I own a production company called TBOP Studios, which stands for The Body of Praise. Through this company, I provide video services and partner with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations to create meaningful content that elevates their brands. Whether it’s a narrative film or a corporate video, my goal is to craft visuals that make a difference and resonate with the audience.
What sets me apart from others is my unique blend of filmmaking and engineering. After high school, I majored in Manufacturing Engineering in college. While making movies on vacation and weekends, I worked in the automotive industry, and the principles I learned there, especially around creating a LEAN production environment, I applied to filmmaking. By utilizing my engineering background, I’m able to streamline video production and create beautiful content with minimal cost, which is critical in the independent film world.
Additionally, I’ve made it a point to learn just about every aspect of filmmaking, which allows me to be self-sufficient and communicate more effectively with different departments on set. This hands-on knowledge ensures that I can collaborate smoothly with everyone involved in a project, from lighting and sound to editing and other post-production processes.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my partnership with a wonderful nonprofit here in Detroit called The Yunion. Through this collaboration, I directed and/or produced four feature-length films for teens, focusing on important topics like sexual risk avoidance, suicide prevention, bullying, and helping youth transition from a street life mentality to productive citizenship through mentorship. When my films are used as part of a curriculum to help young people navigate life and make better choices, that’s when I feel like my work truly matters. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my films have a lasting impact, especially in helping shape the lives of young people in meaningful ways.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand is rooted in purpose and passion. Every project I take on is more than just a film or a video—it’s about creating content that makes a difference. Whether it’s a feature film, a documentary, or a corporate video, I’m committed to producing work that connects with audiences on a deeper level and sparks positive change. My goal is to keep telling stories that matter. You can read more about my journey on my website timashion.com
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I graduated from college, I started my career in the automotive industry. My 9 to 5 job paid me very well, and I enjoyed it, but the real fulfillment came from what I was doing during my 5 to 9—working on passion projects related to filmmaking. I always found myself thinking about films during my workday and looking forward to vacations, where I could focus fully on making movies and videos. While I had the desire to leave my job and pursue filmmaking full-time, I didn’t know how I could make enough money to support my family through film.
The turning point came during the pandemic when one of my good filmmaking friends called me. He told me about a movie he had made that earned over $100,000 in one quarter, and then in the second quarter, he made another six figures. I was floored. He had just made more money in six months than I earned in two years! That conversation was the catalyst that finally pushed me to fully commit to filmmaking. I shared my desire to leave my job with my wife, family, and friends, and they were incredibly supportive.
Making the leap into full-time filmmaking was terrifying, but also one of the most gratifying decisions I’ve ever made. The first couple of months were rough, and I questioned whether I made the right choice. But then I received the call of a lifetime from Joan Belgrave, who wanted me to work on a documentary about her late husband, the legendary jazz musician Marcus Belgrave. The opportunity was incredible. I traveled across the country, interviewing Motown musicians and jazz icons like Wynton Marsalis, Ray Parker Jr., Terrance Blanchard, and Chris Botti. Not only was I able to tell a meaningful story about a true mentor in the music world, but the project also allowed me to financially support my family during the two years it took to make.
After wrapping up principal photography for the documentary, I was able to shift gears and write, direct, and produce A Mirror of Deception. It is a psychological thriller that explores themes of identity and deception. I consider it my best work to date. You can watch the full film at amirrorofdeception.com The team we assembled was phenomenal, and I couldn’t have asked for a better cast and crew. I recently signed with a distribution company and am eagerly awaiting those quarterly checks. Even if I don’t reach the level of success my friend did, I can sleep at night knowing I gave it my all and still get to do what I love.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative comes down to freedom. I was listening to a podcast where my friend Jessica Caremore was featured, and they asked her, “What’s the most powerful word in the English language?” She said it was “Freedom.” That really resonated with me on a deep level.
Even though I enjoyed my work in engineering, I always felt that if I had the freedom to do something different, it would be to make films and travel the world. Now, as a filmmaker, I have that freedom. I get to wake up in the morning without an alarm clock, and the freedom to do what I love is invaluable. I can create my own schedule and decide which projects I want to work on. Having the ability to create when and what I want is the most rewarding aspect of my journey as a creator.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://timashion.com
- Instagram: @timashiontv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timashion
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timashion-jones
- Twitter: @timashiontv
- Other: https://linktr.ee/tbopmedia?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6ae9199b-bc38-4d7a-88a4-e003960730d8
Image Credits
Marco Antonio Henry
Katrina Cross Photography
Brad Torreano