We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maurice Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maurice below.

Alright, Maurice thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

My Journey into Filmmaking

As a self-taught filmmaker, storytelling has always lived in me—but for years, it had to wait. My demanding career with the Los Angeles Airport Police Department left little room to pursue my creative aspirations. Still, I never let go of the dream. And when I retired in 2022, I made a promise to myself: I would finally chase what I’ve always loved—making movies.

That same year, I crossed paths with Dwayne Smith, a seasoned writer and filmmaker with deep roots in the industry. He didn’t just become a mentor—he became a catalyst. He invited me to visit the set of his feature film, and that experience ignited the spark I’d been waiting for. Dwayne handed me a blueprint—a roadmap for bringing my first film to life—and I wasted no time putting it into motion.

With passion, purpose, and a script I wrote called Bad Ass Sista, I joined forces with my close friends JoJo White, my brother Shawn Jones, and our colleague Tim Ross. We pooled our resources and brought the vision to life—our first independent action feature, now streaming on Tubi.

My mentor was impressed that I had not only followed through, but delivered. Our collaboration grew stronger, and soon after, we co-produced a second film, You Picked The Wrong One, which also found a home on Tubi. The momentum didn’t stop there.

Together with JoJo, Shawn, and Tony, we rolled into our third feature: AI-ME: Fatal Deception, a sci-fi thriller that pushes the envelope and is set to release soon—also on Tubi.

Each film brought its own set of challenges—tight schedules, budget constraints, logistical puzzles—but we met them head-on. I wore many hats: screenwriter, director, producer, casting director, and marketer. From pre-production all the way to distribution, every step was a masterclass in indie filmmaking. And while the road wasn’t easy, the reward of seeing our work stream to audiences is indescribable.

With every project, I’ve grown. The process has taught me patience, resilience, and the value of collaboration. Most of all, it’s reaffirmed my passion for storytelling. I’m currently gearing up for the next film, with no plans of slowing down.

Filmmaking is more than a creative outlet—it’s my purpose. And I thank God every day for giving me the vision, the team, and the open doors to walk through.

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

MoJo Film Productions was born from grit, discipline, and a passion for storytelling.

Before I stepped behind the camera, I wore a uniform—first as a U.S. military soldier, then as a law enforcement officer in one of the toughest cities in the world: Los Angeles. But long before that, I was already chasing a different kind of mission—working as a Production Assistant and 2nd Assistant Director on music video sets in L.A., soaking in every frame and every moment.

Back then, film opportunities were scarce, and stability called. So I put my creative dreams on hold and made a career out of service and protection. But the passion never left.

When I retired from the force, I didn’t slow down—I shifted gears. I launched MoJo Film Productions with a clear mission: to produce bold, entertaining feature films that resonate with everyday people. We’re not just filmmakers—we’re storytellers with a purpose, committed to delivering powerful, independent cinema that leaves a mark.

Our team is built on discipline, drive, and an unwavering love for the craft. We hustle hard, think big, and pour everything we’ve got into every frame we shoot.

This is just the beginning. At MoJo Film Productions, we’re not waiting for Hollywood to call—we’re creating our own lane, one feature film at a time.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Turning Passion into Production: How We Got Our First Feature Made

It all started with a vision—and a GoFundMe campaign.

We launched a grassroots fundraiser to fuel our first feature film. While we didn’t raise the full amount, the response lit a fire under us. Determined to make it happen, the four of us—driven by passion and belief in the project—dug deep and contributed the rest of the budget ourselves.

Once the funds were in place, the real hustle began.

I hit the ground running, scouting for cast and crew who not only fit the story—but could work within our indie budget. Every dollar was accounted for. When I reached out to talent, I was transparent: “Here’s what we can offer—and here’s the vision.” Some passed, but others believed in the dream and signed on.

We kept grinding until every role was filled, every key position locked in. Then came the locations—each one carefully chosen, negotiated, and secured.

When production finally kicked off, it was magic in motion. Against all odds, we completed our first feature film—powered by grit, resourcefulness, and pure determination.

And that was just the beginning.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Chaos on the Tarmac: A Lesson in Indie Film Survival

During our first film production, we landed what felt like a dream location—a friend offered us access to an airplane hangar for free. No charge, no red tape. Naturally, we jumped at the opportunity.

But I don’t think our friend realized just how big our cast and crew actually were. When he saw us roll up with cameras, lights, actors, and gear—his eyes said it all: “What have I done?”

Still, we pressed on. We spent the day grinding through scenes, moving fast and making magic. Everything was smooth—until it wasn’t.

With just two major scenes left to shoot, our actors drew their prop guns for a pivotal moment. That’s when it all went sideways. Someone from another hangar spotted the scene from across the lot, panicked, and called the facility manager.

Minutes later, security rolled up.

They demanded to know who gave us permission to film on private airport property. We gave them our friend’s name—which checked out—but unfortunately, he hadn’t informed anyone higher up. Within minutes, we were shut down and kicked off the premises.

We lost nearly six crucial hours of production—and with only a 10-day shooting window, that hit hard. But instead of folding under pressure, we stayed calm, regrouped, and hustled to find another location that matched the airport setting. Against the odds, we got those final two scenes in the can.

The moral of the story? In indie filmmaking, chaos is guaranteed. What defines your success is how you respond to it. Think fast. Stay flexible. Keep your cool. And always, always keep the camera rolling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mojofilmproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mojofilmproductions/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D