Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jalen Christopher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jalen, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I earned my first dollar as a creative back in 2021 when I created my very first commercial. The commercial was for a mobile car wash business called Vernon Mobile Car Wash. Vernon, a member of my church, owned this business and provided me with a job working for the car wash after I graduated college. I was appreciative of the work since this was during the tough times of the pandemic. After a year of working at the wash, I felt that I was in a creative funk. I noticed that Vernon’s car wash was growing but lacked the exposure the business needed to expand even more. I decided to create a commercial for the wash both for practice and to get back into my creative groove. Although I simply wanted to help, Vernon paid me for my work on the commercial. This is one of the many catalysts that spurred me onto my current career path.

Jalen, 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?

Hey there! I’m Jalen Christopher, a 25-year-old African American filmmaker hailing from both the vibrance of Los Angeles, California and the warm embrace of Dallas, Texas. As an African American film director, I discovered my passion for storytelling through film during my college years. Film is the creative medium that truly fulfills me. I wear multiple hats; I’m not just an aspiring director but also a writer, specializing in comedy and drama. My ambition is to craft narratives that expand the creative landscape for the black community, shine a light on history, and envision potential futures- whether light or heavy. I’m driven by storytelling and directing, passionately advocating that African American narratives extend far beyond the confines of trauma. My love affair with cinema and television naturally steered me toward a path where I could craft stories that resonate deeply with others.   After earning my degree in digital film and production from Grand Canyon University, the cultivation of Witness the Dream (WTD) was underway. WTD, the brainchild of a colleague and me, is both a creative agency and a platform that unites the realms of entertainment. WTD has since been the creative force behind several acclaimed short films, music videos, brand campaigns, and commercials. Directing is my forte—it’s where my passion thrives. I take pride in my shorts, ‘In Living Color,’ ‘The New Cupid”, and my most recent ‘Nothin Better’ which is slated for a summer release. No matter which form of media I create, whether short film, narrative music videos, or brand campaigns, I love to tell stories. As a film director, my perspective on representing black culture has been shaped by a realization: the misrepresentation of African Americans stems from a lack of authentic understanding. This awareness motivates me to immerse myself in spaces where black voices are underrepresented. I have joined a chess club, explored photography, and delved into the arts, seeking to counter the prevalent misperceptions. Discovering this truth at a young age opened my eyes to the disparity between portrayal and reality. While I ventured into the realms of film, I believed my skin would be well-represented, yet I encountered solitude as the sole representative of ‘me.’ This experience revealed that there is a weight and challenges which accompany being a trailblazer, a solitary figure forging a path for genuine representation.  My unique perspective as a filmmaker stems from this journey—I intimately comprehend the loneliness that accompanies pioneering change. It fuels my commitment to ensure that the narratives I bring to life authentically reflect the diverse tapestry of not just the black experience, but any experience that can stem from a dream and has a need to be witnessed.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing the end product and hearing crew, friends, and colleagues say, “I didn’t know where you were going with this at first, but…”, “I didn’t know what you meant at first, but…”, or “Ohh, ok I get it now.” These statements reveal that my finished product allows them to see the vision I had in my head and that I was able to portray it well. It’s rewarding that my vision was fulfilled and that, when others doubted or didn’t understand my vision beforehand, it became clear once my product was created. It just goes to show, like in this journey called life, you gotta trust the process. All it takes is a little faith in order to Witness the Dream.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a visionary, my mission is to offer audiences an escape from their reality while fostering unity within the community through imaginative visuals and compelling storytelling. I aspire to craft narratives that not only widen the creative horizon for the black community but also illuminate historical truths and explore potential futures—be they promising or challenging. When we value these differing perspectives, we can spark some awesome creativity. My goal is to flourish in the industry without compromising my core values and my connection with God. Along this journey, I aim to extend a helping hand to others, mirroring the way movies have aided me in navigating challenges in the past.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://witness-the-dream-prod.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaydirects?igsh=ZTcxMWMzOWQ1OA==
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jalen-c-2b0123114
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6SNIdsjPCUD2hnLI_Lk-g

Image Credits
Justin Makalii