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

Hi Jamal, thanks for joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?

As an individual that works in a creative field I often struggle with the balance of art versus logic. Before I became a filmmaker, I worked in a very different line of work. My background is in criminal justice and I pursued a career in law enforcement. I worked as a public safety officer for a few years, that work experience, combined with the years of school and training led me to embrace a more regimented lifestyle. Everything worked off of logic or very well outlined laws. It may be one of the most opposite career paths compared to filmmaking. However, it’s that specific background and experience that has actually helped me in my current career.

Knowing how to be disciplined, having a plan, pushing myself when nobody else will. These are all traits that have helped me stay focused and follow through on my goals. There are many times when my background helps me make sense of the chaos of being a producer. Although, I still have moments where I have to embrace the chaos, rather than make sense of it.

Jamal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a full-time producer and filmmaker and have been operating Black Sparrow Media for the past 5 years now. In filmmaking, my background began with editing. I didn’t have a camera or people to put in front of the camera even if I had one. So I learned how to edit footage, I studied films and especially music videos for the editing. Now I work as a Producer mostly but always leave room for me to step in as an editor when available.

I’ve worked on projects ranging from commercials to short films, music videos, and even feature length films. The journey from Editor to Producer has been pretty wild but I’m proud of all of it and I’ve found a good fit as a Producer. In 2022, I helped produce a short film titled “Welcome To Hollywood” that I’m extremely proud of. That was a great collaboration with So Good Productions. The team over there, Zach, Cam and Ethan have a really bright future ahead of them.

That project may be the best example of where I’m hoping for my career to take me. I’m driven to working on feature length films in any capacity. Hopefully in a position where I can utilize my experience as a Producer or Editor!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

This is an interesting question because I believe the answer is always changing, and that’s okay! Occasionally I get thrown off by how uncertain this line of work can be. One day you’ll be worried about affording gas money and the next day you could be ready to pay off every debt you’ve ever had (hasn’t happened to me yet but still hoping!). But it’s that kind of lifestyle that can make others ask “why do you do this” and honestly the answer for me is because it makes people happy. That’s all I’ve wanted to do is help people and make their lives better (other than when I was 5 and wanted to be an explorer like Indiana Jones).

All the bad days, the close calls, the times I fail, are all worth it when I get to see people enjoying themselves in a theater watching a project I was involved with. That’s my reason though, it may be different for others! The journey of a creative is about sharing art with others. No matter what your art is, share it with others! I don’t know if art can exist within a vacuum. That’s one of those high brow philosophical questions that I have no business answering, but I feel that art must be shared with others.

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

My goal is to eventually work our way up to making films that play around the world. Everything is a stepping stone towards that goal. I’m hoping to make some really big progress towards that this year! I also want to be involved with productions and studios who are genuine good people so that’s always in the back of my head as a goal to maintain. It’s so easy to fall into the wrong crowd! Making films and keeping the crews safe, accepting, and kind is my goal!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blacksparrowmedia.org
• Instagram: @blacksparrowmedia

Image Credits
Maddie Steele