We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful James Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with James below.
James, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The year 2021 after completing my first feature film.
I got into filmmaking because I saw the impact that visual art can make. Whoever controls the media controls the mind. Malcolm X said “The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent.” As a filmmaker, I compare myself to a musician who makes music but with visual content. Real music heals the soul as it also plays as the soundtrack to life. I was also inspired by filmmaking by watching Spike Lee joints, Ernest Dickerson, John Singleton, Julie Dash, Marvin Vann Peeples, and many more!
My goal in the next 2-3 years would be to run a full-production studio in the North Eastern region of North Carolina. A production studio in the community that is producing multiple films, TV shows, documentaries, etc.
A studio that will stand as a landmark for all who have a dream that it can happen! Another goal of mine is to be one of the greatest well-respected writers, directors, and filmmakers. I would like to use the gifts I have to create a successful career that would benefit my family and those whom I bless throughout the way.
The genre of films that I gravitate towards is drama biopics based on true story or events. Films and TV shows that has a message that can be applied to one’s life. A content that truly inspires, motivates, empowers, liberates and educates humanity.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
James Jones Jr. is a creative force who has established himself as a director, writer, and filmmaker. Through his production company, Bearhug Productions, based in Greenville, North Carolina, he has broken ground by becoming the first individual to produce a full-length feature film in Northeastern North Carolina. Jones’s cinematic journey began in 2007 with video editing, which ignited his passion for visual storytelling. In 2014, he collaborated with an organization to capture and edit videos, leading to his work being showcased before 20,000 attendees at the Philips Arena for the Neighborhood Awards hosted by Steve Harvey. His talents were further recognized in 2015 when he was commissioned to create a lifetime achievement video for the legendary Cissy Houston and her family, which was presented at the Gospel Image Awards. Inspired to elevate his craft, Jones ventured into cinematography in 2017, initially utilizing his personal Samsung phone to record videos and music videos. Driven by the belief that mastering techniques with limited equipment would enhance his abilities, he remained determined to acquire professional-grade gear. Jones’s creative vision culminated in 2018 when he envisioned and executed a music video addressing the often-overlooked aspects of American history, particularly relevant to his home state of North Carolina. The impact of this project propelled him to transform the music video into a feature film, “Freedom of North Carolina.” Faced with the challenge of finding cinematographers in his community, Jones expanded his search only to encounter a lack of artistic alignment. Determined to bring his vision to life, he embraced the realization that he would both write and shoot the film himself. “Freedom of North Carolina” premiered in select theaters in October 2021 and subsequently gained the attention of Entertainment Studios, founded by Byron Allen in Los Angeles. The film was then distributed worldwide and made available on various platforms, including DirectTV, SlingTV, YouTube TV, Google Play, Tubi, Vudu, Apple TV Hoopla, and cable TV and hotels. It also reached international audiences through Walmart, Best Buy, and Barnes and Nobles for DVD purchases and is currently streaming on TUBI. Jones’s dedication and perseverance were rewarded as “Freedom of North Carolina” garnered recognition at three film festivals: the Iconic Images Film Festival 2022, the Serbest International Film Festival 2022, and the International Gullah Film Festival, where it was awarded Best Featured Film. The film also had the honor of being screened twice in theaters internationally and remains an impactful piece that continues to reach audiences through its availability on streaming platforms.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My debut film, “Freedom of NC,” began filming in 2019. However, halfway through production in 2020, the pandemic caused a nationwide lockdown, halting filming for six months. Unfortunately, our original location, a state-run historic park, remained closed, forcing us to find a new filming location. This meant reshooting the entire film, significantly delaying its completion. Despite the challenges and setbacks, I believe the decision to persevere was the right one, as the original location did not reopen until the following year. Had we waited or given up, the film would not exist.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal in the next 5-10 years would be to run a full-production studio in the North Eastern region of North Carolina. A production studio in the community that is producing multiple films, TV shows, documentaries, etc.
A studio that will stand as a landmark for all who have a dream that it can happen! Another goal of mine is to be one of the greatest well-respected writers, directors, and filmmakers. I would like to use the gifts I have to create a successful career that would benefit my family and those whom I bless throughout the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebhproduction.com
- Instagram: Officialjamesjones
- Facebook: Officialjamesjones
- Youtube: Bearhug Productions
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8175245/?ref_=ext_shr
Image Credits
Bay Mitchell Photography