We were lucky to catch up with Jay Anthony White recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jay Anthony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In a world of uncertainties, I took a leap of faith, rallying two of my friends to embark on a cinematic journey. Faced with the daunting challenge of securing investors, I decided to bet on my vision and self-fund my movie. The journey was riddled with doubts and anxiety, but the risk became the catalyst for creativity, resilience, and unparalleled determination. The film which hasn’t been release yet turned out better than I could have ever expected. So in a way belief in myself, and the trust of my friends triumphed against my doubts, anxiety, and uncertainty.
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.
I grew up on Detroit’s Westside in a modest two-family flat on West Grand Boulevard next door to the famous Motown recording studio, Hitsville U.S.A. My grandmother, Ernestine White, was a well-known businesswoman and owner of White’s Record Shop, the biggest, most successful black-owned record shop in the city. I eventually assumed ownership of the store. I started my writing career in the winter of 2002 when I began writing my own stand-up comedy routines and spent two years opening shows for acts like Mike Bonner, Sheryl Underwood, Tony Roberts, and many others. In 2006, I wrote and produced my first full feature film, Project 313. Project 313 was featured at the Pan African Film Festival and was distributed nationally through Universal Studios Home Entertainment. In Fall 2007, I traveled to Los Angeles for the American Black Film Festival and after numerous meetings with actor/director Bill Duke – as well as producers and representation – I moved to L.A. After a short time and considerable interest in a handful of my projects, My screenplay Pawn was optioned and produced, garnering critical acclaim. Pawn starred Forest Whitaker, Ray Liotta, Michael Chiklis, Common, Sean Faris, Nikki Reed, and Stephen Lang, and was directed by David Armstrong, DP of the Saw films 1-5. In 2023 I took the helm as director, embarking on a cinematic journey to reimage my inaugural production, Project 313. Stepping into the director’s spotlight, I feel I was able to bring a new fresh perspective and creative vision to breathe new life into the story that marked the beginning of my filmmaking career. The blend of experience and artistic evolution, this project reflects my commitment to storytelling and hopefully my rise as a director. I’m most proud of never giving up despite the many obstacles I’ve faced during my journey chasing my dreams.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2007, I was still trying to find my place in this business of Hollywood and I went out pitching a project without representation. I had my script and a short film DVD in hand. Well, the concept ended up being stolen and the film made with one of the production companies I pitched to. I was devastated, spent a whole day and night of drinking and having a pity party. It felt like a part of my soul was taken. I was ready to give up and move back home to Michigan. But the next day I don’t know. I had this surge of energy and started writing ‘Pawn’ the film that eventually I’d sell and in 2011 get produced. It was released in 2013 and starred Forest Whitaker, Ray Liotta, Common, and Michael Chiklis. Funny thing is of all the scripts I’ve written, I would’ve ‘Pawn’ would’ve been the last one I thought would be produced.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I spent 10 years owning and running my family record store. Eventually technology would put me out of business. Luckily I saw the writing on the wall and began writing myself. I taught myself how to write screenplays during the slow times at the music store which were a plenty. I’d read scripts to some of my favorite films while at the same time watching the movie. This was the best teacher for me. After several bad scripts which had I felt had great concepts, I eventually I improved. The secret to writing is writing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jawjab.productions/team/#portfolio/6c5fc68f-d673-4245-8a18-e9a9869a0ec6
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayanthonywrites/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.a.white.14
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxjsuRCu1HY
Image Credits
Photos taken by Thomas Polowski