We recently connected with Jeremiah Simmons and have shared our conversation below.
Jeremiah , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
The legacy I hope to leave behind is harmony. To be recognized as a leader who helps people along the way as essence of the soul is driven towards peace. Challenging self creativity and understanding to understand people and their values. Everyone is human and it’s my soul purpose to show it through different mediums. Showing vulnerability through the hardship society as it is now.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started writing stories since I was 14. I showed my first story I wrote to my pops. He told me I need to keep at it I never knew I wanted to be a filmmaker/actor until after high school. I wanted to go to film school but I couldn’t really afford to go. I told my mother I felt as if I can teach myself in camera work. From the greatest minds in film, they taught me that if you really want to be a filmmaker, go out and direct something even if it’s with your phone. My first ever project was on my phone and after I slept on I had an idea for one of my friends who play basketball. That’s when I bought my first dslr (canon t5i). I asked him can I do his basketball highlights but a more “cinematic” feel to it. Then after that I talked to one of the friends who make music and asked can I make a music video for him. Gradually got more experience and build up to my first short film called “One bad Day”. I submitted it to the American Black Film Festival but ultimately wasn’t chosen in the finals. I was upset but I didn’t let it get to me and took it as a learning experience. I’ve created skits with my friend group which I’m thankful for them. I had another idea for a short film titled, Mirror. I thought about giving up after my film didn’t make the festival but the ideas and stories I wanted to created never left my mind. That’s when I knew that filmmaking was for me whether it was big or small. I was always described as a creative person so I always try to do something different every project. I’m continually learning and doing 1 percent more everyday to the point I can’t go past a day without doing so. Right now, in 2023 , I’m still working and learning while filming and photography on the side. I even thought of a clothing brand for the future. I wanna work hard until I can be the best filmmaker and entertainer I can be. It’s only up from here.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I’m an aspiring filmmaker(director), actor, and photographer. Everyone locally around me knows what I do. I’m really proud on how far I come and it wouldn’t be without my friends & family who came through to support me and help me with my films. I really love doing what I do. It’s a great way for me to express my feelings or thoughts through media that sets me apart even if I didn’t get paid for this I would still do it because it’s my passion. I want to continue to learn everything from every corner about the filmmaker and entertainment. I don’t want sit in the comfort zone. Trying new things and creating stories is mental battle but worth fighting for.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I was a quiet kid. Usually kept to myself throughout my school years. That’s probably where I stay in my head and imagine certain situations that’s where I got a little of my story telling from. During high school, I usually wrote poems when I got home and watch breakdowns on my favorite films and sometimes embarrassingly acted out scenes frame by frame. I really didn’t party like that. I was pretty much a introvert when I growing up. So eventually I had to grow out of my shell. I had unlearn comfort in my circle and start to put myself in uncomfortable situations and I had vast amounts of different opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://jdsfilms.org/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamjeremiahs?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Iamjeremiahs1
- Other: https://instagram.com/jdsfilms_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Image Credits
Gavin Fields DaVonte Cheers