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

Jhalen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Nearly five years ago, I made the life-changing decision to move from the small town of Palm Coast, FL, to the heart of the industry—Atlanta, GA. At that time, I had reached a breaking point. I was frustrated, tired of teaching myself, and struggling to piece together the puzzle of my dreams. I knew I was meant to be in this industry, but I couldn’t quite find my way.

For years, I had wanted to move to Atlanta, but I never set a date—until I felt a push, a calling that I truly believe came from God. So, I took the leap. I packed up and moved with just enough money to cover my bills for three months, no secured job, and only the support of a family member who gave me a place to stay. It was a risk, but I bet on myself.

Fast forward to today—January 2025. In just the first month of the year, I’ve already had two projects go into production, with a slate of 12+ original projects lined up for the rest of the year. And now, I’m gearing up to purchase my first studio—spanning over 25 acres.

Looking back, I can confidently say this was the second-best risk I’ve ever taken. The first? Well, that’s a story for another time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I don’t usually like reading off my resume, but in this case, it feels necessary. I’m an actor, producer, director, writer, and entrepreneur. Yes, I know—that’s a lot of hats. But trust me, none of this would be possible without an incredible team, who help carry the vision forward.

Nearly a decade ago, I founded this company to create the opportunities I felt I never had—not just for myself, but for those in my community. That company, now known as Genius Studios (formerly XD Studios), was built as a creative sanctuary—a platform where artists could thrive.

In the beginning, my goals were simple: become a movie star, establish myself as a respected director, and own a modest 20,000 sq. ft. studio. That was it. But then, my experiences grew. My exposure expanded. And with that, so did my vision.

What started as a dream has evolved into a mission—one that goes beyond just making films. Now, the goal is to build an empire that sparks meaningful change, redefines the creative landscape, and empowers the next generation of storytellers. That vision now includes developing a world-class motion picture studio—spanning over 2,000+ acres, complete with dozens of soundstages and a fully equipped backlot.

Through Genius Studios, we’ve already begun making an impact, with projects like the upcoming series The Unheard, starring Adelia Johnson and Raquel Herring, the feature film The Audition, directed by Marcus Reyes (Mad Titan Productions), and How I Survived, a project I had the honor of writing and directing myself.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There have been many moments where I’ve had to pivot, but one that stands out is my very first project. Originally, I had planned to create a holiday film starring Tabitha Brown, Taye Diggs, Ann Nesby, Chloe Bailey, and a few others. I was set to write and direct it, and I had put all the pieces together to make it happen. But as with many ambitious plans, reality stepped in—financial limitations and other challenges made it clear that it wasn’t the right time.

That was a defining moment for me. Instead of getting stuck on what wasn’t possible, I shifted my focus to what was. I learned to build with what I had rather than what I wished for. Too often, we hinder our own progress by fixating on things that aren’t meant for right now. That doesn’t mean abandoning the vision—it means understanding timing. The truth is, if it were truly time, everything you needed to make it happen would already be in place.

Pivoting isn’t giving up—it’s positioning yourself for when the moment is right.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Hence, knowing my purpose in life has always been a blessing. Being a creative comes with incredible joys and freedoms—the ability to dream without limits and the permission to bring those visions to life. I never once questioned whether this was what I was meant to do, and that certainty continues to push me toward greater heights. Simply put, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the freedom to imagine, build, and inspire without boundaries.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jhalendaniels
• Facebook: @jhalendaniels