We recently connected with Lekeith Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lekeith thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
So many people have shown me kindness over the years, but one memory that stands out is when Justin Hillian, the showrunner of The Chi on Showtime, took time to meet with me right after I moved to LA. At the time, I was a black writer navigating the grind of a terrible job, feeling disconnected from the dream I had moved here to chase. His gesture was profoundly meaningful—it came at a moment when I needed hope and inspiration the most.
With only five percent of TV showrunners in Hollywood being Black, that statistic can feel daunting. Growing up, I wasn’t exposed to examples of people who looked like me holding positions of power like Justin Hillian’s as a showrunner. Hearing his insights and receiving his encouragement and gems, not only inspired me but also affirmed that I could achieve the same heights in my own journey. That conversation lit a fire under me to complete the post production for my second film, and though it was a struggle, its success made it all worth it. I don’t know if he realizes it, but that conversation meant the world to me during a pivotal moment in my life.
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 always take pride in different aspects of my work, but what I’m particularly proud of right now is getting my first writing job on a web series from a big comedian/filmmaker. I believe people are going to be blown away by the project. Additionally, an episode I wrote and directed for the web series Moments, titled ‘Why You’re Single,’ has been acquired by AspireTV and will be featured on their network. The start of 2025 has been nothing short of wild and thrilling for me.
‘SCAMMERS’ is my next film, a passion project I’ve nurtured for the past few years. It’s a daring and innovative con artist story that shines a light on capitalism, systemic inequality, and the myths surrounding the American Dream. I believe the story is incredibly relevant to what’s unfolding in society right now, and it’s going to challenge viewers to reconsider the systems that govern our lives. If we can get this right, it’ll not only be exciting—it’ll be one of the most innovative and exhilarating projects of the year.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
It took three attempts for me to successfully complete my first film project. At Clark Atlanta, I tried a sketch comedy series and an HBCU dramedy, but both didn’t work out—my crew wasn’t as invested as I was, and I couldn’t shoulder it by myself. So, I went back to reassess what had gone wrong. None of those projects had any money behind them, and I realized all I really needed was a great DP. With my last semester fast approaching, I knew I had to finish a film before graduation. To make that happen, I spent my weekends and nights doing security work and working as an extra on TV shows and films to fund a DP.
I was lucky enough to have a loyal friend group who agreed to help as my crew, and my professors, Dr. Yates and Dr. E (who had taught legends like Spike Lee and Kenya Barris), stepped in to provide the spaces and permits we needed for shooting on campus. Completing that film wasn’t easy, but it marked the beginning of my filmmaking journey. With SCAMMERS, my third film, I feel the weight of past challenges. After three attempts to bring my first project to life, I believe this one will break down barriers and shift the landscape for us.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Clout and awards aren’t my end goal—what truly matters to me is forging a connection with my audience on a soul-deep level, allowing the themes in my work to resonate in ways that are personal and transformative. In the grand scheme of life, our existence on this planet is marked by solitude. We endure so much—death, heartbreak, financial struggles, and loss. For many of us, it also means facing racial and gender disparities that perpetuate deep wounds. Yet, as a writer and filmmaker, I have the opportunity to create art that gives someone a reflection of their own struggles, a story that validates their experience, or even a character who mirrors what they’re going through. That’s where the true power lies—not in the accolades, but in the ability to offer someone solace, perspective, or a sense of belonging through storytelling.
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