Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ronald James. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Ronald thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My creative journey has spanned a few different spaces: filmmaking, design, writing, and stand-up. While they may seem pretty different on the surface, they all share one thing–each demands a level of honesty to create something truly good and to be well-received. Audiences today are sharp; they can sense when they’re being manipulated. Sure, people can tolerate a bit of it, but they don’t want to feel devalued. Their intellect and emotions are important in all of this. My goal is to get as close to the truth as possible–almost like reaching for the sun without burning up. That’s what it feels like sometimes, digging for those good ideas, almost like performing soul surgery. That’s the mission. Honesty.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Ronald James from Baltimore, MD. I’m 5’10”, Weight (Redacted), Age (Redacted). I’m a fan of long walks and scoops of peanut butter at night. Expressing myself is kind of my thing–maybe a little too much at times. That takes on many forms in my life. For 15 years, I ran a clothing line called Status Apparatus, and I’ve helped numerous brands and companies with design projects, something I’m really proud of.
Writing and stand-up comedy have been a part of my life for the past decade. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform in places like Japan, London, and California (which, yeah, I know, isn’t another country but it sure feels like one). I also co-host a podcast called Movie Schmovie with two friends, which has been going strong for 10 years.
Filmmaking is a newer love of mine. My first short film, Do You Trust Me?, which I wrote and directed, has been accepted into over 30 festivals worldwide.
I refuse to be put in a box–until, well, you know, I’m actually put in a box. Creativity doesn’t belong to one discipline, and every skill I pick up is just another way to express myself. I’m proud of everything I do because, honestly, pulling anything off feels like a small miracle. It’s special, like an ultralight beam sent straight from the cosmos. I do it for the love of expression and for all the teachers and doubters, like the ones in every rapper’s first album, who told me I’d never make it. I’ve had about 10 of those in my life.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that your specificity matters. Product marketing often tries to convince you that you’re basic, boring, and that you need “PRODUCT A” to improve your life. But in my experience, life is a lot like The Wizard of Oz. You go on this long journey in search of something you believe you’re missing, only to reach that place you thought was unattainable and realize that everything you were seeking was with you all along. My art does that for me. It’s a reassurance that I’m enough, and I believe that sense of authenticity trickles down to the people who engage with my work. They can feel the love baked into it.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about being fully myself and having people connect with that in my art. I don’t need constant reassurance to know that I’m dope–I’ve always known. My mom used to tell me I was smart, handsome, interesting, loving, sweet, and kind, and I believed her. That sense of self has carried me through creative spaces, especially when I’ve stumbled or fallen on my face while growing as an artist.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I’ve always had the goal of becoming a filmmaker, but for a long time, I couldn’t find the means or motivation to make it happen. That all changed when I discovered the Motorhouse Baltimore’s Digital Artist Portfolio Development (DAP) Program. This program provides artists of any discipline with time, space, and resources to create a digital portfolio, including mentorship and financial support. It was through this program that I finally found the opportunity and encouragement to bring my film to life.
“Do You Trust Me?” is a deeply personal project that I hold close to my heart. It’s based on an unforgettable date from my early 20s, a moment that shifted my perspective on human connections. Now, at 41, I’ve finally been able to turn that memory into a film, thanks to the support of Motorhouse and the talented cinematographer, Travis Marshall, who I was paired with through the program.
The story at the heart of this film is about two virtual strangers, Jane and Ron, and how a simple act of kindness from Jane transforms Ron’s life. The film touches on themes of trust, empathy, and the profound impact of genuine human connections. My hope is that this story resonates with others and reminds them of the importance of compassion in our world.
I’m incredibly proud of the performances by Leeland Clayton as Ron and Christie Pridgen as Jane. They brought the characters to life with such authenticity. As both writer and director, I poured my heart into this project, and I’m honored to finally share it with others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoisronjames/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@onlinemoviedepartment/
Image Credits
I’m working on getting professional pictures and will get back to those as soon as humanly possible. Thanks