DIRECTOR STATEMENT
WHERE DID THIS STORY COME FROM?
In the picture above, we see Jeff, a present-day, semi-successful director who has garnered post-award acclaim. Contrastingly, the second picture to the right depicts a hungry individual who has just purchased a camera, traversing from club to club, crashing on couches akin to Jeff's beginnings. It's a familiar narrative—we've all embarked on such humble journeys; after all, everyone has to start somewhere.
I recall undertaking odd jobs with my camera in tow, striving to reach the echelon of industry greats like Cam Kirk, Chimodu, TMBTC, and Zach Wolfe, among others. From capturing weddings to shooting nail salon commercials and even orchestrating lingerie birthday photoshoots, the hustle was real. Yet, amidst this diverse repertoire, one aspiration remained constant: to become a lifestyle photographer for artists, a dream shared by many creatives.
However, the path to achieving this dream was riddled with obstacles, primarily the quest for the perfect 'shot' or opportunity. We resorted to unconventional tactics, from sneaking into concerts to crashing events uninvited and enduring seemingly fruitless networking endeavors—all in pursuit of that elusive moment. A pivotal moment in my journey came when I seized the opportunity to photograph Blac Youngsta's 'I'm Innocent' album during a stint as a free intern on the video shoot. This experience served as a reminder that opportunities often arise when least expected.
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Reflecting on my early film portfolio, it's evident that relatability was paramount. My work resonated with a broad demographic, particularly the vibrant community of creatives in Atlanta, a demographic I myself am a part of. This upcoming film will delve into the raw, unfiltered reality of striving for success in the creative industry. We'll explore the trials and tribulations, the euphoric highs and crushing lows that accompany the journey of a young creative endeavoring to carve out a name for themselves behind the lens—a journey mirrored by my own, by Cam Kirks' and by countless others seeking to leave their mark on the industry.
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Pursuing a passion for film and music, Jeffery began working with LVRN/Interscope in 2016, collaborating with artist Spacejam Bo. This experience propelled him into greater successes, including earning his first three RIAA-certified plaques in 2021 for contributions to Vedo's "You Got It" and BRS Kash's "Throat Baby," both achieving platinum status.
Transitioning to narrative filmmaking, Jeffery released his debut film Mindfcked* in 2022, followed by Momma in 2023. Both films have enjoyed success on the festival circuit and have secured licensing deals through Revolt TV. Jeffery continues to dream bigger and push the boundaries of his creative pursuits in the film industry.
Jeffery “J-Squared” Jackson is a dynamic filmmaker and entrepreneur from the east side of Atlanta, Georgia. At 28, he is the founder and owner of J-Squared Productions, a company specializing in high-quality productions, photoshoots, music videos, and films.
Jeffery's educational journey was diverse and enriching, attending four institutions: Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia, Pai Chai University in Daejeon, South Korea (where he studied abroad), Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, and Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated with an Associate of Arts from Andrew College and a Bachelor of Arts from Georgia State University, also earning a certificate for his Korean studies abroad. While in college, he was initiated into the ETA Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 2016.
JEFFERY 'J-SQUARED' JACKSON
THE DIRECTOR
"Exploring the relationship between a growing Lemarcus and his mother Denise , as she has molded him to become a man through life experiences in an African American household."
"Momma" is our second narrative project that debuted in May 2023. This film was solely inspired by our upbringing in the African American community by strong black women. The crew on this film was strictly Atlanta based and all independent contractors, non-union. Our casts contained many first time actors/actresses but were prepped with extensive table reads and great directing. Our goal for this film is to hit many festivals and plan for possible distribution opportunities. Make sure you check out "Momma" on our Youtube channel and leave a comment with your thoughts!
"A charismatic, over-confident club goer and an attractive, defensive bottle girl have a compelling internal dialogue the morning after a one night stand."