We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jason Duval Hunter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jason Duval below.
Hi Jason Duval , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
This is the most interesting question out of all the options because often I find myself in the situation where I am indeed the only black man in a room full of others. Through many years of experience with this scenario, I have learned to accept that if not me, then who? If there is only going to be one black man in the room and at the table, it might as well be me. I have thoroughly prepared myself to be there. It gives me solace to make it known to those in the room and at the table that I believe there should be more of ‘us,’ and how can ‘we’ in this room and at this table make that happen? In big and small ways, I am always advocating and encouraging my black brothers and sisters into the room I share my seat at the table if I have to because at the end of the day, diversity is the goal for all of us. I believe this to be true.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a New York City base Writer, Producer, Director & Actor. I have been writing and developing a script about my life story. The working title of the production is ‘IGNORE.’ Initially, it was a play that I intended for Broadway. In fact, the production was at the stage where we were about to do an Actors Equity Showcase, and then the pandemic happened, shutting down Broadway for nearly two years. When the entertainment industry opened back up, I decided to reimagine the script and convert it into a film or series, which I aim to pitch to a streaming platform like Netflix or HBO Max. My script and story tackle the taboo subject matter of childhood sexual abuse and how it impacts one’s sexuality as an adult. I use an adult internet chat room in this script to tell this story. The story is one of retribution as opposed to revenge. However, what does justice look like for such a crime. I created ‘The Hunt 4 Love Productions’ to write and produce this concept. My production company aims to provide opportunities and artistic vehicles for potential artists to bring their ‘A’ game to my productions and leave with an ‘A+’ game. I am particularly proud of ‘The Hunt4Love Movement’ & ‘The #Hunt4Love Supports Artist’ campaign, whose goal is to consciously and consistently seek opportunities to support fellow artists in the showbiz community. I facilitate these campaigns through my social media Facebook, Instagram & TikTok.
Check out my First Musical Recording LP titled ‘IGNORE.’ The song is a prelude to music that will be featured in the soundtrack of the autobiographical script titled ‘IGNORE.’
To download, visit: www.jasonduvalhunter.bandcamp.com
For HUNT4LOVE Merchandise: https://the-hunt-4-love-merch.printify.me/products/1
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, it’s all about love. Number one, the love of a higher power than yourself. I am a Christian, and I believe in God, so I pray and meditate to hone in on that relationship in my life here on earth. Second, you have to really love yourself and practice self-care on a consistent basis. Last but not least, love for your fellow human being. You know, literally, love thy neighbor. These three things worked for me I sure it can work for others.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I would have to say my mother has been the most helpful person in my life who helped me to overcome challenges. She has always been there to encourage and cheer me on in pursuit of my dreams and aspirations. The best lesson she has taught me is “worry or pray, don’t do both.” So, like I said earlier, I am a praying man, so I don’t worry about anything, and that’s all thanks to Mary Louise Hunter-Speight!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jasonduvalhunter.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jduvalhunter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jduvalhunter?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/6Leg7JgwNVXcKBDR8
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jdhunt4love?_t=8kQYRf2xSeM&_r=1
Image Credits
Michael Letterlough Jr.
