Meet Jalen Christopher

We were lucky to catch up with Jalen Christopher recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jalen, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?

Creative blocks are an integral part of the creative process. The Bible suggests that creativity is a gift from God, enabling us to reflect His image and glorify Him. When I encounter a creative block, I view it as an indication that my mind and body need time to align with the creative vision I aspire to achieve. During these moments, I seek new or enriching life experiences, whether through travel, trying new foods, engaging in new activities, or enjoying meaningful moments with friends. These life experiences help me overcome creative funks and get back on track, enhancing my creative journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Jalen Christopher, also known as JayDirects. I am an independent filmmaker and screenwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. My passion for film ignited during my college years when I realized that graphic design wasn’t fulfilling my creative itch I yearned for. As a lifelong enthusiast of cinema and television, often referred to as a “T.V kid,” I channeled my love for storytelling into a career in film.
After graduating from Grand Canyon University with a major in digital film and production, I launched my production company, Witness the Dream. At Witness the Dream, we specialize in crafting compelling narratives through various visual mediums, including commercials, promos, music videos, and films.
My current career focus is on fostering community connections through visual storytelling. I aim to highlight stories that go beyond themes of slavery or trauma, exploring original anime, cartoons, superheroes, and untold tales of African American trailblazers. My work also delves into fantasy inspired by African legends and breath-taking sci-fi narratives.
One of my recent projects includes a docu-series on LA legend Tommy the Clown, a hero who emerged amidst the violence of the early ’90s to save the youth. Additionally, I have contributed to an anthology web series titled Moments, available on social media platforms and YouTube.
Through these endeavors, I strive to create narratives that are not only entertaining but also essential to tell.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three things that have been the most impactful on my journey are networking, decisiveness, and time management. My advice to anyone is to get out there and meet like-minded people. “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Building connections in your industry can take you a long way.
Improving my time management has been essential. Setting aside time to get better at my craft has helped me see progress and find more opportunities. It also allows me to enjoy life and avoid burnout.
Being decisive has also made a big difference. Practicing decision-making on smaller projects and making intentional creative choices have helped me develop my own directing style. It’s made me a better leader on set and helped me handle pressure.
These skills and qualities continue to impact my journey, and I strive to keep improving them as I move forward in my career.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am always eager to collaborate with fellow creatives. Whether you are a writer wanting to see your work come to life, an artist or musician looking to create visuals and stories for your music, or a fellow director who shares a similar vision, I believe we can achieve great things together. If you have a vision and are interested in working together, let’s connect on Instagram @JayDirects.

As I mentioned before, finding my community in this Wild West of an industry is something I strive for. Creating movies and following dreams requires a village, and I am always open to expanding mine.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Voidwalker Creative
Jataun Gilbert

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