Meet Jona “Brazil” Young

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jona “Brazil” Young. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jona “Brazil” below.

Jona “Brazil” , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I got my work ethic from my parents, who met at work—an early sign of their dedication. They taught me the value of earning what you want in life. My father often reminded me that, as a black woman, I’d need to work hard to secure my place in the world. “If you’re not early, you’re late,” he’d say, knowing that many would have different expectations for me. This lesson is why I always arrive an hour ahead of schedule. My mother, a nurse, worked night shifts and, at one point, at four different hospitals. She has a passion for helping others and excels at it. She showed me the importance of perseverance and determination. From them, I learned that life isn’t easy or fair, but with hard work and resilience, success is possible. They instilled in me the belief that if I do what I love, it won’t feel like a job. Their lessons drive me to approach every challenge with determination, knowing that my efforts will pave the way to success. My parents are my guiding light, helping me navigate the complexities of life and my career. In my role as an intern on an MGM production, I applied my parents’ work ethic by consistently arriving early. This proactive approach fostered a sense of reliability among my colleagues. Just like my mother balanced multiple jobs, I juggled various tasks and responsibilities, always with a positive attitude and a readiness to learn.

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?

Currently, I am interning on an MGM production in the art department, where I get to witness and contribute to the magic that happens behind the scenes. What excites me most about working in film is the collaborative process of bringing a story to life. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to be creative, whether it’s designing sets, sourcing props, or working with a talented team of artists and craftsmen. The energy on set is infectious, and being part of a project that has the potential to entertain audiences is incredibly fulfilling.

Beyond the technical aspects of my work, I am driven by a desire to tell diverse and meaningful stories. I believe in the power of film to create empathy, spark conversations, and drive social change. This is why I am particularly drawn to projects that highlight underrepresented voices and challenge societal norms.

My love for film began in theatre. Growing up, when I was homeschooled, I participated in my church’s exploration of the arts and signed up for all the theatrical classes they held. I ended up finishing high school in public school, where I was deeply involved in the theatre program. By my senior year, I was the stage manager for the spring musical. These experiences cemented my connection with the arts, particularly behind the scenes. I realized that if I wanted to see more representation on screen, it needed to start with more representation behind the screen.

When I went to college, I majored in Film and Media and minored in the Georgia Film Academy, where I focused on production design. It was there that I truly found my love for the art department. During my time at GFA, I rebuilt two sets—one from the original Ghostbusters (1984) and one from the Netflix show Stranger Things. After getting certified, I returned to GFA as a teaching assistant. Having always appreciated educators, as both of my grandmothers were, this opportunity to combine two things I love felt like a no-brainer. I was a TA for two different production design classes and knew that it wouldn’t be the end of my journey in education. If I find myself teaching again in the future, I wouldn’t be too surprised.
For now, I will continue to pursue my love of the art department as start my next production soon. I don’t plan on taking any breaks just yet, as I’ve only just begun. The journey in film is ever-evolving, and I am excited to see where it takes me next.

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?

College was intimidating for me, and I struggled with imposter syndrome. It was crucial to remind myself that I belonged in those spaces and had earned my spot. My advice for those early in their journey is to keep your goals in mind and stay focused on what you’re aiming for. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and embrace uncomfortable situations, as they often lead to growth. Building genuine relationships early on is essential. While networking is crucial in this industry, it’s important to approach it with authenticity. Not everyone you meet will become a close friend, and that’s okay. Remember, everyone in this industry is human, and genuine connections will take you further than opportunistic ones. This industry is small, and authenticity will help you go far.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, my first choice is to get out into nature. I love a good hike, especially if there’s a creek nearby. If it’s raining, the next best thing is reading a good book. I enjoy works by Donna Tartt, Nicola Yoon, and Tia Williams. I find it helpful to take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and reset. Growing up, I worked with kids a lot, and when they had an outburst, I would always tell them, “blue skies in, grey skies out.” While it may sound silly, it helps me too. Taking care of yourself is crucial, and although I still struggle with this, I understand its importance.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Jonabrazil23
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jona-young-020a74226

Image Credits

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