Meet Lynette Jones

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynette Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lynette, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resiliency comes from my military background, my faith, and my unwavering passion for storytelling. Serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army has ingrained in me a level of discipline, perseverance, and adaptability that I apply to every aspect of my life, including my journey as a filmmaker. The military has taught me how to stay focused under pressure, push forward despite obstacles, and remain committed to my mission—no matter how challenging it may be.

Filmmaking, much like military service, requires grit, precision, and an unbreakable spirit. The road to becoming a successful independent filmmaker is not easy, but I embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow. I am razor-sharp focused on my goals, and I approach every project with the same level of dedication and strategic planning that I have applied throughout my military career.

Time is one of my greatest assets, and I discipline myself to use it wisely. Every task I take on is intentional, moving me one step closer to achieving my dreams. Hard work is second nature to me—I don’t wait for opportunities, I create them. My resilience comes from knowing my purpose, staying true to my vision, and never allowing setbacks to define my journey.

At the end of the day, I refuse to give up because I know that my story, my voice, and my impact matter. And that, more than anything, keeps me going.

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?
Soldier by Day, Filmmaker by Night – The Story of Lynette Jones I am Lieutenant Colonel Lynette Jones, proudly serving in the U.S. Army by day and pursuing my passion as an independent filmmaker by night. My journey is one of discipline, determination, and storytelling, balancing the structured world of military leadership with the creative and emotional depth of filmmaking.
What excites me most about filmmaking is the ability to capture human emotions, tell untold stories, and create films that resonate with audiences on a deep level. Through Jonesy Girl Productions, I bring powerful narratives to life, giving voice to stories that inspire, challenge, and uplift. My brand is all about storytelling through the eye of the lens—where raw emotions, real struggles, and triumphant victories unfold on screen.

Upcoming Premiere – Letting Go
I am incredibly excited to announce the premiere of my latest film, “Letting Go,” on March 1, 2025, in Fayetteville, NC. This film is a deeply emotional journey about unconditional love, sacrifice, and the courage to move forward. It explores the strength it takes to love someone enough to let them go when the time comes. I can’t wait to share this story with audiences and bring them into a world that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

What’s Next for Jonesy Girl Productions
Jonesy Girl Productions is continuously growing, and our mission remains the same: to tell authentic, powerful stories that leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s through film, documentaries, or future series, we are committed to creating content that moves people and sparks meaningful conversations.
To those who love film, storytelling, and creativity—I invite you to follow my journey, support independent filmmakers, and experience the power of a great story. See you at the premiere!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three Most Impactful Skills in My Filmmaking Journey

1. The Willingness to Listen and Take Direction
One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is the ability to truly listen—whether it’s to mentors, crew members, or actors. Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and being open to feedback has allowed me to grow, refine my craft, and make each project better than the last.

Advice: Stay humble and always be a student of the craft. Take the time to learn from experienced filmmakers, observe how they work, and ask questions. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.

2. The Ability to Take Charge—Even When Directing Friends

Leadership is key in filmmaking, especially when working with people you have personal relationships with. Balancing professionalism and friendship can be challenging, but it’s essential to set clear expectations, maintain authority, and keep the focus on the vision of the project.

Advice: Develop a leadership style that is firm but fair. Set boundaries early and establish mutual respect. When directing friends, make decisions with confidence and communicate clearly to maintain the integrity of the project.

3. The Ability to Problem-Solve Under Pressure

No matter how much you plan, something will always go wrong on set. Being able to think quickly, adapt, and find solutions in the moment is what separates good filmmakers from great ones. Whether it’s weather delays, technical malfunctions, or last-minute script changes, you have to be prepared to pivot without losing momentum.

Advice: Work on real sets—even as a Production Assistant (PA)—to experience firsthand how problem-solving plays out in real time. Watch how seasoned directors handle challenges, learn to stay calm under pressure, and train yourself to find solutions rather than dwell on problems.

Final Thought

Filmmaking is not just about having a vision—it’s about having the discipline, leadership, and adaptability to bring that vision to life. Stay open to learning, be willing to do the hard work, and never stop refining your craft. That’s how you grow from an aspiring filmmaker to a true storyteller.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Overcoming the Biggest Challenge: Gaining Exposure in the Film Industry

One of the biggest challenges I face is lack of exposure to people who can help take my film career to the next level. In the independent film world, talent and hard work are essential, but without the right connections, it can be difficult to get films in front of the right audience—producers, distributors, and industry professionals who can open doors.

How I’m Overcoming This Challenge

The key to breaking through this barrier is marketing and strategic exposure. Here’s how I’m actively working to elevate my visibility and grow my network:

1. Film Festival Submissions
Entering Letting Go and future projects into reputable film festivals to gain industry attention.
Targeting both mainstream and niche festivals that align with my storytelling style.

2. Leveraging Social Media & Digital Marketing
Building a strong online presence through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Engaging with industry professionals, potential collaborators, and audiences.
Creating behind-the-scenes content to showcase my creative process.

3. Networking & Industry Events
Attending film networking events, panels, and workshops to connect with professionals.
Seeking mentorship and collaboration opportunities with established filmmakers.

4. Press & Media Outreach
Reaching out to film blogs, entertainment websites, and local media for interviews and feature articles.
Generating buzz around film premieres, upcoming projects, and personal filmmaking journey.

Final Thought

Exposure doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent marketing, networking, and positioning my films in front of the right audience, doors will open. The more people see my work, the more opportunities will come my way. My goal is to ensure that Jonesy Girl Productions is not just seen—but remembered.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photos by Allison Joyce

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