Meet James Cheeks III

We were lucky to catch up with James Cheeks III recently and have shared our conversation below.

James, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I like to keep my creativity alive by challenging myself to do new things. In the last few years, I’ve directed and produced several projects with the intention of building up my portfolio and creating new works with professionals who also want to experiment and try new things. Film, music, tech and fashion have always inspired my creativity and I’m interested in projects that bring all of these together. Lately, I’ve been working with photographers and directing photo/video editorial shoots.

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?

I got my start in the entertainment industry at the age of 16 with an internship at the TV Guide Channel which later turned into employment. After college, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue career opportunities and eventually attended USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where I also served as the President of the African American Cinema Society. I’m also a skateboarding enthusiast and support skateboarding for at-risk youth.

As a black skateboarder, I wanted to tell stories involving subcultures which led to the creation of my first documentary, “On The Grind.” The film was featured during a historical skateboarding exhibit at the California African American Museum and I have facilitated over 50 screenings of the film across the country. “On The Grind” also aired nationwide on the Documentary Channel and on Participant Media’s network, Pivot TV. In 2010, I founded a volunteer skateboarding team that traveled around the U.S. supporting a music and extreme sports tour. I was also nominated by The Sheckler Foundation as a finalist in their Be The Change initiative for making a positive impact in the lives of at-risk youth.

My interest in missions and social justice has led me to serve in Peru, Mozambique, Jamaica and downtown LA’s Skid Row. Over the years, I’ve worked with nonprofits including: Heart and Soul Design (HAS Center) to teach kids the fundamentals of video and photography, and Cornerstone Theater Company before transitioning to freelance work in film & television. I’ve directed and produced several projects for a variety of clients while also freelancing at Sony Pictures Television for nearly 7 years. Now, my focus is on bringing my passion projects to the screen, while collaborating with other artists on various creative endeavors.

I recently received the Merit for Directing Award presented by Lumiere Runway and I had the honor of presenting my work at their fashion show during LA Fashion Week at Sony Pictures Studios!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Networking
When I was a production assistant in the DC area, I would often work on shows where the production coordinators were based in Los Angeles. A few friends would travel to LA and work with the same team so it seemed like the best move to head out to Los Angeles for more work. Most of the projects I’ve worked on have come from contacts I met through networking.

2. Editing
Being able to edit your own projects, whether video or photography, is a great skill to have and it enhances your craft as a storyteller.

3. Marketing
I had to learn how to market my own work to get the world out about my projects. I used blogs, social media, film screenings, television appearances, print media, publicists and film festivals to create a buzz around my first documentary, “On The Grind.”

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

I believe great collaborations happen when the artists involved are passionate about the vision. I’m a music nerd and I love working with bands to document live performances and to create visuals for their albums. I also like working with actors, writers, photographers, cinematographers and editors who are interested in films and projects involving subcultures, tech, music and fashion. Most of my recent work is online and I can be reached through my website and social media for collaborations. Technology is rapidly changing the way art is created but nothing can replace the beauty of original, authentic art. Keep it real! Every artist has a unique gift. Use it. My advice for artists is to keep creating and stay positive!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

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3. Isaak Morin
4. Isaak Morin
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6. Joey Ha
7. Joe Miller
8. Dae Howerton & Dallas Logan
9. Dae Howerton & Dallas Logan

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