We were lucky to catch up with Jay Bolusan recently and have shared our conversation below.
JAY, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
For my entire life, discovering my true purpose has been like staring into a mirror – it’s always been there. It just took me years of experience to finally recognize it throughout my childhood, military career, and job as a California Peace Officer. When you have a dream, a long-term goal, or aspirations, it doesn’t always come at you screaming in your face. Sometimes, these things arrive as whispers, and the hardest part for me was learning to listen to those whispers. Becoming a filmmaker was that instinctive & artistic calling that’s always been precious to me because of my deep love for movies.
When I was introduced to the world of cinema as a young boy, I often experienced spontaneous daydreams. I believe this came from watching motion pictures & television, which greatly influenced my imagination at a young age. I became fascinated with storytelling and expressing those visuals by recreating them through various art forms like writing, drawing, painting, and photography.
During my military service in the U.S. Marine Corps and working as a Deputy Sheriff with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the only thing that kept me true to myself was my artistic expression inspired by cinema. Despite the occupations I held, I always saw myself as an artist in some form. Somehow, becoming a filmmaker always felt like destiny.
I firmly believe that if you can envision yourself doing what you love, then that is what your true purpose shall be. You just have to keep those passions alive by listening closely to the whispers in your life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Since I began my filmmaking journey at the start of 2023 at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA, I have been learning and training as a Cinematographer. Being part of the film industry has proven to be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Like everything else in life, you have to start somewhere.
In addition to pursuing my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, I primarily work as a Camera Operator for narrative motion pictures. Using my skills as an active member of the Society of Camera Operators [SOC]; I’ve contributed to various productions, including documentaries, music videos, and commercials. However, my ambitions don’t stop there. I am driven to keep pushing myself, even if it means reaching extreme limits that few filmmakers have attempted.
I am passionate about creating pictures that resonate deeply from the heart, are driven by inspiration from history, and serve as a source of motivation for others—regardless of genre or storyline. I am the founder and creator of 141 Films. “141” stands for “One for All. All for One.” The motto signifies that an individual in a crew should support and act for the benefit of the entire team, therefore, in turn, the team shall do the same for the individual, achieving unity & creative freedom – that everyone stands together as one.
Recently, I collaborated with a fellow filmmaker, producer, and great friend, Hugo Liu of 1111 Pictures, LLC. Hugo led the way in bringing my first short Western film, “Forever West” (2024), to life, along with the help of my dear friends at the Academy. After months of pre-production, shooting over 5,000 feet of Super 16mm film, and extensive post-production work, it was a humbling experience to say I’ve made my first movie.
Currently in the development phase, my younger brother, Roman Bolusan, and I have just completed the script for our upcoming Action-Heist/Crime/Drama film, “THANKS FOR WATCHING.” We are incredibly excited to collaborate for the first time and bring our vision to life. Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Inspired by this mindset, I plan to continue creating more pictures, expressing my innermost passions, and showcasing the power of storytelling through filmmaking.
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?
There is no one more strong-willed or powerful at heart than an individual who practices resilience. Throughout my life, my determination to succeed has been tested countless times. I’ve learned to transform negative experiences into opportunities for growth, adopting a positive, warrior-like mindset. I believe that possessing the ability to adapt & overcome obstacles—whether in life or within your field of expertise—not only proves to others that you can get the job done, but also demonstrates your grit and ability to exceed expectations in many eyes.
Perseverance is key to being heard. Without it, you not only risk failing your passions, but you also risk failing yourself. Being labeled as the ‘quiet kid,’ ‘anxious,’ or an ‘over-thinker’ shaped me into the artist I am today—and I embrace that wholeheartedly. It took me a long time to accept who I was and to resist following the crowd; simply for the sake of fitting in. Instead, I chose to be unique—and so should you. Keep creating, share your work, and, most importantly, enjoy the process. Only then will you unlock more opportunities and continue to grow in your journey.
Never let go of your inner child. Often, as adults, we become clouded by the world around us, which can affect the true visionary within. Children teach us many things—how to interpret life, connect with others, and appreciate art. As a child, I saw and experienced the world as if it were scenes from a film, levels in a video game, or strips from a comic book. Even as an adult, I continue to see life through that lens because it fuels my imagination. I believe with great imagination comes great creativity, and with creativity, the possibilities are endless.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My parents, Erik & Jennifer Bolusan. Family is First in my book. Growing up in a family with humble beginnings, I’ve come to deeply value their sacrifices and determination to keep me steady because I believe they are the resilience in the face of adversity.
As the eldest son of three siblings, I’ve had the privilege of growing up alongside my parents, learning from their wisdom as they navigated life at a young age. Over time, I took on the responsibility of being a role model and guide for my younger brother and sister. Through this experience, I discovered both positive and negative traits within myself—lessons that I hope my siblings can carry on in their lives.
Whenever I am in doubt, lack motivation, or feel lost, my family is the compass that guides me in the right direction. I feel incredibly blessed to have a loving & supportive family that has been with me every step of the way—as a young Marine, a hopeful Officer, and a Filmmaker with dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15458209/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrealbeastly/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@141Bravo7
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/141films/
Image Credits
Hugo Liu
Kylan Philipona Breton
Sienna Sparks
Kishawn McGee
Shawn Santiago
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
