Today we’d like to introduce you to Moses Jones.
Moses, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’m a strong believer that God has placed a gift inside all of us, and when we discover it, your life really begins to flourish. At a young age, I realized my gift was Communicating; more specifically communicating with people on a personal level. Throughout my childhood, I was involved with countless clubs and groups that involved doing presentations in front of audiences – large and small. There is a warmness that is innately transferred to the person(s) I’m speaking with. Couple that with being an extrovert, and my love for talking (TOO much at times…lol), and that brings a few different careers into perspective. But from the moment I was involved with my first play in High School and saw how you can influence someone’s perspective from the stage, I knew at that moment Acting was the path for me. High School is also where I first started learning about the art of filmmaking. I love the art of storytelling, and how intimate and close you feel to a story when using the lens. So I took my love for both, went to Ball State University, and majored in Telecommunication with a minor in Theater and Interpersonal Relations. My goal in life is not only to a successful Actor and Filmmaker, but to continue to motivate young people to continue to pursue their dreams – and don’t let any obstacle get in your way!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do? Why? And what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I enjoy developing a character. As an actor, my job is to take the character that is currently living on paper and breathe life into it. To make it real, in a way that only Moses knows how. So when I get a character, the first thing I look for is the truth in the character that speaks to my real life even if the character is someone that society frowns upon. For example, if I’m portraying someone who is a serial killer, while I cannot relate directly to the act of taken someone’s life, I can relate to the idea of doing something that is not morally acceptable, and having no regret about. I can relate to the idea of having a mission that I need to complete, and willing to do whatever necessary to accomplish that. Or maybe the act is derived from a weird addiction – that is something I most definitely relate too! There are so many ways to create and color a character, but I am a strong believer that in order for it to ring true, you must find some truth in whatever characteristics makeup that individual.
From a storytelling point of view, I am one that loves to watch movies and TV for entertainment. Therefore, when I write, I like to write in that manner – what entertains me. It may be inspiration, it may be funny, it may be based on a real-life event, or it may be a story that I developed from a completely fictitious thought. I just enjoy the idea of creating a world and allowing the viewer to come and live in it for a little while.
How can artists connect with other artists?
I have been blessed to stay in a community of artists that are constantly lifting each other up, supporting each other, and all striving to get to the next stage in their career. If you are constantly putting out positive energy, I believe that it will find its way around you as well. Don’t try and do everything yourself. It’s ok to ask for help or advice. Try and find like-minded individuals to surround yourself with. That may involve going out to events, classes, etc. where other artists are at. Don’t let being an artist consume your life – find things outside the industry to take your mind away and relax you. But most importantly, make sure you have a STRONG relationship with Christ. You can never be lonely if Christ is always by your side. 🙂
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Some of the more notable projects I was apart of include Ice Cube’s “Barbershop 3: The Next Cut”, Tyler Perry’s “Acrimony,” Donald Glover’s “Atlanta,” Kevin Hart’s “Night School,” and “The Hate U Give” with Algee Smith. My Largest TV role to date is portraying Teddy Riley on BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story.” All of those were amazing experiences and helped me gain more and more knowledge about the career I’m pursuing. I’ve also been apart of some AMAZING indie projects. Anthony E. Williams has a pilot called “F.A.M.” where not I not only acted in but was the Casting Director. Jay Carver has this sci-fi project titled “Clairvoyance” that I was blessed to be a producer on. Lamont Pierre with The Arthouse has tons of projects I’ve acted in and helped produce. Not to mention tons of other projects that I have edited for other filmmakers.
I have Executive Produced a few projects as well. My first short film is called “Time’s Up.” I wrote and directed that film. One of my favorite projects to this day. I also starred in “The Misguided Adventures with Daniel and Bradley” written by Demise Harp. My goal for 2019 is to really expose my directing gift, so definitely be on the lookout for projects I will be releasing.
You can also subscribe to my youtube Page “The Reel Guru.” There is well I keep all my created content.
**Shameless Plug – If you need a demo reel, check out www.TheReelGuru.com and contact us today! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheReelGuru.com
- Phone: 404-207-5343
- Email: mtjones1906@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mojo_da_don/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mosesmojojones
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoJo_Da_Don
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDxm-KkeehynEzkOmnIfwuQ?view_as=public
Image Credit:
Personal Photo: Credit – Dwayne Body Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
