Today we’d like to introduce you to MJ Furillo. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Born on November 1, 1991 in Cleveland, OH, MJ Furillo began his filmmaking journey at the age of 15 years old when he was invited to a childhood friend’s home to make an independent home movie. Unsure of what to expect, it was this day that MJ discovered “ketchup” could be used to imitate blood. MJ found this so fascinating that he began experimenting with his own home videos and within a year led him to enroll in Media Technology at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) in Brecksville, OH where he began studying video production while still in high school. Upon graduation at CVCC, Furillo moved to Chicago where he would ultimately receive his B.A. in film and television production with general studies in Music Business at Columbia College Chicago.
During his freshman year at the age of 19, MJ made his national directorial debut on BET’s 106 & Park for the music video “Do It” by Final Draft, featuring JBAR and multi-platinum selling artist Yung Joc. After graduation, MJ went on to direct, edit and film productions with American Blues Legends Billy Branch and Breezy Rodio, Country Music Artists Tim McGraw, Eli Ell and Ben Gallaher, actress Vivica A. Fox, and hip-hop artists Lil Jon, Ludacris, Young Thug, Gunna, Ying Yang Twins, Kali Cass, Kelly Kellz, BeatKing, Shawty Putt, Queendom Come, Yung Joc, King Louie, Huey, Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta’s The Bam and American Football Wide Receiver Antonio Brown.
MJ FURILLO recently released his third short film, “Umbrella of Unity” which was accepted and screened at the 2021 My RODE Reel International Film Competition. The film was well-received by audiences upon release which prompted MJ to begin development on the official pilot season scheduled to begin production in 2023.
Furillo has also filmed and edited commercials for VShred, Sovereign Brands Wine and Spirits with Rick Ross, Per4m, The Sportsman Channel, The Learning House, COR Nutrition, Gerber Avalanche brands and the popular, Warped Perception, YouTube channel.
Being accomplished, and well-rounded behind the camera, MJ FURILLO decided to take a jump into the spotlight and behind the mic.
He began his music career in 2014, branding himself as FURILLO and deriving inspiration from Flo Rida, Pitbull and Krewella. As a result, FURILLO’s music is an energetic mix of EDM, Pop and Club.
Today, FURILLO continues to create a fresh sound. He is currently pushing his hit summer single “Schools Out” ft TeRex available on Apple Music and Spotify.
“FURILLO appeals to the masses. He has the ability to connect and grab every crowd…what he’s done is definitely needed in this music industry. Period.” – Windy City Underground (Radio Station)
“THE FURILLO BRAND IS SOMETHING THAT’S FRESH AND NEW AND SOMETHING THAT MUSIC DEFINITELY NEEDS RIGHT NOW BECAUSE ORIGINALITY SCREAMS OUT VOLUMES AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT FURILLO BRINGS TO THE TABLE.” – TeRex Productions
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road. The biggest struggle was making the transition from Director to Musician and fusing those skill sets together. So many people did not take me seriously at first. Still to this day, people are in my ear about how I need to focus on one path but I believe you can do anything you set your mind to especially in today’s world. Everyone has their own unique life story. No one is writing your future but you. So get up, do what you love and don’t ever give up.
I’ve accomplished so much in both music and directing that I’ve created success from both. I get paid for what I love to do and there’s nothing better than that. It’s therapy for me, I get to create every day and most of all…I’m happy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have two brands: FURILLO (Music) & MJ FURILLO (Director)
Apple Music
FURILLO
Furillo & TeRex
Spotify
Furillo
In terms of my music brand “FURILLO” I’ve re-attached two quotes below that sets me apart from others:
“THE FURILLO BRAND IS SOMETHING THAT’S FRESH AND NEW AND SOMETHING THAT MUSIC DEFINITELY NEEDS RIGHT NOW BECAUSE ORIGINALITY SCREAMS OUT VOLUMES AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE TABLE.” – TeRex Productions
“He (FURILLO) appeals to the masses. His sound connects and grabs every crowd…what he’s done is definitely needed in this music industry. Period.” – Windy City Underground Radio
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books
1. From Good To Great
2. Atomic Habbits
3. The entrepreneurs play book
YouTube Channels (Filmmakers)
1. Film Courage
2. In Depth Cine
3. Indi Mogul
4. The Futur
Music
1. Brand Man Sean
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mjfurillo.com
- Instagram: @mjfurillo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2uJoe8xvMM
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/furillomusic
- Other: Instagram 2: @furillomusic
