Life & Work with Jonte’ Koonce

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonte’ Koonce.

Hi Jonte’, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been writing stories (or what I would imagine them to be as movies) since high school so I always had an imaginative mind. I bought my first camera, which was a small Sony HD camcorder in 2012 and eventually upgraded to a Canon T3i and began filming my own short films, skits and music videos. I recently graduated from F.I.R.S.T. Institute in Orlando, Florida in 2021 with a diploma in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production and I’ve learned so much during my time enrolled at that school that I’m applying now to my current and future projects. I always wanted to be better after each project as a filmmaker. I do a lot on my own as far as the writing, editing, original music score and I always considered myself a student to the process. It doesn’t matter how much I already know, I want to learn more about everything that’ll help me perfect my craft because I want to be great at what I love to do and continue to be great.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve definitely had some struggles along the way. Definitely quality issues. I want to deliver quality work and I don’t have money to come through with the cinematic look that I want so it’s always been me working with what I got and making it happen with that. Having a vision and seeing certain people to be a part of that and either they can’t do it or just not interested because technically, you’re a nobody. Your work hasn’t popped yet, you’re not getting the views on YouTube or wherever you display your work, you’re literally at the bottom, just starting out so there’s little to no faith. I think that’s been one of the biggest struggles since starting. Also, I think it’s all about being serious in what you want to do and the people will see how serious you are.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in film and creative content. I write screenplays, shoot and edit different video content (short films, music videos, skits, documentaries) and do photography as well. Doing those things is what I’m known for. I’m most proud of the growth that I’ve experienced since I first started which was almost a decade ago when I first knew this is what I’m meant to do as a career. I think what sets me apart from others is being different, being original. I believe that I have ideas that the world needs to see (film and TV show ideas) and with seeing the same thing over and over and the lack of originality in the entertainment industry, I just need an opportunity to show them what’s been missing.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe in the next 5-10 years, the industry will be in a better place, especially if I’m involved in some kind of way. There’s a lot of great films and TV series out now that’s so amazing and I pray for longevity for those projects because some networks has canceled some of their best series and I’m not certain who has the power in doing that but I hope and pray that in the future, we give these new shows a shot at longevity and also give other young, black filmmakers and writers opportunities to bring top-notch quality stories and visuals to the game.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/koonce850
• Facebook: facebook.com/lntentertainment
• Twitter: twitter.com/KOONCE_
• Youtube: youtube.com/LateNightTeddy93

Image Credits:
Jonte’ Koonce and LNT Entertainment