Jason, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Black Lens Productions, LLC’s genesis was born simply from a desire to help our son achieve his dream of becoming a Filmmaker. We live in Memphis, TN and about 8-9 years ago our son Jason, II then age 10 or 11 started expressing a desire to become a Filmmaker.
As parents we thought it was a passing phase. His mom Audrey is a career Educator and I had enjoyed a career in the military, governmental bodies and as a rising Entrepreneur, so I assumed he would follow my path. Yet, he persisted and eventually started making crude sets in his room, filming with an old 8mm camera and having his younger sister (Alison) act and perform various tasks as she assisted him.
After several years and several failed attempts to redirect his passion, I literally posted on social media for any friends in the industry to please reach out. As he entered middle school we wanted to ensure he was being fully supported and help prepare him the best we could for an industry we knew absolutely nothing about. I received exactly one response on social media from Christie Taylor a friend I had lost contact with over the years who was a Screenwriter now living in LA!
After sharing our dilemma with Christie Taylor, she began to weekly share events or persons I should contact to learn more about the industry. I would go to sets, film festivals or just brainstorming opportunities, sometimes taking Jason, II and other times just sitting or standing around taking notes. I would always have a point of contact and the entry phrase was “Christie Taylor sent me.”
Although I love the Arts and have been an avid collector and supporter for years I had actually attended college for business and pre-law and soon my dominant left brain kicked in!
While being a whatever I was on set that day, grip, runner, light guy, production assistant or extra I begin to see opportunities for a new business model. I came to realize that the challenges faced by Creatives of Color were further complicated because we lacked representation in the board rooms and key capacities on the business side of show business.
If I could assemble a team to build a business model to address the pressing needs behind the camera it could foster more opportunities in front of the camera.
Soon my attendance at these exploratory events with Jason took on new significance as I looked at the barriers and how we could elevate the voice of Creatives of Color and also build sustainable business models in the entertainment sectors.
In 2012 Black Lens Productions was formed and we started on an amazing journey that has led to business collaborations in Atlanta and Los Angeles and all points in between as we build our tribe!
Today BLP is a minority-owned, agile, independent, boutique production company uniquely positioned to leverage industry relationships. We promote and produce media for general market consumption that reflects the rich culture arts and music legacies of People of Color!
Has it been a smooth road?
The challenges have been numerous as we strive for representation in an industry that for more than 200 years has not been inclusive.
At every level, the oversight to not include diverse voices has been deeply entrenched and presents challenges to funding, access, facilities and recognition for noteworthy achievements.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Black Lens Productions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
BLP has developed a multi-faceted approach to capture market share, meet emerging media industry demand while strategically addressing diversity and inclusion objectives.
We seek opportunities to share and define a critical market segment and we do this from behind the camera, thus creating opportunities and capacity for creatives in front of the camera.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Though we are Memphis based, we have strong collaborations with Atlanta! Our son Jason, II is currently matriculating at Morehouse College as an aspiring filmmaker and we also have several key business partners that are Atlanta based.
The destinies of Memphis and Atlanta have long been intertwined and as Atlanta took on the title of “Hollywood of The South” ATL was a natural expansion of BLP’s base of operations.
Roy Turner, Esq of the Rouse Law Firm in Atlanta has been our most notable partner and we have some exciting ventures on the horizon.
We informally created the GA-TN Film Collaborative with some Atlanta based creatives about two years ago is what I best like about Atlanta!
Memphis is relatively small compared to Atlanta, so the constant traffic is what I like least about Atlanta.
BLP Atlanta office opening soon!!!
One final thought: Why I like Atlanta
The great culture and spirit that beckons the best and brightest from around the world to come celebrate ATL!
Contact Info:
- Address: Black Lens Productions, LLC
254 Court, Suite 213 Memphis, TN 38103
Black Lens Productions, LLC
10880 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1101
Los Angeles, CA 90024 - Website: www.
blacklensproductionsmemphis. com - Phone: 901-634-7017
- Email: BLPMemphis@Gmail.Com
- Instagram: j.a.farmer and blacklensproductionsllc
- Facebook: Jason Farmer
- Twitter: Jason@JFarmMemphis10
Image Credit:
The images belong to Jason A. Farmer
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