Community Highlights: Meet Jose Byers of i71movies

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Byers. 

Hi Jose, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started off in the fitness field. I was a personal trainer for 6 years, earning two personal trainer certifications (ISSA and AFFA)—I started bodybuilding in 2008 and competed in the ONBF (Ohio Natural Bodybuilding Federation) from 2009-2010.In 2008 I also joined my local church theater team called the (Grape Nut Players). There I did theater for about 7 years and got bit by the acting bug. In 2009 I signed with Heyman Talent Agency and started doing commercials, print ads and landed a couple movie roles in (Captain America the Winter Solider) & (I Am Wrath). In 2010 I met my now Business Partner Derek Talib who took me under his arm and trained me in the gym while I was getting ready for my bodybuilding show. In 2012 Derek and I started I71movies here in Columbus, Ohio. In 2016 we did our first feature film called Dark Iris, and just this past year, we completed our pilot for our upcoming tv series St. Gabriel. 

I discovered my passion for performing at age 12. More of a comedic guy, I would tell funny stories and jokes to my friends and family so being an entertainer is in my blood. I still have a love and passion for fitness, and for the past 12 years, I’ve held a position on the Host Committee for the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic. 

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?
The life of an independent film company owner/actor has been met with many challenges. Everything from finding locations, actors, equipment, schedules, getting business plans together, and most of all funding! To anyone who is thinking of having an independent movie company or any business, in general, should always expect struggles. But don’t let the struggles discourage you from trying. I believe it helps build character and patience. The people that are successful go through many challenges to get where they are. We have two choices when we face adversity, give up and accept defeat or keep going no matter what. I’m the keep going kind of guy because at the end of the day, even if things didn’t go my way, at least I can say is I gave it my best. 

As you know, we’re big fans of i71movies. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
I71Movies is an exciting and ambitious production company founded in 2012 by Derek Talib, Jose Byers, and silent partner Allan Talib. Derek and Jose primarily focused on Ohio talent and their TV series, ‘St. Gabriel’. The company also focused on working with up-and-coming writers, artists, and crew in the Midwest area. The goal is to build Ohio as the next Hollywood with the generous tax incentive program the state has to offer. 

The addition of Rebekah Hart Franklin in 2015 not only added a talented actress and businesswoman but also a different perspective to increase diversity and the vision of i71. The four currently have one feature film completed, one TV series, and 7 films in development. They are considered the “Next Big Thing” in the Ohio Film industry. 

Although I71movies is minority owned they do not want to be thought of as minority owners but instead just good producers, writers, and directors. One thing that seems to separate I71movies is the program they are initiating to train up-and-coming teenagers that want to get involved in movie making. They are working through a program called the DABICO initiative to create opportunities for kids to assist and work on independent films gaining much-needed exposure to the arts and industry. It is the hope of I71Movies that other independent film companies will follow their lead and create opportunities and work together in changing opportunities for minorities in the movie industry in front and behind the camera. 

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
For anyone who is starting out in this business, I would say to never give up on yourself. Always try your best each day and know that it’s ok if you don’t always hit the mark. I believe if we have struggles and challenges, it helps build our character and our patience, so we keep pushing forward to keep our fires and desires burning for the goals we want to achieve. When I started on this journey, I wish I knew going in that the demographic I’m in is still a little behind the times when it comes to investing in independent films. The majority of investors around here still have the brick-and-mortar mindset and really don’t think outside the box that much. Speaking entertainment is kind of a foreign language to them. 

Contact Info:

• Website: i71movies.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CgKQEbNuLQf/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063621781230
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC1LwNsCfwmumiANS1Aw27sw