Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Jester.
Hi Brandon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ever since a very young age I wanted to be a filmmaker. In grade school I would invite friends over to my house and use my parents camcorder to film silly little shorts. As I grew older my passion and drive grew as well. I was blessed with many opportunities that helped me grow as an artist and as a person. Through out many obstacles in my life including struggles with my mental health, I never lost that passion and always went towards my goal to be a filmmaker. As soon as I graduated high school I began being a part of many Cleveland Independent Film projects, and now over 10 years later I have my self owned video production company and do cinematograpy, editing, writing, and directing full time.
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?
Filmmaking and art in general is never a smooth road. Finding a way to pursue your art and support yourself and family is always a struggle, especially starting out.
And if something doesn’t work out how you would hope, it’s not a failure its a learning experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a filmmaker who enjoys so many aspects of filmmaking. I am a cinematographer and editor, and I also write and direct. My first feature film that I wrote and directed, From the Other Side, is looking for a distributor. That’s something I am very proud of because it is my passion project, but I have done cinematography and editing for over 30 projects, some of which are on Tubi, including Pastor, Fun Girl, and Sluagh Awakens. Upcoming projects are A Scarf for Joey and a new feature I am writing and directing that we plan on shooting later this. I have been lucky to help many other past in upcoming films in various ways including assistant camera and assistant editor. I think what sets me apart is my passion and drive to continuously try something new with my own short films and features. “From the Other Side’ featured a lot of visual effects which is something I continuously want to push as well as genres that indie filmmakers don’t typically tackle. My next film is planned to be a sci-fi survival film. As a cinematographer and a writer, the process of telling the story is extremely visual. I think what really pushes independent film-making that others don’t seem to focus on that I do and want to expand on is making an impactful moment out of little moments, that can impact story telling and the visual feel of a film. I feel that it is important to make every important little moment feel as big and impactful as possible, and really leaving an impact through actor’s performance and striking cinematography. Pushing performance, story, and visuals in unique ways is something I really focus on when doing my own future films.
I have had my company Jesterz Kourt Productions four several years now. My goal with Jesterz Kourt Productions is not only to my film ideas to life but to work with others either to bring their film ideas to life, but also commercials and promotional material.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Just continue doing your art no matter what. It sounds cliche but the more you practice your art the better you get. Be confident in your art but also keep in mind of your shortcomings and things you can do better. And find a team you can trust. Filmmaking is a collaborative art. A mistake I made early on and something I am reminded of constantly is no one can make a film on their own. When we think of the most impactful and upcoming films, the main name we hear is that of the directors, but a film is nothing without cinematographer, editor, sound design editors. The biggest thing is don’t be afraid to lean on someone to do a part of film you are not an expert in. You don’t have to carry the weight of a film project alone. I have met and worked with so many talented individuals that I not only call my colleagues but my friends as well.
Something I would tell myself starting out and something I constantly remind myself, but I believe its integral to art and everything we do in life: Always strive to improve but never let that passion to improve yourself cause you to not enjoy or pursue your craft. We often forget we are always our toughest critic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jesterzkourtproductions.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesterzkourt
