Today we’d like to introduce you to Jakari Lister.
Hi Jakari, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got my start in filmmaking in the Pearland area through A/V classes in 8th grade and into high school. From there, I began shooting for my church and met a man, one of my mentors, Chad Prince, who brought me onto my first paid gig: a wedding. From that day forward, I knew I had the confirmation that I could make a living making films, and I went harder, making shorts and skits with my friends in our neighborhood every month. From there, I got my BA in film from Dillard University in New Orleans in 2020, worked freelance in corporate work until 2021, and pursued my MFA in film at the City College of New York. Once I made it to Manhattan, I was in a whole new world and was introduced to way deeper levels of storytelling: Plays, filmmaking, acting classes/workshops, real artistic community. I’ll treasure that experience, always.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a very rough road the last two years as a filmmaker. The industry’s ups and downs, the sacrifice it takes to make a film while working full-time, and ultimately losing my job in New York and having to move back to Houston (this time, with my talents and skills). I have learned to take the good with the bad in everything and take the stories I’ve compiled through those experiences. I.e., working at a film equipment rental house and all the nightmares, lessons, and connections that came from a supporting role in the film industry for 2 1/2 years in NYC. The streets of Harlem and all the adventures that came from living in a generational-cultural hotbed of the U.S. quickly introduced me to the realities of the world and just what it takes to achieve what you want in a truly uncomfortable environment. I left all my new friends, lost all my money, and had to come back home to start over fresh, this time with knowledge on my side. I’ve been humbled, to say the least.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a film director/producer and D.P. from the Pearland area. I’m most proud of my company, Paenultimus Productions, where we create narrative films, branded work, and commercials. My passion for storytelling sets my work apart, and I relish the opportunity to create; art is a privilege. I’ve created for brands like Adidas, Timberland, and Kangol, to name a few. If you’re a film writer, a business owner looking for advertising work, or someone looking for a film/video production, look no further. Feel free to contact my team and me at paenultimus.producitons online.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The biggest things I see in the next decade, as far as film goes, are the introduction of soundstages to the state of Texas, widespread use of LED volume stages across the industry, and greater support for the independent filmmaker as far as platforms seeking new IPs go. We will definitely see a resurgence of the independent classic film, much like in the late 90s and early 2000s, as Hollywood tries its hand at the YouTuber-to-director pipeline. This may work in some cases, and in others it may not. Either way, all that talent is not going to wait for Paramount or Warner Bros to come make their movie. This is going to be a very exciting time, I hope, produces honest storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paenultimus.productions/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakarijylesonline/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakari-lister-558598183/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Paenultimus
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8615480/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_ql_1&_ssoLoop=1
