[CYNICAL SPOTLIGHT] On Industry Rebel J.R. Hepburn
JR Hepburn is an up and coming film director from Boston, Mass. He has worked extremely hard to make his new film ( title TBA) a reality. Inspired by the Hughes brothers, and the golden age of Hong Kong action, JR strives to deliver a refreshing look at the way we see American cinema. J.R. Hepburn is a very busy man, but he took the time to speak with me about the nature of the business, and his career plans.
VAL: You obviously are on the road to stardom, but I’m curious about your origins. What is the driving force behind you becoming a film director?
J.R: I grew up watching great films. The first film I vividly remembered watching at a young age is Ridley Scott’s, Legend with Tom Cruise. Legend, is a film that exploded my imagination. So much so that it drew me into writing and telling stories at an early age. I felt I had stories to tell and wanted to show the world my vision. It does not matter how crazy, or outrageous it might seem at times but to truly entertain and make people think is really what matters.
VAL: Since I’ve known you, I’ve heard you mention action films often. Is that a genre you gravitate toward and why?
J.R. I gravitate more to the genre of action, but that is just for the time being. There are other genres I want to explore, but I feel right now there is so much lacking in a genre I love so much. I feel, (for lack of better term), it is my undying loyalty to the genre to bring back the old days when great action pictures made sense, and entertained us.
VAL: Exactly. It seems films have succumbed to lazy writers. Writers whom are out to razzle and dazzle the audience with CGI, fast cuts, and not much of anything else. You have a new film coming up that could possible change that. Can you give a small synopsis of the film? Just for people whom aren’t familiar with the project.
J.R.: The picture is currently in pre-production. It is a mafia action picture about a turf war between two rival gangs, the Asian mob and the Italian mob. The production company behind it is Vendetta Motion Pictures LLC. Owners Marie Brandt and Andrew Adler have been beyond supportive regarding the vision I would love to instill in the action genre. They are currently working with affiliates in LA to bring the film to an international audience.
VAL: Have you experienced any Adversity while getting your film off the ground?
J.R.: Adversity makes us who we are. I’ve have been pushed to the brink by unfortunate individuals in the industry that I thought were friends, but, greed, and drama is an ongoing pitfall in this industry. I shouldn’t be surprised in an industry as film maker, drama should be expected. But by every challenge I have faced, Vendetta Motion Pictures LLC have been understanding and encouraging. Hey, if it were easy, everyone would be making films. This industry is not for the faint of heart!
VAL: It is a sad but inevitable truth. Adversity is ingrained in the movie business. To speak on adversity, what do you think about the state of people of color in the movie industry? How do you think their presence can be improved?
J.R: If they stay on this course, the young black talent in Hollywood will take us further than Sidney Poitier or Denzel Washington ever could. Our presence can be improved if they stay focused on originality and honestly. Stay away from the diluted Tyley Perry “chitterling circuit” material. Now, for what its worth, Tyler Perry has done great things, but its time for us to be taken seriously. We need to inject new excitement into every genre, the genre for audiences. We don’t want studios to type cast us in stereotypical genres or films. In retrospect, we can’t blame them. If we don’t show them we are better than the typical black comedy. Chadwick Bosman, Viola Davis, and Lupita N’yongo are proof of that we can break away from typecasting.
VAL: With that said, do you have any advice, specifically for people of color, who want to break into the entertainment industry?
J.R: “Friendships are a lie when you first walk in the door,” remember that. You will be kicked, you will be put down, but people fear change. When you are attempting to do something that’s never been done before by the people around you, fear will cause them to hate you. Fear paralyzes, and will put people you in the hospital. But don’t let them break you, and as the saying go if you really need a friend get a dog.
VAL: What can we expect from Jr Hepburn in the future? Also do you have a facebook or twitter page fans can follow?
J.R: I have several films slated with Vendetta Motion Pictures LLC, a few others side projects. But what you should expect from me is, I’m bringing the noise! When I am through, my goal is to ensure action films will never be the same again. I mean never. I don’t tweet, well not yet. But feel free shoot me a friend request or follow me on facebook, as long as you’re human, I’ll accept.
JR Hepburn could not be more correct. You cannot deny JR’s enthusiasm for film, and positive attitude. Which, I am sure is going to help his career skyrocket. All you action junkies out there, do not miss your opportunity to be a part of something big, so take JR’s advice and roll with the punches! Check out the links below to find out more about JR Hepburn and his film resume.
JR Hepburn’s directorial work HERE JR Hepburn on IMDB Vendetta Motion Pictures LLC HERE
You must be logged in to post a comment.