Producer Jason Lamont Bunkley is very clear that there are people who have poured knowledge and love into his life, unconditionally, to shape his career. They include professors Avril Speaks, Jason Rogers and Shandra Bradford. He goes as far as to describe them as “idols.” A graduate of American Intercontinental University in Atlanta, Bunkley is clear that mentors are important. “They introduced filmmaking and media production to me, which allowed me to see endless possibilities,” he says.
He isn’t shy about giving credit where it’s due. “Post my undergrad days, I’ve been able to learn a lot from filmmaker Maurice Jamal who has shared a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and expertise. They have earned their status as idols.”
Bunkley is now enjoying the fruit of his labor as he looks forward to the release of Studio 11 Films’ Forbidden, an 11Eleven11 Project. Here, the Atlanta resident by way of Cleveland cracks you about working Kodak’s third shift and updates you on his favorite films, some of which are surprising. –yvette caslin
What drew you to this project?
The fact that this was a love story is what drew me to the script. The script originally had some really great turns and twist. I felt the story would captivate the audience. During production a greater illumination became evident to me when I saw [actresses] Joy Hammond and Doris Morgado delivered a rendered a tear jerker performance. The other dynamic selling point for the project is a little personal. This project gave me the opportunity to work with two of the most talented ladies in film that I know. I celebrate the fact that I went to college with my director and writer. We have worked on several projects together so this was a reunion for me.
Zodiac sign:
June 7 is the holiday between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Geminis, we rule!
What do you hope viewers walk away with after seeing this project?
I would like for the viewers to walk away with an enlightened mind and open heart about the social, political, and religious issues that keeps us from operating in true acceptance. I believe that this movie will not only entertain but assist with the abolition of non-progressive ideologies.
Performer you would drop everything to go see:
I would drop everything to go see Kim Burrell. I love, love, love, love her. Outside of that, I would drop everything to go see local people that I have labored with and have made a great connection with.
Pop culture guilty pleasure:
My guilty pleasures of the pop culture are Facebook and Twitter.
What’s on your music playlist?
You can find the following artist on my play list: Adele’s 21, Mary J. Blige’s My Life II, Lalah Hathaway’s Where It All Begins, Kim Burrell’s Love Album, Jill Scott’s Light of the Sun, and Kierra Sheard’s Free, Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald and Norman Brown.
MAC or PC?
OMG! Totally Mac
Worst job you ever had:
The worst job I ever had was working third shift for Kodak. Trust me that job was short- lived. My body is accustomed to sleeping at night.
Three things you can’t live without:
Oh wow! I can’t live without my phone, my computer, and I totally cannot live without the love, guidance and power of the Creator.
Most-visited websites:
Box Office Mojo, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo Finance and Wall Street Journal
Last book you read:
I recently read Reel to Deal, which was given to the producers during our instructional period.
Last good movie you saw:
I’ve recently gone to see Think Like a Man. The movie was funny as hell. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone to see the same movie twice.
Some films you consider classics:
I consider these movies to be classics in my book: The Devil Wears Prada, The Color Purple, The Wiz, Coming to America, and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.
Previous work?
I’ve produced music videos, reality shows, sizzle reels, red carpet shows, television shows, and short films. These projects and opportunities have allowed me to film notable people from many industries.
