Full Name: Juan Romero Campbell
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Current Project: Studio 11 Films’ Never Alone, an amazing film about an ambitious writer, a starving artist, whose life has taken a turn for the worst. We wonder, will she come back from this dark place and if so, how? Will she ever find the courage, strength and motivation to go on, not to mention write again? Then, it just gets more and more complex with twist and turns, highs and lows, triumphs and tragedies. It’s a matrix of emotions. It’s written by the talented Yvonne Pierre, directed by the accomplished Zoana Price, produced by myself, Juan R. Campbell, and mentored by the fabulous and very knowledgeable Tatyana Ali. Howard Gibson, a master of special effects, did the cinematography and executive producers Mel Jackson, Sharon Tomlinson and Breyuna Williams oversaw this incredible project. Wow!
What drew you to this project?
What drew me to this project was how well it was written. Being a producer, I was led by budget, time restraints, universal appeal, and story. Not only was this a great script and well written story, but it was perfect for my goals from a production standpoint. What one of my mentors, Dianne Ashford, taught me became my objective as a producer, my motto so to speak, which was to get the film done within the time restraints, which was one day and under budget – on time and under budget and I did.
Where you were born and raised?
I was born in Baltimore, home of “The Wire” and “The Corner.” I had to survive those exact same corners mentally, emotionally and physically; I escaped. I made my mark on Baltimore. Now, I must transcend my circumstances and upbringing and make my mark on the world.
What do you hope viewers walk away with after seeing this project?
I hope after seeing this film viewers walk away with a feeling of, “Wow that was amazing! I can’t wait to see the feature,” while being exhausted from the roller-coaster ride that this film will take them on …
Who do you personally idol in the industry?
Some people don’t like the idea of using the term idols but I think they take the term too literal. So if Kobe [Bryant] didn’t want to be “like Mike” growing up, would there be a Kobe? My idols in the industry are Mel Jackson, Dianne Ashford, Steven Spielberg, Oprah [Winfrey], Bob [Robert L.] Johnson, Spike Lee, Robert Rodriguez, Kim Fields, Ice Cube, Queen Latifah, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett, Howard Gibson, John Singleton, Monique, The Hughes Brothers, Sharon Tomlinson, Tyler Perry, Breyuna Williams, Charles S. Dutton, Tatyana Ali, Will Packer and John Waters, Morgan Freeman, Mel Gibson, Richard Pryor, Robert DeNiro, Bill Cosby, Robin Williams, Denzel Washington, Al Pacino, Samuel Jackson, Kevin Spacey, Eddie Murphy, Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Joe Pesci, Ashley Judd, the list goes on.
Performer you would drop everything to go see:
Janet Jackson now that Mike’s gone, although I’ve seen Mike live and not Janet.
Pop culture guilty pleasure:
“American Idol.” I even vote. The 11 Eleven 11 Project participants are like the American Idols of the film world.
What’s on your music playlist?
You’d probably be surprised; I love a lot of different types of music. My list includes Dru Hill, Maysa, Fertile Ground, DMX, Blink 182, Roy Ayers, Les Nubians, Hall and Oates, The Fugees, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Drake, Paul Hardcastle, Sade, 3 Doors Down, Take 6, Real McCoy, Sounds of Blackness, Boot Camp Clik, Evanescence, Jay Z, Portishead and Mc Lyte.
MAC or PC?
PC, but I think it’s time to go Mac.
Worst job you ever had:
Kellogg’s. You are not about to stress me out over some Frosted Flakes. They must not have read my resume.
Three things you can’t live without:
I have four actually. They are movies, music, food and family. Movies are my escape from this world to wherever I choose to be. Music is my solace and my therapy. Eating is my favorite hobby; I prefer 4-6 meals per day. I am also an excellent cook. Family is my life, my strength, my backbone and my humble detector.
Most-visited websites:
Box Office Mojo, Pandora, You Tube, Baltimore Ravens, NFL, Score Mobile, Facebook and Wikipedia.
Last book(s) you read:
From Reel to Deal by Dov S-S Simens and Rebel Without A Crew by Robert Rodriguez.
Last good movie you saw:
Red Tails. I used to want to be a fighter pilot but never thought I had the discipline it took to be in the service. So from childhood, you could never go wrong with a fighter pilot movie for me.
Films you consider classics:
The Wiz, The Blues Brothers, A Christmas Story, Singing in the Rain, Taps, Top Gun, Mahogany, Hairspray, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, Shawshank Redemption, of Mice and Men, History of the World, Weekend at Bernies, My Cousin Vinny, ET, Star Wars, A Bronx Tale and Malcolm X
Favorite screen or commercial opportunities:
I’ve had so many favorites, each for different reasons. I’ve learned and grown so much from each opportunity and I have found a great value in every single one. They include the 11 Eleven 11 Project with Studio 11 Films, Sony/Rainforest’s No Good Deed, a working Title with Will Packer, Sam Miller and Dianne Ashford, featuring Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson, Hurricane Katrina Project with Sierra Productions and Chip Forstall, It’s My Time Gospel Tour Atlanta with Deitrick Haddon, John P. Kee, and the Anointed Pace Sisters.
Previous work:
Director, Victory for the World Church Program with Dr. Kenneth Samuel
Co-producer and director, Chip Forstall’s Hurricane Katrina series documentary and commercials
Co-producer, director and voiceover, Six Lessons for Six Sons, with George Foreman)
Co-producer and director, It’s My Time gospel tour Atlanta with John P. Kee, Deitrick Haddon and the Anointed Pace Sisters
Co-director, Back on the Bus, Jena Six documentary
Crew, BET’s “Let’s Stay Together”
Crew, Sony/Rainforest Films No Good Deed, working title featuring Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson
