Best in the Biz interview with Jae Williams Ceo of Forty8 Three Films Tell
us a little something about yourself?

I am 25, originally from Chicago, IL but grew up in West Medford MA, graduated from Emerson college with a BA in Media Production with a focus on directing. I am proud father to a daughter ..Jada-Marie who keeps me motivated and inspired to be great.

How did you get started in Video Production/Directing?

I always have been a big fan of music and music videos. I love R&B, Hip Hop and Neo Soul…I could never rap or sing but I always found myself creating these visual stories within the song in my head. I never really thought anything of it until I went to school in Atlanta. I went to Morehouse when I graduated high school and back in 02 ATL was blowing up. They were shooting many videos and movies there and I then realized that is what I wanted to do. Spike Lee was an alumni of Morehouse so I felt that I could head in the direction of film making as well. I loved my time at Morehouse but I left to go to film school back in Boston(Emerson College) because I felt that I needed a more hand on approach to my craft.

How did you come about starting Forty8 Three Films?

I could not find a job in my field coming out of college so I figured I make a way to create work for myself. I always had support from my family, friends and community in anything I did…When I was younger growing up in
West Medford, “483” was the first three digits of my house phone. So Forty8 Three Films is just a way for me to pay homage to my community and where I grew up because without there support and guidance I would’n’t be where I am today.

Who or what are your biggest influences?

My biggest influence I would have to say is Jessy Terrero, Chris Robinson and of course Hype Williams.

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Jessy during my internship in LA. I worked on my first major video with him and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and it solidified my aspirations in becoming a director. He was nothing but helpful and encouraging and from then on I felt that I could be in his shoes one day.

What are some obstacles that you have faced?

Thankfully …not many. Aside from the struggles of getting exposure and being recognized from your work there has not been too many bump in the road. I have a great team and a wonderful support base and if there is an obstacle I get through because of them. I am very blessed

What is the biggest and most memorable project that you have worked on
thus far?

My most memorable project so far was a music video I worked on was a Hip Hip group called Agari Crew. Those artist have so much talent and really love what they do. They allowed me to really be creative in my approach to the video. I learned so much from them and on set in which I feel will help me get to the next level.

I just finished up shooting Vaughn Anthony’s music video who is the younger brother of John Legend. That to me was a great opportunity and a wonderful learning experience as well.

Any advice for upcoming/aspiring young entrepreneurs in the field of Video
Production?

Never let anyone tell you that you “can’t” . It is very difficult for many people to see artistry as a successful career path because its not a tangible or concrete as other professions. I said that I wanted to be a film maker and direct music videos and some people looked at me like so how are you going to survive.

I said …you find a way. That’s it. If you are passionate about something then do just that. As we have is now and if I worry too much about what could never happen I will miss out on what could happen. I am not sure if I am going to the “next” Hype Williams or the next Jessy Terrero all I can be is the best Jae Williams and I feel anyone aspiring to do something should do the same.

Shout Outs?

Shout outs to God first and foremost for blessing me with an opportunity to share my dreams with the world. Shout out to my Forty8 Three Films team…I couldn’t’t have done anything without them and to all who have supported. I am forever grateful for their encouragement and support!

You can see more of Jae Williams at www.Forty8ThreeFilmes.com, check out his Myspace page, visit his YouTube channel or friend him on Facebook!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 5:43 pm and is filed under Best in the Biz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.