Written by: Natasha Lee, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Filmmaker Michael [Boogie] Pinckney’s short film “God Bless You” has garnered over 3 million views on YouTube and recently his new film “I AM A MAN” about black men and therapy is touring festivals.
Michael got his start in the business as an Assistant Director for Spike Lee for 15 years working on films like Inside Man, Precious, and TV shows like Broad City and Law & Order CI before transitioning to writing and directing. He went on to direct the feature film “You’re Nobody Til Somebody Kills You” distributed by Lionsgate in addition to the Digital series for BRIC TV and Issa Rae Productions.
When many studios, networks, and corporations have struggled to implement the promises of diversity and inclusion within their ranks Jax Media launched the Jax Jobs Program in partnership with Netflix, making significant strides in the industry. Michael [Boogie] Pinckney heads Jax Media’s Jax Jobs Program which is a hands-on boutique approach to recruitment, hiring, and training. Pinckney spearheads the Producer Fellowship, Mentee Development Program, Internship Program, and Master Class sessions. In its first year, the Jax Jobs Program has hired over 300 Diverse creatives, and currently has 10 Producer Fellows, 7 Mentees, and 9 Interns in the program.
Michael [Boogie] Pinckney
Hi, Michael! It’s so very nice to interview you today. At Brainz Magazine we interview top influential and industry leaders like yourself.
Let’s begin! When you think of filmmaking, what comes to mind?
Storytelling. It always starts with the story. That’s the ultimate reason why I wanted to become a filmmaker was to tell stories. Once the words are on the page then I start conceptualizing the visuals. Look, tone, style, and execution. I also think about discipline when I think of filmmaking because it takes a lot of discipline, focus, and consistency to get projects over the finish line. And it doesn’t matter if it’s shooting a film writing a script. Filmmaking is also empowering. Liberation, vision, image, and transformation are other words that come to mind when I think of filmmaking.
What is your favorite movie of all time and why?
My favorite movie of all time is Seven (Se7en) by David Fincher. He’s one of my top five favorite directors. The film is flawless. Beautifully acted and masterfully shot. He really takes you into the world. It’s dark, cold, and sinister. I love dark stories “What’s in the Box!” I’ve watched the film over a dozen times and that line never gets old.
What are some must-have items you need before you begin to write a script?
Music is definitely a must-have it helps me get in a zone. Depending on the genre I’m writing and the tone of the piece I listen to Jazz, movie scores, classical or Hip Hop, whatever feels right for the world I’m building. I also have a very pragmatic way of writing and I use index cards and build out the structure and the beats before I dive into writing dialogue. Ah, and coffee is another must-have. Helps to keep me focused and dialed in.
We would love to learn more about the film you’re developing, “I AM A MAN”. What is the inspiration behind the project?
“I AM A MAN” is an Anthology series that follows black men as they confront their respective issues in life, manhood, and pathways to healing. From love, incarceration, violence, politics, and suicide to God, each episode stands alone with a new challenge, and a different black man. At its core “I AM A MAN” explores black manhood and touches on the challenges, pressures, and complexities in redefining black manhood in a world where he is both feared and endangered.
I’ve had countless conversations with men and the conversations we have aren’t what most people would expect. I thought it was important to give black men a voice and peel back some layers of manhood. The image of black men isn’t a positive one in the media, so I wanted to turn that on its head. I wanted the viewer to hear about black men from black men. I wanted black men to tell their own complex, beautiful, and oftentimes painful stories.
What are some other recent projects you have worked on?
I’m in Post-Production for “Trafficked” a docu-series on domestic sex trafficking that I shot in Dallas Texas. We are gearing up to do another installment of my digital series “Sole Kings — Restock” about the journey of Sneakerheads in Brooklyn. I did the first season for BRIC TV.
What does your role entail as head of Jax Media’s Jax Jobs Program?
I’m the Head of Diverse Recruitment & Advancement and I run the Jax Jobs Program. The program has 6 elements. Recruiting & Hiring Initiative, Producer Fellowship Program, Mentee Program, Paid Internship Program, Master Classes, and a Diverse Content Initiative. We collaborate with nonprofits and universities to provide opportunities. I support the Jax Production team across Jax shows with diverse staffing and support. I run our monthly Master Classes with industry professionals and career development sessions for the program participants.
I help diverse creatives inside and outside of the Jax orbit to develop their projects and guide them on their respective career journeys. I do a lot of generals with emerging diverse creatives to guide, develop, mentor, counsel, and get them on Jax’s radar for future opportunities. Diverse creatives need support and I’m proud to be a part of their respective journeys.
What are some of the benefits of participating in the program?
Access and opportunity. Training and developing the skills needed to excel in your respective career track. Building strong relationships in the business to help your career grow. Being a part of a strong Jax brand that is committed to being a part of the change we all want to see in the industry is also key.
Can you share with us any testimonials from anyone that has completed Jax Media’s Jax Jobs Program?
“The Jax program has given me an inclusive opportunity to learn the in and outs of film and television programming. I have an enthusiastic passion to include more storytelling through the lenses of women of color.” ‒ Priscilla Moreira (Mentee — Jax Office Manager)
“The Jax Jobs program has been… an invaluable source of mentorship and guidance during these turbulent times. It has been incredibly encouraging to have industry leaders take a hands-on approach to supporting those of us just starting out in entertainment. The Master Classes have been… very helpful in my journey as an aspiring creative producer and development executive.“ ‒ Chi Davis (Producer Fellow‒Development)
“To be part of the Jax Producer Fellowship has helped me to gain confidence in my current role and to set a goal for what I want to achieve. Connecting with great people through the Master Classes has been wholesome, each perspective and their own personal experiences have helped me to see and appreciate the value of living my own journey” ‒ Daiana Tineo (Producer Fellow)
Are there any announcements you would like to share with us at this time?
We’re launching our Jax Jobs Program Podcast series where we have an intimate fireside chat with diverse creatives about their journey, challenges, and process and we’ll continue to nurture emerging creatives of color as we build on the program. On the Director front, I’m working on a new installment of “Sole Kings”, my sneakerhead series I directed for BRIC TV and I’m finishing up post-production on “Trafficked” the docu-series I directed about sex trafficking in addition to developing a few scripted TV projects.
You can learn more about the Jax Jobs Program at www.JaxMedia.com
Connect with Michael at www.Boogievision.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boogievision/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/boogievision For more information please visit the website and/or connect on social media IG/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest @tiffaniteachey.com.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!
Natasha Lee, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Natasha Lee, a Business Enthusiast, Thought Leader, Speaker, Influencer, Philanthropist, Editor, Educator, and serial entrepreneur, is the proud Founder & CEO of Make Your Dreams Come True (MYDCT) & Being That Girl (That Girl). Make Your Dreams Come True (mydct.net) is an internationally known outsourcing firm. Professionals, Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Fortune 50 and 500 companies outsource their business needs to the firm, and Natasha makes sure that it gets done! There is no project too small or too big for the firm. Now in regards to Being That Girl, the agency encourages, supports, and celebrates the success of women. The collaborative partnerships stretch from the USA to the UK. It's been a tremendous experience for Natasha to serve countless business owners and organizations over the last 15 years. Wearing many hats when servicing her clients and community, she's identified as a consultant, a mentor, coach, cheerleader and described as a Shero by many. Natasha and her team assist individuals and organizations daily, offering services that promote self-esteem and creating companies daily from idea to conception. When executing dreams, she is the missing antidote to business success. Services include call center, procurement and fulfillment, marketing, strategy, business development, sales, technical support, design, seo, training, programming, recruitment, pr/media, and new processes and services implementation. Natasha is always on the call; though complex, it keeps her busy doing good things. Natasha Lee continues to mentor individuals of all ages, helping them build self-esteem, chance their dreams, celebrate one another and create together.
Photo Credit:
Beth Brown, Babs Photography
