Hello I am Tarik Jackson. I was born in crack era Brooklyn to two educators. I was the second oldest of six, so my parents were always on me about setting a good example for my younger siblings. When I was a kid I fell in love with acting from watching the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Martin 24/7. I did a play at a church in Queens and got discovered by an agent and went on a few big auditions. I quit acting at 13 because I kept getting into trouble. When I was 19 I found my way to Morehouse College to run track, and while there I got into a terrible car accident that changed my life. After I crashed my car I realized that I need to pursue my first love which was acting. I wrote and directed a movie for me to star in and I just fell in love with being behind the camera. Ever since I’ve been rocking.
We’re finally screening my proof of concept short #bushbaby at the Chinese Theatre as apart of indie night. pic.twitter.com/mlDNtK8k71
— Tarik Jackson (@ReekSpeaks) July 11, 2016
How would you describe your work as a director
I would say it’s personal, silly and random. I put a lot of emphasis on characters and what they say and how they act as people. I’m a character myself so I typically like to pull that wild side out of actors I work with.
How did you get into directing
While I was making that first short, I really enjoyed making the film. I liked it more than acting, it seemed more active. I was constantly on, making decisions, getting everyone together to figure something out. I enjoyed the end product as well. An idea I have being a living breathing thing.
How do you choose a project to direct
I have to identify with something in the work. It can be anything but it’s usually the world and the characters in that world. There are so many sub cultures and communities that have their own set of rules for survival; whether it be social survival like in high school, or surviving life on the streets of NYC. If I’m into the world and have some ideas for characters then I’m in.
Briefly describe in a few words wrong impressions actors, writers,and directors have about directing
Everyone thinks that directing is about power and control but it’s the exact opposite. Granted there is some power but directing isn’t about controlling anything. Honestly you spend most your time keeping it all together.
@scenebycolleen hey great meeting you! I hope you and Punky Brewster enjoy this! http://t.co/eTlXyVbx9z @ClassTheSeries
— Tarik Jackson (@ReekSpeaks) August 22, 2015
Do you take courses to increase you craft
Yea after I graduated from USC film, I started taking acting classes with Brad Fliescher in West Hollywood. Brad’s class is mostly scene study which has helped me understand the decisions actors have to make a lot better.
What books do you read
I’m currently reading Kevin Powell’s autobiography “The Education of Kevin Powell”.
Why will you choose an actor, writer or producer. What do you look for
I look at the talent first always. I have a saying and that is talent has no color. The second thing I look at is personality and life experiences. These qualities make up who you are as an artists and what type of decisions you’ll be making. When it comes to actors I love specificity and quirks.
When offered a project, what things do you put in place to do a good job
Organization is key. Every artist’s wants freedom but having deadlines gives you a start and end date which makes the whole process really smooth.
Briefly explain your latest work
The last project I released was an original series me some friends released online entitled CLASS. It’s a dramatic/comedy series that uncovers the trials and tribulations of discovering one’s self identity while in a college setting. Set over the course of a semester the series follows six characters as they figure out what life has to offer. We did it for no money, released it all at once on YouTube (Netflix style) and have gained a substantial following. We’re working on season 2 as we speak.
What thing/situation helps you during production
Patience lol.
Explain a creative choice you took on set on a recent production
I recently directed a music video entitled “Netflix and Chill” where I decided to shoot the whole video in one shot. After listening to the song and discussing the themes with the artist we decided to shoot a dream/date on a beach in one shot and came out real good.
How do you advise directors to find projects
Do projects that you’re passionate about, and write them. If you’re not a writer find a writer. There’s no movie without a passionate script.
How can filmmakers finance projects
It depends. If it’s a short or a web series you can probably finance the project by yourself. Bigger projects, I would say loans or kickstarter. Also there are always grants for different states that help as well.
What do you want from an actor in production
ust be Prepared! Have your lines memorized and be prepared to try something new. I love trying different things on set with the scenes, so it helps to be PREPARED!
How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production
Like a partnership l. In preproduction, reviewing notes and keeping me focused on our production goals. On set I like to rely on my producer to take care of problems while I’m working on something else. The continued support is always a plus
What do you think a director can do to get into the film industry
Well I’m still figuring that out myself, but I’m told it comes down to the work you create.
Who is your favorite director
I have a lot of favorites. Fincher, Spike, Nolan, Tarantino, Jason Reitman, Apatow. My favorite all time though is Francis Ford Coppola.
Why
I saw two docs that solidified why Coppola is my favorite. Hearts of Darkness and The Zoetrope documentary. His persona and principles of film were the fore front of that entire era in the 70s and I always go back to his films to refresh.
What advice would you give to directors around the world
Do films that matter to you.
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