#BonfireStories Introducing Filmmaker, and writer Tarik Jackson
1. When it comes to storytelling, where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from a lot of sources. Every time I’m home in NY I get inspired. I get inspired by the people around me, friends and family. Music inspires me a lot. But I have goals and things I usually want to tell stories about. So if I see an image or see something that intrigues me I catalogue until I get a full idea.
2. What is the toughest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Getting over the hump from being a short content creator to being a long form content creator. It’s tough because to me it’s not a creative hurdle or a maturity hurdle but an economic. Even when your talented and hard working people still aren’t jumping to finance your projects or even hire you. Being patient, as well as aggressive at the same time has been a constant struggle, but everyone I look up to has been exactly where I’m at right now.
3. What kind of world do you want to see now that your film “Bush baby” is made? (For clarification) We know that there is a message you as a filmmaker are conveying to your audience, what is that message?
I want there to be some serious action done about gentrification. I feel like some of would be from government interference as in, protecting the homes of long time residents or making certain districts of cities historical districts. The other part is that our communities have to strengthen financially so that this doesn’t happen to us. Me and my friends from Stuy like the new changes, but hate that we as a community didn’t come together to bring these changes in instead of being reactive to the big wholesale changes.
4. As a filmmaker, what are some key lessons learned so far?
I learn new lessons everyday. Just last week I watched some Buster Keaton films and picked up a grip of game. The most important lesson I’ve learned in the past four years or so and I continue to instill is the value of telling the story with visuals and physicality.
5.What do you know today that you wish you knew when you began your journey as a filmmaker?
As a young filmmaker some of us want to be taken serious so bad, that we try and tell serious stories that don’t always showcase our strengths. I wish I would’ve known when I was younger that my voice is specific and hone in on those genres that support that voice and people will recognize my technique within that genre.
6.What would you say is your unique responsibility as a filmmaker?
To make my momma proud.
