Jaron Lockridge Of Misguided Perceptions Media Group: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
You can’t rush the journey. Early on, I thought success was owed to me because “I’m talented” and “I work hard”. The ups and downs of chasing your dreams build character and endurance. So many times I wanted to quit because I felt the dream of being a fulltime filmmaker was not going to happen. Now I’m closer than ever to that goal.
As a part of our series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker”, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Jaron Lockridge.
Jaron resides in Jackson, Tennessee, approx. an hour east of Memphis, Tennessee. He started his filmmaking journey after attending a high school drama class where he wrote his first screenplay. After high school, life led him in a different path and he became a full-time police officer and has been for the past 14 years. In 2016, mostly as an outlet from the stressors of the job, Jaron began writing again and created his production company, Misguided Perceptions Media Group. He has since produced 11 feature length projects and two streaming series, all self-financed. He goes by the mantra “Guerilla Filmer” due to his unique process of being the writer, director, cinematographer and editor of his films due to his small budgets.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit of the ‘backstory’ of how you grew up?
I don’t have this jaw-dropping story in regards to my childhood. I grew up your normal poor kid just trying to figure it all out. My parents were excellent parents and raised me in a small town, Bolivar, Tennessee, where if you didn’t know someone, you knew who they were related to. Growing up there is what formed me into the man I am today.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was born into a talented family. My uncles were writers and singers, I have cousins who are writers and singers. So it’s in my genetics to be a creative in some form or fashion. My last couple of years in high school and shortly after, I pursued a career as a rapper. Soon, I realized I didn’t love being a rapper. I felt like I had to portray something or someone I wasn’t in order to gain traction in the industry. Writing and making movies were always a true love but I felt it was a far-fetched dream. I was too broke to move to Hollywood to pursue it and there were no film schools in Tennessee that I knew of at the time. Eventually, the internet and technology made it so much easier to pursue a career as a filmmaker and I immediately took advantage. I self-taught myself so much of the industry from professionally writing screenplays and operating a camera. Before I knew it, I created my own system to produce high quality movies as a one-man band.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your filmmaking career?
My first movie, I had an actor who didn’t show up to set. The role was a vulgar, gritty, street character who was abducted and forced to be in this game of survival. Due to the actor being a no-show, I had to fill in to keep the shoot on schedule. This particular role had a lot of profane language, which was true to character and it was quite a cringe-worthy moment sitting in the theater with my mother watching that movie.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
I’ve met a few celebrities in my lifetime but I don’t get star struck easily. I have a background in law enforcement and I’ve met some of the most interesting people with the most interesting stories while working the beat. I remember a few years back meeting this guy who claimed he was a whistleblower and the government was after him. The way he explained the situation, I instantly thought this guy has a mental illness because it was the most far-fetched story you’ve ever heard. Later on, I learned the guy was telling the truth and he ended up in another country hiding due to an ongoing investigation into this major corporation. That’s why my experience in law enforcement is so valuable when it comes to writing stories. I recently decided to use that to my advantage because I’ve truly experience a lot of things people only see on television.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Definitely my wife. Without her support, there’s no way I could pursue making movies the way I do. Working a fulltime job, having a family with children and pursuing a filmmaking career with only 24 hours in a day is the ultimate challenge. If your significant other doesn’t believe in you and your dream, it’s impossible to do so. Now she helps out behind the scenes during casting and production to allow me to focus more on the creative aspect of production, so her support is priceless.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Never get too low and Never get too high because the glass is halfway full and also halfway empty.” Basically enjoy life in the moment because you could lose everything today and get it all back tomorrow, vice-versa. I live by that through all of my successes and failures. It helps me to stay level-headed and pursue my goals regardless.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I’m currently working on this ambitious project called “The Stix Universe”. My own little universe of crime-drama films, all connected with different styles from gritty street level films, like my title The Stix and heady mysteries like my latest project coming soon, Cubic Zirconia. I believe fans of the genre will love this project once my vision comes to fruition.
Which aspect of your work makes you most proud? Can you explain or give a story?
The fact that I make high quality content with a skeleton crew. Making movies the way I make them at the quality level I make them, is a rarity. The fact that I didn’t pout and decided to get it done, past my limitations, is something I’m most proud of.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- You can’t rush the journey. Early on, I thought success was owed to me because “I’m talented” and “I work hard”. The ups and downs of chasing your dreams build character and endurance. So many times I wanted to quit because I felt the dream of being a fulltime filmmaker was not going to happen. Now I’m closer than ever to that goal.
- Consistency is better than talent. There’s a saying “Hard work beats talent when talent don’t work hard”. Although the saying may not be grammatically accurate, the idea is extremely accurate. How many artists have you seen enjoying great success and thought to yourself, “How?”. Likely because of that person’s consistency and work ethic. You can be the most talented person in the world, but if you don’t work tirelessly toward your goal, you’ll be the most talented person nobody knows.
- Focus on the one thing you do great, and find someone to do the things you aren’t so great at. This is easier said than done, and I’ve made an entire career out of doing everything myself. But it makes your life so much easier when you find talented people whose strengths are your weaknesses. A great team can do great things.
- The lows are as essential as the highs. Similar to my first thing, I’ve learned the lows give you the thick skin you need. They make the highs so much sweeter and you appreciate it so much more when things are good.
- One “Yes” can erase one thousand “No’s”. What’s meant for you, is meant only for you. Rejection sucks and it bruises your fragile ego. But it only takes one yes, the right yes, to change everything in a positive way.
When you create a film, which stakeholders have the greatest impact on the artistic and cinematic choices you make? Is it the viewers, the critics, the financiers, or your own personal artistic vision? Can you share a story with us or give an example about what you mean?
Definitely my own vision. I’ve learned making a movie that I’m a fan of first and foremost is the most important thing when creating. Creating to please the viewers, critics or etc will never be authentic and if it fails, you’d wish you chose to focus on your vision. If you’re a fan of your own work, the passion behind it will wreak and the viewer, who the content is meant for, will connect.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)
Tyler Perry. Nobody has mastered the self-made journey quite like him. From living in his car to owning his own studio is the ultimate full circle. He caters to a specific niche and that niche has been faithful and has served him well. I would love to pick his brains as he is the ultimate inspiration.
How can our readers further follow you online?
My website is www.misguidedperceptions.com . My socials are under my name and I’m constantly making content about my filmmaking journey. Feel free to send a message and say hi. I love meeting new people.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
I’m so honored and appreciative for this opportunity. Thank you to Authority Magazine for providing your platform.
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
