80’s / Early 90’s Were Times When Films Were For Viewers And Not About The People Making Them by… — Film Courage

80’s / Early 90’s Were Times When Films Were For Viewers And Not About The People Making Them by Washington DC Filmmaker Harold Jackson III

HAROLD JACKSON III

FILMMAKER — ‘Last Night‘

Washington D.C. Filmmaker Harold Jackson III on indie film, relationships, the Marine Corp and making an indie feature in D.C. His latest film LAST NIGHT is screening soon in New York and D.C. — more info here.

Harold as a child

Film Courage: Where did you grow up?

Harold Jackson III: South Central Los Angeles

Film Courage: Which one of your parents do you resemble most? You are a ‘Third’ — How much are you similar/dissimilar to your grandfather and father?

Harold: I think I look and act more like my Mother, but my mannerism and general way I flow through life may be closer to my Father. I think I am now slowly turning into my grandfather. Lol.

Film Courage: Tell us about serving in the U.S. Marine Corps?

Harold: Well, I wasn’t the best High School student. Almost didn’t graduate. Not because I couldn’t compete academically but because I didn’t care to. I’ve always kind of been on my own program. So naturally colleges weren’t knocking at my door, but the Marine Corp was happy to take me. I signed up on a whim because I was bored and it turned out to be one of the most important and influential decisions of my life. It turned me from a kid with a treasure chest full of ideas into a man with work ethic, drive, integrity and follow-through to make them a reality. (Read more here)

Film Courage: What prompted you to write the screenplay for LAST NIGHT?

Harold: I was prepping to do a film that was completely dissimilar to LAST NIGHT. It was fairly violent and aggressive, but it wasn’t coming together financially nor did I get the right energy in the early stages of pre-production. All all the while this image of a man and woman riding a train wouldn’t leave me. The two were simultaneously comfortable and trepidatious. So, I decided to trust myself and see what they had to say.

Film Courage: Biggest challenge on set and how you moved through it?

Harold: The logistics of getting the entire crew to multiple locations in a day most of the production, was a huge challenge. It was not only the physical moving it was also keeping people mentally engaged and temperaments in check through the clutter of it all. It was very difficult. “Just keep through the day” I kept telling myself. Then manage it all again the next day. It’s the life.

Film Courage: Advice for someone reading this going through a painful break-up or mourning a lost love?

Harold: Accept it. Don’t fight it. There is a not so fine line between fighting for love and being stuck in the past. The moment you accept it, you only remember the good times. (Read more here)

BIO:

Harold produced, wrote, directed, shot and edited his first feature film “Seemless” in 2007. “Seemless” went on to be an Official Selection of the Hollywood Black Film Festival and the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival.

Harold’s first effort was followed by the critically acclaimed, feature length documentary “BURN: The Evolution Of An American City.” “BURN” won Best Documentary at the Hollywood Black Film Festival and Arizona Black Film Showcase, and also garnered Audience Choice and Honorable Mention awards.

He followed that with his 4th film “The Gift.” His most personal film, “The Gift” is the poignant story of a married couple on the brink of divorce and the spiritual ties that bind them. And “Under The Bourbon Moon” a lovely film about a group of friends and the secrets, drama and love that keeps them. Reminiscent of 80's classics like “Breakfast Club” and “Diner.”

Harold is a EMMY Nominated Producer and recent winner of the EMERGING FILMMAKER award at NCBFF. Up next is the powerful documentary film “Toy Soldier,” an uncompromising look at returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with combat induced psychological issues and how their story effects us all. The feauture film “Last Night” (BEST FEATURE Winner) a romantic drama/comedy about how a model’s last night in DC turns from uneventful into an unexpected love triangle. And the mini-series “The Chair.”

Harold is currently based in Washington DC.

via FilmCourage.com.

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