Ryan A. Cole Feature

Jones': It is my honor to introduce everyone to the greatest filmmaker of our generation. A Paul Robeson award winner, an NBC intern, and my frat brother, Ryan A. Cole. Thanks bro for taking time out to do the Q&A with me.

Jones': So, for all who don't know who you are give the people some background information about yourself.

Cole: I’m a young, fresh, unique, filmmaker that is going to win an Academy Award for Best Direction and become the Greatest filmmaker of our generation!

Jones': What initially made you want to make movies? What/who inspired you to do so? At what age did you begin to make movies?

Cole: R.I.P. Bernie Mac. His stand ups inspired me to pursue entertainment. My grandmother also urged me to do something in entertainment. At the age of 15, I took some beginning actor classes and was instantly hooked. One day after class, my actor coach told me something that would forever change my life. He said that it could take as many as 200 auditions before I could be casted in a big time film. I told him that was too long. He then told me that I could also become a director, and cast myself in my own movies, and also create role for other aspiring actors. It’s been a wrap since then.

Jones': What would you say is that particular "something" that makes your movies unique and/or special?

Cole: Since there are no filmmakers under the age of 40 that are actually doing anything, especially a black person, I bring a young, black perspective to the messages that I am depicting. Plus all my ideas are original and unlike any other movie you seen thus far. Also my movies have a sense of realism because I draw upon real life situations.

Jones': How many movies have you made thus far? Whether it may be short films or feature length.

Cole: I lost count around 60. I’m pretty sure its around like 100+. I’m usually uneasy when I’m not working on some kind of production.

Jones': What type of response did you get when you first began to take producing/directing movies seriously and let some people see what you've done?

Cole: I’ve gotten a great response since I first started at the age of 16. At the New York Film Academy I was the only African American out of 200 people in the program. At the final screening, I was the only filmmaker that had a standing ovation. Since people really don’t see lot of young filmmakers doing their thing, they are automatically supportive.

Jones': To date, what would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

Cole: I say me creating a feature film at such a young age. I put up $3000 of my own money and brought a feature script to life at 20 years old. Although I made many mistakes, I’m glad I had the motivation to get through that long process. I never really heard of many people making a feature film at the age of 20.

Jones': Who is your favorite director/producer?

Cole: My favorite director is M. Night Shyamalan and Steven Spielberg. Martin Scorcese is also my favorite director. As for as producers, I would have to say Brian Grazer, and Jerry Bruckheimer.

Jones': What other filmmaker would you say that your work is comparable to?

Cole: Probably the Hughes Brothers, and F. Gary Gray. They address a lot of issues in the black community without creating a “typical black movie”

Jones': As a filmmaker how do you feel about the whole pirating situation with movies and music?

Cole: I have DVD collection of like 300+. I am a firm supporter of filmmaking and don’t believe in bootlegging films. If people only knew the amount of work it takes to complete a film, I think they would be more willing to give to the cause.

Jones': "The Rhythm of Struggle," the first feature length film on a HBCU's campus, was a huge success. You put up an excerpt of the movie on Facebook and when you finished it you sole copies via therhythmofstruggle.com and I'm more than likely that the response was crazy because I bought my copy as soon as it was released(autographed) and I was worried if I was going to get one because I thought that it was going to be sold out. I must say that that was a great movie! How did you come up with the idea for the movie?

Cole: I have to give credit to the writer Eric Wingo. He came up with the whole idea and script. I just took his idea, interpreted it, and made the movie. The Rhythm of Struggle gave me the confidence to create a feature. Before I did the movie, I was hitting a glass ceiling that needed to be broken. I always thought that I could do it, but it’s another thing to actually pursue it and finish the project.

Jones': So, what can we expect from you in the future? Any news movies you're working on and if so give the people some information about everything going on with you.

Cole: Well look out for this documentary I produced for Spike Lee. He said he was going to edit it so I’m waiting for him to finish. I also just finished casting for my newest feature film C.R.E.A.M. This is my first attempt at a feature script, and I’m getting all positive feedback. The script took me 3 years to finalize it. My cast is serious, and this will change the way you perceive the world. I promise. We are just getting started.

Jones': How's that going?

Cole: We are almost done Pre-Production. Our crew is very strong. I did a great job picking a crew that I trust, that are hardworking and also talented. The cast is full of HOWARD’S BEST ACTORS!!!! Hands down. Over 40 people came out to the first casting call. The next one is one Friday. But this has the making of a classic urban drama. I have a good feeling about this movie.

Jones': When can we expect to see the final cut?

Cole: I will be giving putting out an excerpt in April. The final cut will be available around late July, early August.

Jones': Oh okay. Can you give the people a sneak peak of what C.R.E.A.M. is about? Like a excerpt or something?

Cole: C.R.E.A.M. is a dark drama about four roommates who find a means to make quick money, the illegitimate way. What starts of as a laugh, slowly spirals the house into disarray causing friendships to be questioned. When a roommate takes a turn for the worst, lives are put into danger and the ultimate lesson is learned.

Jones': Will that be available for purchase as well?

Cole: You know it. $10.

Jones': Well once again bro I really appreciate you taking time out of your very busy schedule and doing this interview with me.

Cole: No prob Phi. Anytime.

Jones': Anybody out there that you wanna give a shout out to?
I want to shout to Kappa Alpha Psi and my C.R.E.A.M. team.