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.

Rachel D. Crouch Feature

Jones': Initially, I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule and sitting here and talking to me and doing this feature. So, who is Rachel Crouch? Let the people know who you are.

Crouch: Thanks for having me. Rachel Crouch is a young and talented artist who is ready to make a change in the world. I'm a teacher, an artist a friend...

Jones': When did you begin to paint and who/what influenced you to start painting?

Crouch: I began to paint at a young age. My mom is an artist so I was born with the gift. I started taking art classes when I was in the 6th grade.

Jones': What style would you consider your art?

Crouch: REALISM!! I am a realist. I love to paint portraits and I love painting pictures that feel real. I just got into painting abstract paintings...

Jones': When you first began to sell your art to the public what type of response did you get? Did your response exceed your expectations or was your response wasn't what you expected and if so how did it affect you?

Crouch: The response was definitely shocking! Especially with the Obama pieces. I think that’s when I realized that young people enjoyed art. My friends always encouraged me. Now im taking off… no looking back.

Jones': What other artist out there would you say your art is comparable to?

Crouch: My twin sister!!! Rebecca D. Crouch. She is an artist as well. I wouldn’t compare myself ot anyone else though.

Jones': I remember when I first saw your art. It was you pieces of president-elect Barack Obama and I was just amazed! I've seen a lot of art of Barack Obama but none like this and I must say that your pieces are my favorite. Especially the piece that has a bunch of newspapers the day after the election plastered together and you drawing his face over the entire medium in what I think was chalk. Was that particular piece draw a bunch of attention? How did you come about with the idea of doing that particular piece?

Crouch: Omg yes! You know originally I was only doing that piece for me. I wanted to do something creative with my newspaper. Then I put it on Facebook and got a crazy response. So I ran with it. I created different versions. They are hanging in HF Fine Art Gallery and BusBoys and Poets. I think that’s the piece that really got my name out there..

Jones': Not to get all political, but what do you think of Barack Obama?

Crouch: I think Obama represents HOPE!! And POWER!! And I also think he represents how much the world has changed.

Jones': I also saw some of your custom paintings for individuals who wanted a certain theme or vibe to their paintings. For instance, the custom paintings and/or drawings that you did for some people who were in a fraternity and/or sorority. How often do people approach you who wants a custom Rachel Crouch painting because I remember when I contacted you as soon as I saw your custom paintings.

Crouch: Very often. Sorority and fraternity paintings are always requested. I'm actually starting some now. I want to do each organization. The spring is coming up so I know people will enjoy those.

Jones': So, how can one go about in getting a custom Rachel Crouch painting or any of your art for that matter? How can you be contacted?

Crouch: They can definitely check out my website or hit me up. www.rachelcrouch.com or 7735622509

Jones': Well, once again I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule and doing this interview with me. Any shout outs?

Crouch: Of course! Shout out to Rebecca D. Crouch, my other half.. and the culture district, Charles Jean Pierre and Johnnie Bess.. all of these people are artist and have links on my website. SHOUT OUT TO KEEP UP WITH THE JONES'!!!















For the Month of Black History, Rachel D. Crouch will be raffling off "History I". At the end of the month, a name will be selected and the winner will receive "History I". A portion of the proceeds will go to a non - profit organization selected at the end of the raffle. Please support and be a part of HISTORY!!! Watch the video below to find out more information. Checkout out Rachel in last week's feature CENTSLESS CLOTHING tee!!!

Rachel D. Crouch Art

Interview will be up later on today!!!

Feature: Centsless Clothing

Jones': First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule and doing this interview with me.

Casey: No problem, it's my pleasure. I appreciate the opportunity.

Jones': So, give me a little information or background about yourself because I see that you are young.

Casey: Well I'm from St.Louis MO, and just recently graduated from Howard University. Me and my associates have had our business established since around 2004, the year we first met at Howard University.

Jones': So what is CENTSLESS CLOTHING and how did it come about and what made you start young own line?

Casey: Centsless represents "Inocents Lost" or the forgotten reality of pure potential, pure love, and pure equality that is found in new born infants. The "miricle" of birth happens everyday, yet full grown infants [or adults] forget sometimes that they were once long ago that same miricle coming forth into this world, and that the same potential lies within us for as long as we live. It is a representation of origin, and creation itself, and our message helps to translate the various "centsless" ways in which these ideals of creation are expressed to the world. We have a character named Havek Osten who wears a straight jacket, and a mask covering his identity. He is our "mascot for a message" and helps to express what centsless is and what we represent; because its also important to know that we don't represent a "brand", but that we represent a "state of consciousness". and we started a line because we wanted a medium to convey a message, and since people don't really pay much attention to the meaning behind the things they wear we thought this would be a great opportunity to try and change that reality, the way that some new designers with true passion for their messages are doing; and set examples for those designers out there that aren't and don't.

Jones': How was the response to your first release?

Casey: The response was great, we had a lot of celebrity support at our release at Howard University's Yardfest 08' where we sponsored the event, and sold shirts from a booth on the yard. Bun-B, Ryan Leslie, Wale, A.J. from 106 & Park, plus hundreds of other students, D.C. residents, and alumni were all in support and leaving with garments.

Jones': Being on a campus like Howard University thats noted for being one of the most fashionable HBCUs out there how difficult was it to find something that would appeal to such fashion-forward people?

Casey: The fact that we aren't hands on with the manufacturing at this point makes it pretty easy to appeal to an audience since we get our garments from American Apparel, but the confidence in the designs we choose obviously attracted people from all age groups demographics, and thats what we intended to do.

Jones': So what can we expect from CENTSLESS CLOTHING in the future?

Casey: Honestly, expect new and better things, name changes, marketing changes, medium changes, everything. Centsless is only the second beginning you see. We were once the Haveknots Clothing Co, but had to change the name due to some un-fair legal issues we couldn't afford to fight at the time. but regardless we changed the name and continued. This is somewhat of an urban metro-punk line, and we are honestly just using this to build capitol for our cut and sew ideas that require a much bigger bank roll then that of a few post graduates with loans to pay back. Regardless it will all be contributed to other various projects you'll be seeing from Havek and the Wingmen in the future. So in other words you will see Centsless transcend, and evolve over and over again.

Jones': How can people purchase your clothes(i.e. website, availability at stores, etc.)

Casey: Clothes can be found on Fridays at Howard University in the Blackburn center during Black Market Place, across the street from the school of Business at Show-off boutique, and will be in more stores soon, in St. Louis, D.C., Ohio, New Jersey, and New York for now, and all available retail information will be posted on our blog, dimesandnicks.blogspot.com along with links to the online store. We will also have ordering available on the Myspace page.

Jones': Well, I appreciate your time and I wish nothing but great things for you and your line in the future. Do you have any shoutouts?

Casey: And Thank you. I just want to be sure and give thanks to Howard for showing us love for the past 4 years and continuing to support me when it matters most. My boy Lucky Seven, and the How Hood crew, Prestige Marketing, singersroom.com, Omega Psi Phi Alpha Chapter, and everyone that supported us at Howard University's Homecoming!

Jones': How can I get a shirt or something lol?

Casey: And I'm sure we can hook you up with a shirt or something, just be sure and keep in touch.

Jones': Well once again, I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule and doing this interview with me. You are really appreciated.

Casey: No problem, thanks for listening.

Jones': The pleasures all mine.

New Feature: Spotlight Tuesday!!!

Interview Coming Soon!!!