Meet Jonathon Leach: Film Producer & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathon Leach and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathon, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk Taking “Willing to take risky action in the hope of a desired result”. Taking risk is apart of life. I choose to take risks because I know for a fact playing it safe is not always the right thing to do. When I decided to start my own photography business, I did not know much about photography or film. I’ve always admired the power of cameras and what they can do to create. In 2013, I started my first company called GR33N Light Media. It was not just any media company, but it specialized in photography, behind scenes film, and producing (writing scripts for local film companies). My first camera was a Nikon D3200, terrible video quality but pretty decent with pictures. I took a risk, to invest in myself because I knew this was something I really wanted to do. At the time, I was making good money in the military so I was able to buy most of the things I needed for my company including my first LLC. Things were going well, until I was discharge from the military in 2015. Life accepted that I was willing to take a risk to start my company, but life also demanded that i take another risk by branching out on my own completely. Was I ready, of course not.

Mid, 2015 I realize that i was in over my head just a little. I didn’t have money to pay rent, or bills but I was determined to make my film company elevate. So my friend shooter trav, and myself we began to free lance the clubs to make a name for ourselves. There was no money, but we were willing to risk because we knew the money would come. We would hop from club to club filming and taking pictures to advertise our work. The money never came. We were offered a chance to shoot a urban film, started the film but the budget was never finalized. I was depressed, and forced to pick up a job.

You know there is a saying “all money isn’t good money. A military friend gave me a call. “Hey Leach what’s up man, lets link up and go to the ale house. I would love to talk to you about investing in a film studio.” With excitement, I met this friend at the bar for a few drinks to discuss this creative opportunity (the final risk). I was desperate for success. So desperate that I was willing to do something illegal in order to quit this job, and have my film studio. Did I know at the time it would be something illegal, not really. But screw it! Life owed me my freaking film studio. So we did what we did. November 30th, 2015 my mom screams for me while I’m upstairs editing a behind the scenes documentary. “Jon! Get down here now! Your name is on the news!” What? What do you mean my name is on the news. Moments later an FBI crew in all black came to my door to arrest me! What have I done? I risked it all, maybe I risk too much this time I thought.

It’s funny how bad decisions can lead to golden opportunities. During my time in prison I had to reflect on the risk that I took to get where I was. Most people would say I made a bad decision, and I would agree considering I had to do prison time over a film studio that never appeared. This risk was my golden opportunity. It was a chance to get back in shape, read as many motivational books as i can, and I had a chance to come up with a real plan for my business this time. It also allowed me to end bad friendships. Do yo have to go to prison to do all of that? No, of course not. But this was my second chance. Months after being home my career advance 10x faster than it did when I first started. My mind was so focus on what i wanted that I was able to triple my value because of my research in prison. I started a new company “Shots By Cash” and I even was able to start my own website. God is good. If I would have never took any risk, I would still be in the military sitting at a desk. I also am able to help lost veterans, and ex-cons with my story. Sometimes in life, you have to take a risk even if it doesn’t make sense. You never know where it would lead you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Shots By Cash. Photography and Film. I love to capture moments that are priceless. I think what sets me apart from other companies is 1. My logo 2. Customer service. I enjoy working for the people. I am most proud of starting my own brand, but having the capability to work with others. For example, Vision Twenty films is a company i work with. They are very powerful with the art of cinematography. With this company, I am able to display my writing skills.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The mountains. I love the scenery, and it gives us a chance to exercise and take pictures.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Parents, Les Brown, Proper Consult Films, Vision Twenty Films, TD Jakes, Media House News, Tyler Perry, Nick Cannon, Madison Jay, RO Hutch, Steven Furtick, Black Dollar.

Website: www.shotsbycash.com

Instagram: @shotsbycash13

Twitter: @jaecash

Facebook: SHOTS BY CASH

Image Credits
Photo Taken by J&S Studios.