Meet Hope Jackson | Filmmaker

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

Hi Hope, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind beginning my own business wasn’t because I struggle working with others or because having a boss is annoying but because of my mental health. I thoroughly enjoy creating and begun Hopeful Illusions to be able to do so. After graduating in 2022 from the illustrious Winston Salem State University, I could not get a job in my field at all. It was unfortunate and depressing and the only thing that helped me with that was creating. Started my business literally saved my mind and me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a filmmaker and I do the whole thing. From writing, to filming, to directing, to editing etc. I feel that doesn’t necessarily set me apart but definitely puts me in a smaller circle. But what truly sets me apart is that I took my show directly to the movies. I tried the film festival route and it got me nowhere and I felt like that was such a long road. The technicalities it takes to be nominated let alone win a festival is almost slim to none with the little to no experience that I have. Only experience I have is the ones Mr. Davis offered and the ones I created for myself. I’m most proud that I know that this is only the beginning and I truly learn as I go. I know so much more from the first time I started filming my own projects and I love learning my craft. I’m still growing and it has not been easy at all. I actually debate consistently if this all will work out, I just know that I can’t give up. As of right not, I am nowhere near where I want to be professionally. I just know in order to overcome my thoughts or struggles that it’s important to bring attention toward myself and my projects and do what I must to get to where I want by any means necessary. Staying humble, always opening to learning new things from anyone and just spreading joy and happiness is things I’ve learned along the way. I want people to know that it took EVERYTHING I had to get to where I wanted to be. Once that happens I want people to know that risk are scary but staying where you don’t want to be is even scarier.

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?
I love a good walk and to the Alice in wonderland garden and then a nap. I thoroughly enjoy talking and catching up. In today’s time the term “yapper” has returned and I definitely think that’s me. Also I have a personal bar so some chitchat over a bottle of chardonnay will do it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Biggest shout out to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ first. Without him, I wouldn’t have even had the idea to start this business venture and He’s kept me through it all and continues to do so. Another shout out to my family and friends as they directly support my projects. They’re either in them or give me ideas while I’m writing. Lastly, I have to give another big shout out to Mr. Davis! He was one of my professors and kept pushing me and kept offering me any chance of an opportunity. Any that he offered, if I could I accepted. That mentality has a lot to do with how I work now. I’m grateful for everyone who’s gotten me from show one to show two and to whatever is next for me.

Website: https://www.hopefulillusions.com

Instagram: hopeful illusions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hopejackson22

Twitter: https://x.com/illusionors?s=21&t=qkv3nmL0W3oSZB6pa8TSSw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19d4n6WNkv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hopefulillusions?si=LH9RDYW5pKvo2r69

Image Credits
Hope Jackson, Michaela Greene and Lance Jackson