Meet Jaden Thompson | Filmmaker, and Photographer

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

Hi Jaden, how do you think about risk?
I think risk-taking personally defines my career. Being a filmmaker there are no diamond absolutes, everything is up in the air. From your crew to schedules, the weather, equipment, money, etc. If your trying to do this in order to have a safety net-like career this is not the business for you. But it would be boring if it was, and that’s the thing making films are not really boring. It always feels like this insane rollercoaster you’re on where at any moment, everything can fall apart and break down, but for the moments where it doesn’t, it can be truly exhilarating. The fact that I’m seeing my creation come to life, and that I’m able to express myself in a purely visual form, gives me a sense of purpose. So for me, all the stress, late nights, and risk of failure are worth it if just for the brief moment where I’m able to see all my hard work put on screen, with all my friends and family able to enjoy it. For that brief moment, I feel complete. I live for that moment.

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’ve always loved movies ever since I was a kid. It’s all I ever really obsess about, it’s all I think about. I started making films in high school with an iPhone and a couple of my friends, and now I’m getting more professional gigs, I’m working on my first feature. Got a great script going, have a wonderful team I’m working with, and just won a 2020-2021 student production Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences-National Chesapeake Bay Chapter for a Psa I did. I guess if I was gonna say what has defined my work is that I’ve always tried to stand out. I’ve always felt if there’s one thing I’m going to go 200 percent in on it’s my films, and I want them to feel that way. Not to sound pretentious, but I want as soon as you see a clip of something I’ve done without even knowing my name is on it, I want the person to automatically think oh Jaden made this. In the same way, when you watch something made by Wes Anderson, or Stanley Kubrick because for me film has always been the only way I truly feel I can express myself. I’m not really good at telling people, how I feel, but when I create something in some ways It’s probably when I’m the most honest with people. It’s not easy, none of it is but I know that this is my calling. It’s the only thing in life that truly just makes sense to me, it gives me purpose. I just want that when I die I will have contributed something great to this art form that I love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I mean for me we’d be going all around the area. We’d definitely hit D.C. It’s just a vibe down there and it’s so infectious and fun. Honestly, though, I wouldn’t have a plan I’d just be like let’s go pick a stop on the metro and explore it. But if I’d have to pick, Chinatown is a lot of fun, and I have nostalgia for Dupont Circle. We’d also have to hit the “Artechouse” it’s like this mixed media art exhibit that has some of the most beautiful visuals I’ve ever seen. But I’m also a movie guy so if we’re hanging out you’re most likely into movies so I’m going to take you to some of my favorite theaters. We have to hit a midnight showing of “The Room” at the Landmark E street theater. Then on another night, we’d have to hit Silver Spring to go to the AFI. And then go get some dope posters from the Old Greenbelt theater. For dinner, we are going to Ellicott city to get some bomb ass Korean food from this place called Lotte Market. And finally, we got to get some Boba tea (the only thing that brings me peace in this world). I don’t really ever have a full-on plan when I hang out, I more look to have like an old-school adventure. Just wandering from place to place just enjoying the vibes and the little moments with my friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Parents, and my friends Xzavia, Sebastian, and Edward.

Instagram: @junior_vvvegaaa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-WL_fxmPdc8j_cjKl-E8iP2VF1ZgjdT5

Image Credits
The “Personal Photo” was taken by Sebastian Bifot