Meet Lekeith Jones | Writer/Filmmaker

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

Hi Lekeith, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a young Black man, I grew up introverted, often feeling trapped in my own thoughts. I faced hardships that deeply affected me—death, heartbreak, and identity struggles, as my interests and perspective on the world differed from my peers. In my community, showing vulnerability gets you shunned, which pressures Black boys to mask their struggles behind a facade of strength. As a result, we feel somewhat invisible in society because we find ourselves at the bottom of the hierarchy, marginalized and overlooked in a world that frequently prioritizes other narratives.

So, that led me into storytelling in my adolescence instead of suppressing my emotions and I discovered it to be a therapeutic outlet that gave me a sense of voice and presence. Another thing that influenced me to write was.. white teen dramas lol. I developed a deep affinity for shows like One Tree Hill, Degrassi, and 90210, they explored universal themes of identity and self-discovery during the formative years—experiences that mirrored my own. Watching these complex characters evolve and confront the challenges of growing up was both captivating and eye-opening. It was a form of escapism as well, in my real life, I was losing friends to gun violence and the streets so it was cool to get loss in another world. My connection to those shows was so intense; I was writing spec episodes of them in the seventh grade.

However, in the midst of finding comfort in these shows, I began to notice the lack of characters who looked like me, both on-screen and behind the scenes. It was a realization that slowly began to erode my initial sense of belonging in the world of storytelling. So in high school, I drifted away from storytelling, immersing myself in athletics, discouraged by the lack of representation. It was like my voice held no value and the thought of forging a career in the creative industry felt beyond my grasp.

It wasn’t until I saw Ryan Coogler’s “Fruitvale Station”, that I felt a spark reignite within me, drawing me back to my passion for storytelling in my junior year. Seeing a young Black filmmaker craft a masterpiece that vividly depicted the harsh realities of our community struck a deep chord within me. If it wasn’t for him, I may have never found my way back to storytelling. I carry deep admiration for him, as he reignited a passion within me that I thought I’d lost forever, reminding me that my voice, too, has value.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I take immense pride in my last film, “Urgency”, which has reached nearly 800,000 views on YouTube and opened doors I once only dreamed of. The film was led by three Black women, something we rarely see in hollywood. It demanded everything I had, especially since we shot it during the pandemic with no budget. The limited funds came straight from my production assistant salary, making every dollar and every hour count. While filming Urgency, I was working 12-hour days on the set of Love and Hip Hop. Many nights, I’d be up rewriting scenes or making shotlists until 4 a.m., only to be back on set by 8 a.m. to pick up Erica Mena. The dedication it took was intense, but looking back, every moment was worth it for what the project stands for.

I’m thrilled about my upcoming film, “Scammers”, it’s a dream project of mine. It’s a story that keeps me up at night, and it’s like I can’t sleep until it’s made. The concept is fresh and innovative, it draws on familiar elements, but the story is unique because it centers around people of color, so it adds layers and perspectives that haven’t been explored before. The film is a crime thriller and one of the lead characters is a black woman that’s incredibly complex and richly nuanced-I’ve never seen a female character like her on screen before. I’m really eager for the world to experience it; I think it’ll be one of the most captivating films of 2025. Our team is gearing up to launch our crowdfunding campaign soon, with filming set to begin on February 7th in LA. I can’t wait to bring this vision to life as my third film.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, if they’re visiting LA, we’re for sure sliding to Leo’s Taco Truck and going crazy. Then we’ll probably slide to a Lakers game to see Bron Bron. After, we’ll hit Get Lost, Downtown LA, that’s the new vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents and collaborators, I’m blessed to have parents that have always been supportive, making sacrifices to give me opportunities for a future beyond what they had. I was the only one in my friend group with two active parents, and while it’s easy to take that for granted when you’re young, I now realize just how fortunate I was. Their guidance allowed me to be the first man in my family to graduate from college. I’m also deeply grateful for my collaborators who believe in my vision and help bring these bold stories to life. Filmmaking is a team effort, and I strive to foster an environment where everyone can thrive—that’s my ultimate goal. This journey is bigger than me; it’s about creating opportunities for others and telling stories that’ll move all of us.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dashawnj_/

Twitter: https://x.com/_dashawnj_?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DashawnJsaidit