Projecting images onto a screen in a dimly lit theatre where a crowd happens to gather is not true filmmaking. Capturing emotion so well that onlookers experience your vision and feel privileged to witness your purpose, however, is filmmaking in its finest form.
Declaring that Jordan Crafton is driven or going places is a clear understatement at best. At just 22 years of age, his presence has been felt by many and his influence is as far-reaching as his dreams allow. As the CEO of JDC films, based in Uniondale, NY, Jordan masters the balancing act between his administrative duties to his company and his dedication to his creative craft. The time, energy, and passion he pours into his life’s work would leave many drained and weary, but his deeply-rooted motivation and undying enthusiasm know no boundaries. Best known for his captivating and thought-provoking documentaries on current issues facing young adults in society today, JDC Films is so much more than theatrical art—it’s a movement. Jordan continues to embody every attribute of a dream seeker that we can conceivably imagine and is gracious enough to invite us along for the journey. With the innate ability to lead and inspire, Crafton clearly believes and gladly tells others that “the top is just a step away from the dream so let’s walk.” Possessing the raw talent, tunnel-vision focus, and sheer determination most people covet and hope for, Jordan is considered a legend in the making who realizes that sometimes BIG dreams call for BIG sacrifices. Crafton’s fate is one of greatness, and he believes in order to realize his true potential he must invest in his dream first—even before his barest necessities. Understand that most may make glitz\y glam films, but JDC creates art. It’s more than a dream for him…IT’S DESTINY.
Enjoy the following interview with this Mogul on the Move:
How did you become interested in filmmaking?
Well, there are several reasons on why I actually starting making films. My dream originally was to become a jazz musician. I became in love with that form of artistic expression. Jazz gave me a way to communicate all of my feelings to anybody without having to speak. The only major problem that I had with life however, was with my favorite television shows. Shows like, "The Wonder Years", "Dawson's Creek", and "Boy Meets World" all sold me a dream of how I thought life could be. I understood my surroundings and my neighborhood, but those shows allowed me to dream for a simpler life, and when I realized that things would never turn out that way I became compelled to start telling the "untold" stories. Media and filmmaking is primarily fantasy based, and I felt like there's a market out there that would love to see something different. So ultimately, with my heavy musical background throughout high school and college I can now show people a film exactly how I want it to look, and extract your emotions exactly how I want to musically.
What are some of your favorite films and why?
My recent favorite is "500 Days of Summer". I love this work because of the risks it took both artistically and in storytelling as well. I must have watched this work at least 50times, every time I see or feel something new. What I love both is that I was able to dive into the directors and producers mind with the production notes from Barnes and Noble, and the commentary on the special features from the DVD.
My favorite documentaries are "For the Love of the Game" and "Hoop Dreams". These documentaries are both about high school basketball dreams, but they were raw and fearless in their approach. You feel as though you are living with these people as you watch their lives on screen.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?
The same advice that I would give to anybody. Never let go of your dreams, and do whatever it takes to get to your destiny. The most fearful part about being a filmmaker is the amount of money that it takes to produce a work. This is one of the few desired occupations or hobbies that will have several expensive learning experiences. Working towards my goals have caused me to live a complete different life from my peers, which is painful at times because we haven't shared the same memories. In the event that filmmaking doesn't work, I would have wasted the "best years" of my life. But I'm completely comfortable with that risk and I continually stretch myself and push towards that place which will continue to make me different.
Who or what inspires you to continue your filmmaking career?
Having the opportunity to share my story with the world. Knowing that my works actually help people. I strive to make the stories that reveal those memories that people keep deep inside and anticipate nobody to ever find them out. But, the reality is that many people go through similar things and I believe that a lot of self-esteem problems or depression could be solved if we actually shared our experiences with other people.
Out of all the films you have created which one are you most proud of and why?
I'm most proud of "My Block: Strong Island". Not only because it was my biggest work, but because of how many times I had to change the mood of the film to make it work. My partner, Tyrell Spencer, and I used everything we had to make that movie come to life. With limited money and no car we made it happen, and that was the "sign" that I needed to let me know that this form of art was actually my destiny.
In the film industry, who’s work do you admire the most and why?
I admire Spike Lee, but that is solely upon his soundtracks. I'm attracted to several of his films because of my jazz foundation. Terence Blanchard is my favorite composer now. I love his musical productions for films (mostly "Talk to Me"), but I also love his jazz albums too (especially his most recent "Choices").
If you could collaborate on a project with anyone, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Diddy's marketing potential, Terence Blanchard musical freedom, and Spike Lee's fearless attitude. This group is not necessarily my dream team because I love the people I work with right now, but I would be interested in seeing how things would come together.
Declaring that Jordan Crafton is driven or going places is a clear understatement at best. At just 22 years of age, his presence has been felt by many and his influence is as far-reaching as his dreams allow. As the CEO of JDC films, based in Uniondale, NY, Jordan masters the balancing act between his administrative duties to his company and his dedication to his creative craft. The time, energy, and passion he pours into his life’s work would leave many drained and weary, but his deeply-rooted motivation and undying enthusiasm know no boundaries. Best known for his captivating and thought-provoking documentaries on current issues facing young adults in society today, JDC Films is so much more than theatrical art—it’s a movement. Jordan continues to embody every attribute of a dream seeker that we can conceivably imagine and is gracious enough to invite us along for the journey. With the innate ability to lead and inspire, Crafton clearly believes and gladly tells others that “the top is just a step away from the dream so let’s walk.” Possessing the raw talent, tunnel-vision focus, and sheer determination most people covet and hope for, Jordan is considered a legend in the making who realizes that sometimes BIG dreams call for BIG sacrifices. Crafton’s fate is one of greatness, and he believes in order to realize his true potential he must invest in his dream first—even before his barest necessities. Understand that most may make glitz\y glam films, but JDC creates art. It’s more than a dream for him…IT’S DESTINY.
Enjoy the following interview with this Mogul on the Move:
How did you become interested in filmmaking?
Well, there are several reasons on why I actually starting making films. My dream originally was to become a jazz musician. I became in love with that form of artistic expression. Jazz gave me a way to communicate all of my feelings to anybody without having to speak. The only major problem that I had with life however, was with my favorite television shows. Shows like, "The Wonder Years", "Dawson's Creek", and "Boy Meets World" all sold me a dream of how I thought life could be. I understood my surroundings and my neighborhood, but those shows allowed me to dream for a simpler life, and when I realized that things would never turn out that way I became compelled to start telling the "untold" stories. Media and filmmaking is primarily fantasy based, and I felt like there's a market out there that would love to see something different. So ultimately, with my heavy musical background throughout high school and college I can now show people a film exactly how I want it to look, and extract your emotions exactly how I want to musically.
What are some of your favorite films and why?
My recent favorite is "500 Days of Summer". I love this work because of the risks it took both artistically and in storytelling as well. I must have watched this work at least 50times, every time I see or feel something new. What I love both is that I was able to dive into the directors and producers mind with the production notes from Barnes and Noble, and the commentary on the special features from the DVD.
My favorite documentaries are "For the Love of the Game" and "Hoop Dreams". These documentaries are both about high school basketball dreams, but they were raw and fearless in their approach. You feel as though you are living with these people as you watch their lives on screen.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?
The same advice that I would give to anybody. Never let go of your dreams, and do whatever it takes to get to your destiny. The most fearful part about being a filmmaker is the amount of money that it takes to produce a work. This is one of the few desired occupations or hobbies that will have several expensive learning experiences. Working towards my goals have caused me to live a complete different life from my peers, which is painful at times because we haven't shared the same memories. In the event that filmmaking doesn't work, I would have wasted the "best years" of my life. But I'm completely comfortable with that risk and I continually stretch myself and push towards that place which will continue to make me different.
Who or what inspires you to continue your filmmaking career?
Having the opportunity to share my story with the world. Knowing that my works actually help people. I strive to make the stories that reveal those memories that people keep deep inside and anticipate nobody to ever find them out. But, the reality is that many people go through similar things and I believe that a lot of self-esteem problems or depression could be solved if we actually shared our experiences with other people.
Out of all the films you have created which one are you most proud of and why?
I'm most proud of "My Block: Strong Island". Not only because it was my biggest work, but because of how many times I had to change the mood of the film to make it work. My partner, Tyrell Spencer, and I used everything we had to make that movie come to life. With limited money and no car we made it happen, and that was the "sign" that I needed to let me know that this form of art was actually my destiny.
In the film industry, who’s work do you admire the most and why?
I admire Spike Lee, but that is solely upon his soundtracks. I'm attracted to several of his films because of my jazz foundation. Terence Blanchard is my favorite composer now. I love his musical productions for films (mostly "Talk to Me"), but I also love his jazz albums too (especially his most recent "Choices").
If you could collaborate on a project with anyone, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Diddy's marketing potential, Terence Blanchard musical freedom, and Spike Lee's fearless attitude. This group is not necessarily my dream team because I love the people I work with right now, but I would be interested in seeing how things would come together.
What projects are you currently working on? What can we expect from JDC Films in the future?
I'm currently in post-production for my next documentary "It's Showtime", which is about music as a language. This documentary shows the significance of music and how it teaches lessons to children as the audience will see the Uniondale High School Marching Band work towards their biggest competition in Quebec, Canada.
I also wrote a web series called, "Truth", that I begin production on in August. This will be my first scripted work and I'm very excited about it. It is a high school romantic comedy. Besides those two projects I still outsource myself and team to help other people bring their dreams to life with promo videos and such.
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