Life & Work with Jai Harris of Rancho Cucamonga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jai Harris.

Hi Jai, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always believed that storytelling has the power to change lives, because it changed mine. Growing up I turned to art and filmmaking as both an escape and a way to document the world around me. Over nearly two decades, I built a career producing for major networks like VH1, MTV, OWN, BET, HGTV, WETv, Bravo, Discovery+, and more, working with artists, entertainers, and changemakers across genres.

A few years ago, my partner Darion and I realized that the skills and knowledge we’ve gained in the entertainment industry shouldn’t just stay in Hollywood, they should be accessible to young people everywhere. Individually he and I had aspirations to start a school so when we connected it was inevitable. That’s how Free Royalty Academy was born.

Free Royalty Academy is an educational platform dedicated to teaching storytelling, filmmaking, photography, acting, and media production to children, teens, and adults worldwide. We host master classes, hands-on workshops, after-school programs, and mentorship opportunities, equipping aspiring creators with the tools to take their ideas from concept to pitch-ready projects.

Our vision is global. We travel from state to state conducting interactive workshops in communities of all sizes. One of our most popular programs is Arts and Athletics; a unique workshop often paired with sports camps to provide siblings, families, and the public with a creative outlet. These events, held in schools across the nation, give students the rare opportunity to learn how to film athletic events while also developing skills in acting, photography, drone operation, camera work, interviewing, and more.

For participants ages 14 and up, we offer Master Classes where Darion and I pull back the curtain on the entertainment industry, sharing insider knowledge that’s often gatekept, from pitching to networks to casting secrets. We also offer virtual learning, and our long-term goal is to establish in-person campuses where students of all ages can collaborate, create, and dream big.

At its core, Free Royalty Academy is about giving the next generation the same thing that saved me access, opportunity, and the belief that their voice matters. Free Royalty Workshops are coming to cities across California Fall 2025!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. We have built Free Royalty Academy from the ground up, producing everything out of pocket while balancing our own careers in the entertainment industry. We have been fortunate to receive support from a few sponsors along the way, but consistent funding has been a challenge. Despite that, we have continued to pour our own resources, time, and energy into creating these programs because we believe so deeply in the mission. Our hope is to continue growing, building relationships, and securing grants so that we can provide these workshops and educational opportunities completely free to the communities that need them most.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am first and foremost a storyteller. My work spans film, poetry, radio, and the creation of platforms that give other storytellers a voice. Over the course of my career, I have built a highly versatile resume, producing everything from character-driven reality shows to paranormal investigations, lifestyle programming, and more. I have worked on projects ranging from Love and Hip Hop to Ghost Brothers and everything in between.

That range is intentional. I want to be well-rounded so that I have the tools to teach the next generation how to create in any genre they choose. Whether it is unscripted television, documentary, scripted film, or live performance, I want to pass on the skills, knowledge, and confidence that come from real industry experience.

Through Free Royalty Academy, our long-term vision is to grow into a network that opens doors for future storytellers, whether they are artists, filmmakers, poets, or anything in between. I am most proud of being able to merge my personal journey, professional expertise, and passion for storytelling into something that inspires and empowers others to tell their own stories.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am incredibly grateful for the people who have been instrumental in both my personal journey and the growth of Free Royalty Academy. My partner, Darion, is at the heart of it all, together we are able to turn our ideas into reality and push forward no matter the obstacles. My brother, Michael, has always been a constant source of encouragement, pushing me to pursue my dreams and providing resources along the way.

Recently, we held a series of workshops and classes in Denver, Colorado, and the support we received was overwhelming. A special thank you goes to our team—Yosef Bennett- our fellow instructor, Michael and Jazz- our management team, our art instructor G.Alex.Z, and our dedicated volunteers Socorro, Britteny, Cecile, and Serene.

We also want to sincerely thank The Carey School of Basketball for partnering with us and providing the space to make it happen. Rudy Carey, Daye Collier, and Brandy Carey went above and beyond, even providing shirts for our camp. To our sponsors: Color Coded Media Group, Legal Hustle, R&R Headlabs, and NAS Recovery Solutions—thank you for your generous contributions and support. And most importantly, thank you to all of our participants for trusting us with your time, energy, and creativity.

Pricing:

• Consultations Starting at $50
• Master Classes Starting at $75

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.freeroyalty.biz/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freeroyaltyllc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@freeroyaltyllc
• Other: https://flow.page/freeroyalty

Image Credits
Cecile Perrin, Darion Taylor