Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrian Jules.
Adrian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story started in one of the worst ways imaginable; my mother, a native of Haiti, moved to the Bahamas in search of a better life. At age thirty-one, she was raped and became pregnant with me. Nine months later, I was born. Five years later, my mother saved up enough money to pay for a spot on a small fishing boat headed to the states, Miami, Florida, to be exact.
Marcilia Jules sought a better life for us; needless to say, we made it to the United States in one piece. After a group presentation that involved acting, my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Ponder, told me that one day I’d move to Hollywood and become a star like Will Smith. Still, all I ever wanted to do was become a basketball player and was enamored by all things Kobe Bryant. Mrs. Ponder saw something in me, at the age of nineteen, I moved to Los Angeles to play Junior college football at Pierce College. A year later, I quit the football team and focused on acting the entertainment bug had bitten me. Just as Mrs. Ponder had predicted at Riverland elementary, I was on a quest to become an entertainer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey has been anything but smooth, perspective is everything. I’m a kid conceived as a result of rape; I came to the United States on a boat. In school, I was bullied for being Haitian. Life is a test of will power, and I was tested at an early age yet managed to get through dark times. Transitioning to entertainment wasn’t easy, but compared to what I had been through in life, I was prepared for the tough times, which included living in my car for months, showering at the gym, being turned down by agencies, being told that my scripts and ideas weren’t good enough the no’s are frequent in this business, but all it takes is one YES.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As an actor, I’ve been the face of several brands, which include KFC, Facebook, Redfin, Google, to name a few. As a writer, I was able to save up money and shoot my first feature-length film entitled Adopted: A family’s decision to adopt appears noble until family ties lead to deadly consequences. I also produced a short film entitled ‘Taboo,’ which is about a group of guys planning an epic bachelor party, their friendship is tested when they learn the unsettling truth about their newly engaged friend, Kevin. It’s the Hangover with one hell of a twist. I’m so proud of this project; it’s doing fantastic on the film festival circuit. Taboo debuted at the Pan African Film Festival this year. As a writer, I want to create stories that I don’t see on screen, even if it means putting my own money behind it. As a company, A Plus Pictures LLC focuses on low budget high concept projects; you don’t need millions of dollars to tell a good story. It certainly helps, but you run the risk of waiting to tell a story that can change lives; I don’t let budget constraints stop me.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Marcilia Jules, my mother, is the bravest person I’ve ever met; it takes strength to love a child created under such extreme circumstances, she has loved and supported me to the moon and back. My fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Ponder saw my creativity at an early age and nurtured it. Director Tom Shadyac told me that I’d be fine in this business; he could see the determination in my eyes that was pretty awesome. My aunts Celina, Neicy, Edith, Witane, Sulfrida, Marie Vita, Yolanda, Vanessa. My family William Exemar, Ricky Dugat, Reid Belizaire, Asia, Patrick, Derick. My producer Santrise who is one of the most brilliant minds that I know, my agency DDO, it takes a village, and these are just a few of the villagers that helped guide me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://apluspictures.com
- Phone: 305.417.3509
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrianjules/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdoptedFilm/
- Other: theadrianjules.com
Image Credit:
Kim Alexis
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
