Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackson Rayfield.
Jackson, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved to Los Angeles sixteen years ago with a passion to work in film. Initially, I moved out here interested in pursuing acting, but over time I found myself gradually getting more immersed in the production element. I began to create my own content and found an exciting new level of self-expression. It was the best decision I could have ever made. It has been an empowering experience that fulfills me with the process of taking an idea from a concept to a finished product, which has incredible rewards.
I spent several years making short-form content before I decided I should begin submitting the shorts into festivals to increase their audience reach and meet peers. Much to my satisfaction, my submissions instantly began winning awards. It was greatly encouraging to sit in a theater and be able to feel the energy of an audience truly engaged with my content. I create content to be enjoyed so when it is, it feels pretty incredible.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
On a professional level, I believe the biggest obstacle I have experienced is how to marry the business with the art and how to make content that creates a gratifying experience and potentially generates a profit. In the filmmaking world that means it is more likely that another film can be made, which is always my ambition. I started taking business classes last year and it has informed me in meaningful ways how to perceive value. My latest short, “Caveman Did First,” will be released and streaming this month on Amazon. It won multiple awards in different film festivals and will now be distributed on a mainstream global platform, which is beyond exciting. The audience response has been so positive. “Caveman Did First”: A small clan of cavemen stumble into an unexpected wonder that will ROCK THE WORLD. Check it out this month on Amazon.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I formed a photography/videography business with my longtime comrade-in-arms and sister, Dakota Rayfield. We have always had a passion for movies and entertainment, and we came to the revelation that we could combine our creative talents and ability with people to provide a superior service that is personal and special to us and also create a wonderful product for our clients. Our business, called “Jackson & Dakota,” specializes in shooting special events and other forms of creative content for social media and marketing needs.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have made the same decisions I have a little faster.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jacksonanddakota.com
- Phone: (424) 209-8691
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Martin Ehleben, David Downs II, Steve Escarcega
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.
