Today we’d like to introduce you to James Ken Blackmon.
Hi James Ken, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got my start as a creative in the Music Industry, being the lead singer in and running a handful of bands in the New York area. I later transitioned into TV and Film as an actor shortly before moving to LA. Now more than a decade into my journey in the Entertainment Industry I’ve begun writing and producing and will be directing my first film which has just entered pre-production.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
On the road to getting what you want there will always be either sacrifices to make or obstacles to overcome. My first big sacrifice was when I made the decision to leave all my friends and family in NY, NJ, & CT to move to Los Angeles. Working without that safety net was freeing in a way, everything became do-or-die and I got more done in a shorter amount of time….Then one of the biggest challenges I ever faced put all my strength and will power to the test. I became temporarily disabled for a year after being hit head-on by a car while riding my motorcycle in Hollywood. This period of time put me more in touch with the spiritual aspects of everything I was doing and wanted to do. In addition, the motorcycle accident made me acutely aware of the mental health side of dealing with the extremely stressful environments I was in. In effect, the sacrifices and challenges I’ve come across have pushed me to better equip myself to handle the life I’ve chosen to lead.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Being Black in the Entertainment Industry is an ever-evolving position to be in. As an actor, I’ve seen the roles being offered change for the better, with more characters of varying depth/social standing/and emotional nuance being created. Most of the problems with diversity in Hollywood originate with the creators and backers of the projects. Now as a writer/director & producer, I will be pushing for authentic diverse voices in every stage of the creative process. My position as a Board Member of C Talent (A talent agency representing diverse Deaf and Disabled creators) has allowed me a special opportunity to connect with other change-makers to continue giving voices to the unseen and unheard. I’m immensely proud to have helped my wife Keely Cat-Wells build this company that continues to spread a positive narrative in our field.
What makes you happy?
One thing that makes me happy is when I can give to my community. The best way I believe I can do that is to keep creating and making tv and film projects that lift up marginalized people of the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Blackmonforeva
- Twitter: Blackmonforeva
Image Credits
Jon Dragonette
