Life and Work with Rocki Jean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocki Jean.

Rocki, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my career in Philadelphia PA (as Shannon Muir HD) shooting music videos for local talent (DJ Diamond Kuts, Gillie Da Kid, Meek Mill, etc.) and when I realized I had bigger dreams I took a leap of faith and moved to LA. I didn’t know anyone, I briefly met a woman in the Bahamas who had a 2nd room in Studio City and thought I should be in Hollywood after seeing my work. About a year later, I sold everything in my apartment and drove across the country to that very room.

I started adding people on Facebook and finding opportunities on Craigslist to get the ball rolling out here. If anyone needed anything creative I offered my services. I started finding myself on sets shooting BTS for Chris Brown, Machine Gun Kelly, Wiz Khalifa, etc. Those opportunities turned into being the editor for the actual videos, then being the actual director.

After having two babies (one survivor) I realized running around and shooting pregnant wasn’t something people saw often and left me out as an option. That led me to find any job opportunity that wouldn’t also cramp my career. A friend hired me at a job he was working for as a creative consultant which worked through the pregnancy but they closed my division a week into my maternity leave. A month later, I landed a position with Dope Pic for a year and a half editing and shooting for Kevin Hart. While also continuing my career as a director/shooter. I am currently working on branding myself further as a TV & Film producer/creator. I have two shows in the works and a musical side career

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely has not been a smooth road. I’ve been broke, pregnant, homeless, kicked out of apartments due to gentrification, used, in a toxic relationship and wanted to just give up on life but the key is to never stop and stay inspired. Giving up is guaranteed failure, pushing forward is guaranteed progress. (iiiii think I’m going to quote that, lol.)

Please tell us about your work.
I do video productions from top to bottom… I’ve learned all avenues to some degree in order to execute content. I specialize in music videos but I’m most proud of the sitcom I created last April. I’m still working on it as I didn’t have much funding and am editing it all myself but it looks and feels exactly how I thought it would, and I can’t wait to see where it goes. The biggest thing that sets me apart is being able to turn something from nothing. I’ve been artsy my whole life and I’m able to apply it almost everywhere.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
That’s tricky. Lol. I believe women are in a better position for opportunities solely on the fact that the world is in a better position. It’s the best and worst time for everything. Pay for everything seems lower (especially in entertainment) but there are APPS to make money at your disposal.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Rockijean

Image Credit:
Larry Wright

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