Jax Media Taps Michael [Boogie] Pinckney to Head the Jax Jobs Program
Jax Media’s Jax Jobs Program takes a hands-on boutique approach to recruitment, hiring, and training. Michael [Boogie] Pinckney heads the Jax Jobs Program in partnership with Netflix consists of a Recruitment & Hiring Initiative, Producer Fellowship, Mentee Development Program, Internship Program, and Master Class sessions.
Check out our exclusive interview with Michael [Boogie] Pinckney!
What inspired you to get into the entertainment industry?
Boogie: I’ve always wanted to be a writer since I was 12. I come from a big family and I’m the youngest, so I developed a knack for telling stories to get attention. Writing became a safe space for me and when I got to college, I was introduced to the film program. Soon after that, I got my first internship on a Spike Lee film, and I’ve been in a torrid love affair with film & tv ever since.
Not many people can say they had the opportunity to work with the legendary Spike Lee. What has that experience been like for you personally and professionally?
Boogie: I got my first internship on a Spike film and rose through the ranks from PA and eventually to assistant director on films like Inside Man, Bamboozled, and 25th Hour. It was an amazing journey. It was like being in school all over again. I got to soak it all up and watch a master at work. I get my speed and preparation from Spike. He’s a master technician. Most of his films are under budget and ahead of schedule because of how he stares the ship. Spike also Executive Produced my feature “You’re Nobody Til Somebody Kills You”.
How did your role at Jax Media come about and how has the journey been so far?
Boogie: During the social unrest after the George Floyd incident the founder, and CEO of Jax, Tony Hernandez, and I had a conversation. He wanted to build a program to develop, train, and staff more diverse talent across Jax shows. So we started developing the Jax Jobs Program and I came on board to run the program. I worked in the Jax orbit years before as a 1st Assistant Director on Chris Rock’s film “Top Five” and season two of “Broad City” so Tony and I already had a great relationship.
Why do you think it’s important for the masses to know about Jax Media’s Jax Jobs Program?
Boogie: It’s important because Jax is talking the talk and walking the walk. We took a pragmatic approach and the Jax Jobs Program is making real and significant strides in diversity, access, and opportunity. We are committed to being a part of the change that we all want to see in the industry. In its first year the Jax Jobs Program has hired over 300 Diverse creatives, and currently has 10 Producer Fellows, 7 Mentees, and 9 Interns in the program.
What sparked your passion to empower emerging creatives? In what ways has this work empowered you?
Boogie: I feel my mission is to be the person who I needed when you were younger. Working in the business you get to see and experience the good and the bad and I made it my business to be the good in the journey of creatives. I’m inspired by young creatives. Their passion, drive, and their thoughtfulness. Encouraging and guiding emerging creatives has always been a part of my DNA.
What do you love most about the work that you do?
Boogie: I love when I’m able to give opportunities to talented emerging creatives. Working in the business at a young age I yearned for knowledge, mentorship, and access and it’s amazing that we’ve reached an inflection point where those things are happening in real-time. Real conversations are being had and real change is happening. It’s a process and it’s going to take time but we are starting to feel the ripple effect. Helping them develop their projects and helping them zero in on their vision and creative voice. Seeing the fire in their eyes and hearing the passion in their voices fires me up. It’s iron sharpening iron.
What does 2022 look like for you?
Boogie: We’re going to continue to expand the Jax Jobs Program in supporting, nurturing, and giving opportunities to diverse talent. On the directing and producing side I’m developing the film “I AM A MAN” into a ½ scripted series, finishing up postproduction on “Trafficked”, a docu-series about sex trafficking and starting prep on my sneakerhead digital series “Sole Kings” — Restocked, among a few other projects in development. I’m also excited about some projects I’m helping to develop and push from some amazing emerging creatives.
What advice would you have for anyone who aspires to follow your career path?
Boogie: I would tell them that it’s not the destination but the journey. I would tell them to pace themselves and celebrate their wins and the losses. Stay focused and keep your head down and do the work. Whatever the work is; writing, directing, producing, acting cinematography stay with it and never take your eyes off the prize. Also, align yourself with like-minded people. People who love doing what they do just as much as you. We all rise together.
You can learn more about the Jax Jobs Program at www.JaxMedia.com
Connect with Michael at www.Boogievision.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boogievision/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/boogievision
