KAPPAS IN THE ARTS
W riter-director Saquan Jones (Alpha Gamma 1996) is no stranger to overcoming adversity. The oldest of two children who was raised by a single mother in the Queensbridge Housing Project in Queens, New York, became a father himself at age 19. Today he is in the throes of producing his next movie “And There Were 4.” Jones describes this movie as “2005’s Oscar ® Winner for Best Picture “Crash” meets African American superheroes.” “For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to complete a comic book movie.” He doesn’t see this movie having the budget of a typical summer block- buster but “I truly believe I wrote an engaging script that will allow the viewer to be engaged in all aspects of this film without budget restrictions being a hindrance to the viewing experience.” Jones attended public schools throughout Queens (P.S. 76 and J.H.S. 204) and Manhattan (Martin Luther King Jr., High School). Jones became a father at 19. He was able to earn scholarships from the United Negro College Fund to attend Vir- ginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia where he majored in both History and Political Science with a minor in Secondary Education. He earned a Bachelor’s of Arts, with honors 1999. He obtained his New York State Public School Teacher Certification and went on to pursue a post gradu- ate degree at Pace University in New York. Graduating from the nationally ranked Lubin School of Business with an MBA in Financial Management, he has served in a number of differ- ent capacities for various Fortune 500 companies. While building a successful career in
the private sector, Jones continued his commitment to societal issues, specifically those impacting family and community. This drove him to take lead roles in various community service initiatives including running for public office in 2009. In 2014, Jones started a production company called Life With Say and produced, wrote and directed the movies: The Founders’ Keeper, 10 Minutes and the critically acclaimed Love Isn’t Enough, which are all avail- able via Amazon.com. He is also the author of the novel, The Weight of the World. The Jour- nal caught up with Brohter Jones to discuss his latest project. Journal: What motivated you to be- gin production of “And There Were 4”? SJ: I feel that African Americans are underrepresented as main characters in comic book movies. I wanted to create a story that figured characters with great backstories and abilities that will make a young minority’s parent want to purchase a Halloween costume because they feel connected
to the character.
Journal: What should viewers take away from it? SJ: That African American writers, actors and directors can tell great stories without depicting negative images that continue to plague and hinder our progress as a race. Journal: What motivates you to be a professional in this industry? SJ: I was 35 and I realized that I can work for someone and make a pretty good living but I wouldn’t be rich. And, I am not talking about finances. When I say rich, I mean emotionally fulfilled. Money is great but I want to be happy in life. So, as a 35-year-old man I realized what made me happy was writing and movies and I decided to go for it. Opened up my produc- tion company called Life With Say and I have looked back since. Now, I just need to get the rich part down. For more information on Jones’ latest project, visit: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ and-there-were-four-movie-film#/.
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
SPRING 2017 | 81
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