He is a passionate soul who realised his potential at an early stage and has always kept an eye on his goals!
Donning many hats, JoJo Ryder, the renowned filmmaker, producer and actor has risen to fame with his first feature film project as an executive producer of American Heist, and since then there is no looking back for him. He is a passionate soul who realised his potential at an early stage and has always kept an eye on his goals!
Q- You’re a known filmmaker and producer today. What made you start as a producer? How it all began?
Frankly, I have been in love with filmmaking since my childhood. In fact, I’ve thrived in an environment where I used to wear different hats – acting, writing, editing… etc. I think, in Hollywood, you have to play various roles until you come across the right opportunity and grab it.
Q- Did you ever imagine the television show that you produced For the love of Ray J will turn into such a big hit?
Ray J is my brother and I always knew For The Love of Ray J would be a big hit. We needed a network that supported the project from storylines to the vision. Jeff Olde at the time was at VH1 and he gave us full support and allowed me to produce the project the way I wanted. Happy that we were the first reality show with a soundtrack!
Jeff Olde at the time was at VH1 and he gave us full support and allowed me to produce the project the way I wanted.
Q- Now, you have a documentary series about the former NBA star Lamar Odom who was married to Khloe Kardashian coming out soon. What can people expect to see?
A lot of people believe what they see on TV. What they don’t know are the backstories that come with all the drama and excitement. One day, Lamar came to me and said if anyone can tell my story truthfully it’s you, so we plan on giving you the raw truth. Trust me, there will be a lot of explosive untold stories, and how he impacted a lot of people’s lives for the good. Just wait and watch!
Q- You’ve also acted in some television series. What made you take up acting? How did you manage your first break?
To be candid, I somehow never really liked acting. But at that time I didn’t know anyone in the business, so I figured some ways to be on set and get the right network. I still fondly remember, my first break was a national commercial from an open casting call that opened the door for me to get an agent. That turned everything around!
I still fondly remember, my first break was a national commercial from an open casting call that opened the door for me to get an agent.
Q- Ever thought of giving a shot in Bollywood?
Yes! Though I personally don’t know any studio distribution companies that are in that system, but I simply in awe of Bollywood!
Q- One movie or a television series that is very close to your heart and why?
One movie that is close to my heart is American Heist, because everyone thought I was just a reality producer. It also opened the doors for all of my films, and documentaries I have commenced in my journey.
It also opened the doors for all of my films, and documentaries I have commenced in my journey.
Q- Digital presence plays an important role in defining one’s success story these days. What do you have to say about that?
Absolutely, digital presence has a very important role to play! I mentioned that in one of the world’s biggest business publications in my article in the past. In Hollywood, you need an agent or manager to get you in doors but now with digital media, you can be discovered on Instagram, TikTok, and even have your own audience. So, somewhere you control the narrative of your brand!
Q- Any upcoming projects that you would like to share with our readers?
I have a lot of great projects coming out, from Cesar Millan, Blac Chyna to Lamar Odom docu-series, and I have a big movie coming out too. Can’t talk about it in depth because the studio has to make the announcements first. But yes, I am all very excited!
I have a lot of great projects coming out, from Cesar Millan, Blac Chyna to Lamar Odom docu-series, and I have a big movie coming out too.
Q- Every successful journey has its ups and downs. What keeps you going in tough times? Any health regime that you follow regularly?
What gets me through everything is my faith in god! My health regime is I wake up at 4 am, run 2 miles, then workout for 30 minutes.
Q- Any tips for an aspiring person who wants to make a mark in the show business of television or movies?
Always believe in yourself, AND ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS! This business has a way of making you doubt your dreams, your vision, your abilities. Stick with it and it will happen!
This business has a way of making you doubt your dreams, your vision, your abilities.
