Meet Jon Primo | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Primo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking is like a thrilling adventure for me, both as an artist and as a person. It’s like diving into the unknown, with the potential for both triumph and failure. But for me, the reward of growth and self-discovery is worth the risk. Every time I take a risk, I feel my confidence soar, and it opens up doors to new and exciting opportunities. And let’s be real, the recognition and the chance to work on bigger and more ambitious projects is always a nice bonus. Taking risks has helped me become a better, braver, and more successful version of myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a reflection of the optimistic and ambitious little boy inside me who sees the beauty in everything and everyone. The kid who sees the world in a positive light and wants to spread that positivity right back. I am proud of my ability to express myself through my passion for storytelling. One project that holds a special place in my heart is an independent feature film I made with my cousin in 2014, called “Blanco”. We successfully crowdfunded it and in 2020 it was distributed and can now be found on Amazon Prime. Joining Blank Square Productions also brought me a sense of brotherhood and allowed me to grow as both an artist and a person.

I’ve always been one to take matters into my own hands, and that’s exactly how I got to where I am today professionally. While in film school, I knew I needed more hands-on experience, so I took the initiative to start making music videos for local hip-hop artists. This led to connections with independent labels and other artists, and before I knew it, I was making a name for myself locally. I even started reaching out to opening acts at concerts, telling them how much I loved their music and offering to collaborate.

From there, I dove into an independent feature film, which was a huge learning experience for me, bigger than film school. I realized I had tapped out of my local scene and needed to grow, so I packed my bags and moved to LA. There, I worked with production companies on bigger budget videos and learned about the ins and outs of the industry. I continued to network and reached out on social media to cinematographers and other professionals, and even had the opportunity to ghost direct under a high-profile director for a year, which taught me valuable lessons about how to treat people and what to do (and not to do) on set.

I invested in several passion projects, which opened doors and led to connections. This ultimately led me to Blank Square, where I signed and took on whatever projects they had, always putting in the hard work and grinding late into the night because I loved what I was doing and wanted to prove myself. And I did just that, I proved that I belong where I am.

My journey to where I am now has been a long road, spanning over a decade. It wasn’t always easy, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it – there were plenty of lonely, dark nights filled with self-doubt. But through it all, I never let go of my love for what I was working towards, and that kept me going.

I think the key to my success was my unwavering belief in myself. I knew that I had the capability and determination to make my dreams a reality, no matter how hard it got. Of course, it came at a cost – there were sacrifices to be made and endless hours of dedication required. But ultimately, it was that belief in myself that allowed me to overcome every obstacle in my path. I wouldn’t let myself accept anything less than what I had set out to achieve.

Throughout my journey, I’ve gleaned countless valuable lessons, but the most important one for me has been the power of treating others with respect, kindness, and love. This industry is incredibly collaborative, and everyone involved is passionate about creating something special. By fostering a positive and healthy environment, we can all work and play together in a more enjoyable way.

Another important lesson I’ve learned is the importance of standing up for your vision in a diplomatic way. It’s important to remember that when working with a client, you’re both trying to achieve something great. Compromising is key, but it’s crucial to do so without sacrificing your vision.

Lastly, I’ve learned that rejection is a natural part of the process. It’s going to happen again and again, but the more you can let go of that fear and not be discouraged, the more you will be able to push through and achieve your goals.

As a first-generation Colombian-American, I have a deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of my parents who have spent their lives working the traditional 9-to-5 grind. However, I also know that there are so many more possibilities out there beyond the conventional path. It’s possible to live the life you want and chase your dreams, no matter how big or ambitious they may seem. Growing up, I faced my fair share of naysayers who told me I couldn’t achieve certain things, but I never let their words hold me back. Instead, I tuned out the negativity and focused on proving to myself that I could do it. And you know what? If it’s possible for me, it’s possible for everyone else.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Two of my favorite things are food and activities in nature. We would explore tons of restaurants some of favorites would be Quarters Korean BBQ and Escala Colombian- Korean fusion. Have them try Sonoratown’s amazing chivichangas and East LA’s tacos. The ramen at Tatsu Ramen or Japanese curry at Hurry Curry. For sweets my favorite spots I would share are Zooies cookies, Milet Crepe’s creme brûlée crepe and Somi Somi’s ice cream. I’m feeling I can keep going with food and I don’t gate keep any of them. For nature activities, I’d take them hiking to my favorite trail in Pacific Palisades. Then go to Manhattan Beach to walk and chill. Another day I’d take them to Big Bear to go snowboarding and then go to Joshua Tree to explore. One of my favorite parks is The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. We have to hit up Belmont shore in Long Beach then eat at Open Sesame that has a crazy garlic sauce. Then probably ride the scooters around San Diego, eat at House A Go Go(the fried chicken and waffles are my fav). Then maybe go into Mexico and go hit the coast at Rosarito to eat some amazing seafood. Then stop a La Jolla to see the seals and eat some fire Gelato.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s impossible to give credit to just one person in my story, as there have been so many individuals who have played a crucial role in my journey. First and foremost, my parents and brother have been unwavering in their support, despite the fact that my chosen career path as a filmmaker may not have been the most traditional or expected path for a first-generation Colombian in the US. Their open-mindedness and belief in me has meant the world to me, and I am endlessly grateful for the love and encouragement they have given me. Additionally, I have to give a special shoutout to the man who truly gave me my big break – Edgar Esteves. He saw something in me and took a chance on me, and for that, I will always be thankful. He is truly my brother!

Website: https://blanksquareproductions.com/jon-primo/

Instagram: @jonprimo1

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jonprimo1

Twitter: @jonprimo_1

Image Credits
Virisa Yong Shaun Llewellyn Klilo