Meet Jason Avalos | Filmmaker | Chief Executive Officer @Schoolhouse Pictures

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

Hi Jason, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
First, my vision behind the company is to give a home for Latinx/Latines/Latinos that grew up in the u.s to finally have a place that showcases their stories and their version of growing up in America. Second, we are a bridge for everyone else in the world to feel invited to our version of America, our experiences, our dreams, our nightmares, our heritage, and our culture. When done right it can be an amazing impact on how people can relate to us in a very real everyday sort of way which in a polarizing world is something we all need.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We established Schoolhouse Pictures as a multi-platform entertainment company that represents content across film, television, and digital to highlight a new universe of stories for people of color that aren’t currently represented in the media.

We represent a wild alternative on stories for people of color. We currently have macabre graphic novel IP in development, creature features, a latinx music artist limited series, a feature coming soon THRU THE RINSE which is a revisionist history of Bonnie and Clyde set in the 1990’s. That film we are co-producing with Dawn’s Light Media and Global Genesis.

We just launched a Horror Podcast “JUST FOR THRILLS” with best selling author Rek Ross and I will be co-hosting and bringing on ny times authors, trans and queer filmmakers, and pop culture celebs sharing what makes them spooked.

Getting where I am today was extremely difficult, and most of my education stemmed from art schools. It’s in the name. It doesn’t say Business School. I probably learned more from P. Diddy and Willy Wonka then I did Warren Buffet tbh.

I learned Leadership before I learned Business which is something that everyone can take on if they want to pursue their own business. I worked as a script supervisor on film sets for a decade where you are part of the leaders all navigating challenges on set. I suppose I have a very hands-on blue-collar approach to leadership and business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I love off-the-beaten-path spots as much as I do the more well known. I grew up in Angeleno, so I take a lot of pride in everything our city offers.

Places folks may not know are:
LA DESCARGA, if you want to dance with Latino that knows their stuff, this is the joint. Grab a cigar because you can smoke inside while listening to live Cuban jazz.

The most budget-friendly spot for aspiring artists to eat is Best Fish Tacos in Silverlake. It lives by its name.

The Geffen Playhouse has some of L.A.’S best theater, and we aren’t known for great theatre, but the Geffen may change your mind.

Cinespia is a long-standing summer tradition with my friends and me. Sitting in a Hollywood cemetery watching some of the greatest films ever made with a group of strangers sharing brie is my cup of tea.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Stephanie Hepner has been a great addition to the Schoolhouse Pictures producing team and so a shout-out goes to her!

Website: Theschoolhousepictures.com

Instagram: @Instaavalos & @theschoolhousepictures

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-avalos-a7a3aa16/

Twitter: @jasonavalos @theschoolhousepictures

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SchoolhousePicture/featured

Image Credits
MATT KALLISH / ALL THE BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOS