Meet Jonathon M. Smith | Actor, Model, Filmmaker, Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathon M. Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathon, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Recently, I did a film screening and charity event for my feature film, Broken City (2023), in my hometown of Barstow, California. It’s a small town with about 20,000 residents. I am one of the few filmmakers from Barstow to create a feature film. The knowledge of how to create a business plan, make a film, and distribute a film isn’t readily available.

When I brought my film to the city and premiered it, I talked to multiple young people who said my film inspired them to create their own films and content. They thought making a film was impossible if they grew up in a town like Barstow. My film helped open their minds to what is possible if they truly believe in themselves.

I fully realized the impact of the film when I was recognized by San Bernardino County for my charity and filmmaking efforts.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to create art and stories that deal with modern issues and the moral concerns around those issues. My last film, Broken City (2023), dealt with the complexity of what happens to the lives of people when jobs are cut by artificial intelligence. Will they start stealing and robbing the wealthy? Is stealing always wrong? I feel that for my brand and films, it’s not about giving right or wrong answers, but about bringing up challenging questions for the audience to think about.

Getting to the point where I am making films was a challenge. There is so much noise in Hollywood about how to make a movie, and much of it isn’t helpful. I didn’t start making traction in the industry until I got the correct mentorship from producers who actually made films and knew how to distribute them. Once I understood the process, I was able to map out what I needed to do and who I needed to work with.

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?
If my best friend was visiting LA for a week, I would tell them to do these things.

1). Check out my five favorite restaurants: Bavel, Pimai Thai, Mastros, Clark Diner, and Taco’s Tu Madre
2). Catch a performance at The Hollywood Bowl.
3). Watch a film in Laser Imax at Universal Studios. Also, visit the actual theme park as well.
4). Visit Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach.
5). Catch a concert at the Forum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would also like to shout out Barstow Community Hospital and Windy City Medical Clinic for helping with the charity event in Barstow, California.

Instagram: @malibucinema

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-smith-48b00914/