Video Store Rat To Filmmaker

By TARA DIMICK | Photos by JOHN BURNS

Born in the ‘80s when innovative films and artists were the order of the day, Jake Jackson developed a fascination for transformation, storytelling, creativity and film from an early age.

“I grew up in the ‘80s, constantly bombarded with innovative films, filmmakers and artists. As a video store rat, I was immersed in fantastical creatures and imagery, realizing in middle school that movies don’t just magically happen,” said Jackson, owner of MMBN Productions. “This sparked my passion for telling a narrative the way I wanted.”

The independent film boom of the early ‘90s introduced him to the works of many film directors, including Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and Spike Lee. It inspired him to take up filmmaking when he was still in high school. “I had to learn how to compose a shot and how to do makeup and makeup effects, ultimately realizing that this is what I want to do with my life,” Jackson said.

His desire to tell stories on the big screen led him to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

“I learned to really stop looking at things from a purely narrative point of view and start looking at them from a visual and auditory point of view,” said Jackson.

Later in life, having started a family, he learned that filmmaking demanded more time than he could afford. Jackson delved into special effects makeup as another way to release his creative energy. Soon, he was taking an advanced course created by renowned makeup artist Dick Smith.

“Dick Smith’s legacy in makeup effects, from ‘The Exorcist’ to ‘The Godfather,’ inspired me to pursue mastery in the craft. Smith’s proteges, filled with Academy Award winners, mentored and propelled me to excel in the advanced course,” said Jackson.

He honed his makeup skills at local theatre productions for Helen Hocker Theater and Topeka Civic Theatre, where he was able to consistently practice his designs. Then came an opportunity to work as a makeup artist for the satirical, soap-opera-style slasher film called “Hell Town” by Steve Balderson, a filmmaking mentor Jackson had known since he was 18.

The film’s success brought him recognition and even more opportunities, including a low-budget feature film shot in the Colorado Rockies. The movie was accepted at several film festivals and earned a distribution deal with Showtime, as well as a best special makeup effect award for Jackson.

The COVID-19 pandemic halted Jackson’s fast-paced filmmaking life, but he used the time to write scripts and complete a short film he’d had on the back burner. In 2021, he returned to work on two back-to-back features: one with frequent collaborator Patrick Rae and another he shot with Balderson, called “Bloody Famous.”

“I love telling a story and being able to mold something,” said Jackson. “It’s like putting the pieces of a puzzle together to create a story that can hopefully intrigue, terrify, warrant an emotional trigger and keep them coming back.”

THE MONEY SIDE OF FILMMAKING

An artist at heart, Jackson also knows the importance of understanding the business side of the industry. A successful artist can’t just focus on the art, he said, they must also consider the financials. This can mean taking on projects that offer financial stability but might not align with one’s creative vision.

That’s why Jackson jumps at the chance to join a project even if it falls beyond his expertise. He once took on a last-minute acting role when an actor fell ill on set. Jackson believes that stepping up is key to building one’s reputation in the industry.

For him, it’s important to have side gigs or a day job that can ensure steady income. Side gigs also give him the flexible schedule he needs to make films. When he’s not making movies, he enjoys using his master’s degree in education to teach, share his knowledge and nurture a new generation of young creatives.

“Navigating the intricate business landscape of filmmaking involves establishing multiple income streams, from teaching and consulting to side gigs, to sustain the craft. Incorporating entrepreneurial strategies, like creating LLCs for each project and engaging investors, ensures the financial viability of each endeavor,” said Jackson.

Jackson’s work on the 2019 werewolf film “I Am Lisa” was both creatively and financially rewarding for him. Not only did it sell out of DVD units through its distribution deal, but it also made enough profit for him to repay investors and earn residual income.

“The distributor shared that they had never had an independent film in physical media sell out,” said Jackson.

THE MARKETING SIDE OF FILMMAKING

While Jackson finds joy in creating makeup effects for film characters, the world of film festivals and marketing has proven a different beast.

According to him, filmmakers must be proactive when it comes to self-promotion. It’s not enough to hope that festival judges will notice your work. It takes real marketing skills to excite audiences about an upcoming release.

“Strategically managing film production from inception to distribution involves calculated promotion and timing,” said Jackson. “Delaying marketing until post-production completion avoids premature anticipation and maximizes audience engagement, a lesson learned through experience and mentorship.”

SECURING INVESTORS

Jackson is excited about his next feature titled “Happy.” After he was given the script, he decided to spearhead the production. He said that the movie’s production process has been a lesson in persistence and determination as the team searches for investors to help bring the project to life.

Navigating the film industry of the Midwest comes with challenges, and securing investments is one of them. But Jackson remains undeterred.

“Investment in the film industry, especially in the independent sector, varies greatly, but the most important factor to consider is the budget that’s needed to bring a vision to life,” said Jackson. “For instance, the budget for a project could range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The deciding factor here is the scope of the project — the number of sets, the size of the crew and the cast involved. However, the objective remains the same: create a project that can quickly turn a profit.”

Investors are more than sources of money, they’re essential to the creative process. “The ideal investor is someone who feels a connection to the project,” said Jackson. “They’re not only investing money, but also time and resources. The ultimate goal is to foster a team spirit that guides every aspect of the production process.”

From his humble beginnings as a video store rat to his work among the lights and cameras of independent film sets, Jackson has become the magic behind the movies.