Budford Jones III

I am Buford Jones III. I am credited with writing 3 films and a video treatment, but have several unproduced scripts written and ghost-wrote an unreleased national network television pilot.  I have been writing for about 20 years but only started trying to place what I have written in the last 5 or so. I was a Journalism Major at the University of TN at Martin and Knoxville College, an HBCU (now closed).

Screenwriter Interviews:

1. How did you discover your passion for screen writing?

I discovered my screenwriting passion when I realized that some of my ideas would be better translated to the screen than in print. I'll admit I had zero experience script writing, hadn't even read a script before. I read a couple of library books and was off, learning as I went along. I now ghost-write scripts and sometimes teach script writing privately. 

2. Who has been your biggest influence in the movie industry?

My biggest influences in the movie industry are the people who forged their own paths. Two of my favorites are Tyler Perry and Spike Lee, for different reasons. Because of their example I trust myself to know how to write what I do, to believe in it and push it as far as possible. 

3. Who are two actors you would like to work with, why?

really don't have any specific actors that I'd like to work with, per se. Of course, I would love to write something accomplished actors would love to appear in, but I generally tend to notice more low-key actors and/or actors who are easily malleable into almost any type of role. Because of those reasons I really admired Chadwick Boseman, I really like Zendaya and John David Washington. 

4. How many screenplays or scripts have written and or have produced? List titles please. 

I have easily written 20 screenplays and scripts. Only 3 have been produced, 4 if you include the video. One is a documentary titled Diagnosis:Uncertain. Another 2 are shorts, one titled The Kinsman and another called The Streets, and there is a video titled Plukk You. I also was a ghostwriter for a pilot episode plus three other episodes for a spin-off series of the popular TV show Family Matters.

5. What are some pitfalls you've experienced in your career?

The pitfalls are many, especially the struggle to garner attention in the field. I have a loose group of friends that have had some success in the screenwriting industry with the hopes of succeeding together. I am also an author - my book Death Comes Crawling can be found on Amazon. 

6. What are your best experiences in your career?

My best experiences are all learning experiences, some successful, some not. I have been invited to film festivals not only as a judge, but as a general consultant. I love meeting new people and having new experiences within the industry. Currently I am working on my first production, so this is an exciting experience as well - I'm not sure yet if it's a good experience or not!

7. Are you independent or do you have a contract with a movie producer?

I am definitely independent. I almost prefer that - no one to try and fit my vision in with. Funding would be great, but it would still have to fall within my specific vision. 

8. What is your all time favorite movie or movies? Why? Would you change anything about the story plot?

My favorite movies are many and varied, but some of my very top favorites are Let's Do It Again, Pulp Fiction, Shrek, The Naked Gun, Black Dynomite, Clockers. When I watch any movie, my main thought is to wonder what I would have done differently. These are some of my favorites partially because I wouldn't change much, if anything about them other than the cast if I had a chance to remake it. 

Movie Trailer: