By Tammy Reese
In the dynamic world of independent filmmaking, Jordan Ray Smith and Alonzo Ross are breaking barriers with their feature film debut, 495. Smith, an Army veteran turned filmmaker, and Ross, a seasoned stand-up comedian and content creator, bring their unique backgrounds and shared passion for storytelling to the forefront of this ambitious thriller set to premiere in 2025. United by a chance meeting at a comedy club and a mutual drive to innovate, the duo’s journey from concept to creation showcases their tenacity, creative synergy, and dedication to producing meaningful art. As they gear up for the film’s global release, Smith and Ross are proving that determination, collaboration, and vision can pave the way for groundbreaking success in the entertainment industry.
Jordan, thank you for your service! How has your transition from military life to filmmaking influenced your approach to storytelling?
Jordan: The transition has been eye opening. I never realized how much the Army prepared me for film but even some of the basic daily tasks I did in the military set me up for success in the film world. I believe it’s all in the preparation and execution and I’ve transitioned that into my filmmaking career and it’s been amazing to live out so far!
Alonzo, we salute your background which spans comedy, content creation, and radio. How did these experiences prepare you for co-creating 495?
Alonzo: Being creative is my strong suit! And creating 495 allowed me to use all of these talents at once which made it fun and easy to find different twists and turns to help take you on a crazy ride as you watch it.
We understand this is your first feature film collaboration. What sparked the idea, and how did you decide to team up on this project?
Alonzo: I have known Jordan for a long time. We actually met at a comedy club where they pushed us to the back of the line and we almost didn’t get a chance to perform. I guess that trauma bond has kept us close. But on a serious note he is a great innovator and we were at a movie premiere of a movie we both were in and we were just talking and talking and talked ourselves into writing a movie ourselves and now here we are.
Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about 495 and who is your targeted audience?
Alonzo: 495 is a story of self reflection allowing the viewer to see themselves in any one of the characters that are on screen, and the target audience is truly everyone. We designed it that way on purpose guaranteed to catch anyone’s attention!
What was the writing and directing process like and how did your individual strengths complement each other?
Both: The writing process was a very unique one! We are both comedians at heart so we had to first start by getting all the jokes out cause this is not a comedy movie! We really started with the base storyline and filled everything in from there. We complimented each other very well with the storytelling abilities we both had and also with us having different backgrounds it allowed us both to add different perspectives to the story. When it comes to directing we pair very well because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and fill in as needed.
What do you hope audiences take away from the movie, and how do you think it stands out in the thriller genre?
Alonzo: I hope the audience understands we are all human and we all deserve to be treated equally and it stands out because it has a meaningful message.
What’s one thing each of you learned about yourselves during the making of 495?
Alonzo: I learned to have patience and never quit. The movie making process is a long process. You must stay very patient and never give up!
Jordan: I learned that no matter how much you prepare you have to be able to adapt and overcome quickly because there are tons of moving pieces and in order to put the puzzle together, you have to fit them all in correctly.
With 495 premiering in 2025, where can audiences expect to see the film?
Jordan: The film will be available in theaters. Those dates will be released soon and after that the movie will be available to stream and purchase.
What’s next for each of you — individually and as a duo?
Alonzo: I like the thriller genre so right now I’m thinking about maybe staying there but we are comedians and when I tell you we have a comedy sitting in the vault that I think the world really needs to see!
Jordan: We have some more blockbuster’s coming! I really want to make sure we are doing our best at increasing the value of our production every time and just continuously getting better at our craft.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers looking to take the leap into creating their first independent feature?
Alonzo: Do it now!! I know it seems like a big task but if you take it day by day you will be okay.
Jordan: Don’t let anything stop you! No person or thing can get in the way of your vision and once you see it come full circle it’s one beautiful sight! Practice patience.
What else would you like for our Heart of Hollywood Magazine readers to know at this time?
Alonzo: We have been turned around so many times in life. This movie is a true testament to what faith plus work equals! Success!
About Jordan Ray Smith
Jordan Ray Smith is an inspiring figure in the filmmaking world, known for his dynamic journey from military to movies. An Army veteran, Jordan brings a unique perspective and discipline to his creative endeavors. His commitment to storytelling and performance has shaped his career, leading him to collaborate with fellow trendsetter Alonzo Ross on their ambitious project, the thriller feature film 495. Their passion for film culminated in this independent project, which they both wrote and directed, showcasing their talent in multiple roles to ensure that their vision came to life. 495 is set to premiere in theaters worldwide in 2025, marking a significant milestone in Jordan’s evolving career.
About Alonzo Ross
Alonzo Ross, a multifaceted entertainer, has made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian, content creator, and radio personality at Power 93.5. His vibrant personality and ability to connect with audiences have propelled him into the limelight. With a keen eye for storytelling, Alonzo teamed up with Jordan Ray Smith to co-create 495, their first feature film. The duo’s dedication to their craft allowed them to tackle various roles in the production process, combining their talents to bring this project to fruition. As they prepare for the film’s global premiere in 2025, Alonzo continues to push boundaries in entertainment, solidifying his status as a trendsetter in filmmaking.
Keep up to date with Jordan and Alonzo online:
Facebook: Jordan Ray Smith
Facebook: Alonzo Ross
Jordan Instagram: @therealjordanraysmith
Alonzo Instagram: @alonzoross_
Jordan IMDb: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm13653915?s=c6c9ebe1-b967-6c0f-8866-53eee8c0d826&site_preference=normal
Alonzo IMDb: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm13153895?s=56c9ebe2-24fb-aa65-f395-9e88bcb369f9&site_preference=normal
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TAMMY REESE
Tammy Reese began her career as a theater actress performing in 60 live stage shows a year with The Media Unit TV and Stage Production Company. She also directed the weekly live TV show Rough Times Live.
Eventually, she went to Empire State College to obtain her degree in media studies. After graduation, she did more theater and wrote and produced her own videos to spread awareness on social issues through the arts.
Tammy is an award-winning journalist and is best known for her legendary interviews with Angela Bassett, Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Connelly, Laurence Fishburne, Phylicia Rashad, Ginuwine, Neyo, Sharon Stone, Jasmine Guy, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Steven Yeun, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Giancarlo Esposito, Donell Jones, Morris Chestnut, Vivica A. Fox, Omar Epps, Joseph Sikora, Ryan Coogler, Carmen Electra, Tom Arnold, Theo Rossi and many more.
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