An Interview With Filmmaker Dr. Louis Deon Jones

Black Facts.com

By Taroue Brooks

Tell us about “The Girl in Apartment 15”.

This film tells the chilling story of a writer, Devin (MarQuez Williams) who suspects that his neighbor Ashley (Muslima Musawwir) is being abused by her boyfriend. Devin goes on a journey to investigate this abuse but finds himself stuck between taking action to address the suspected abuse or remaining silent. Devin explores ways to assist Ashley in her escape, but will his efforts be enough? A thrilling tale of life altering decisions, the film asks viewers: what would you do?

With the rise of domestic violence cases nationally, and an estimated 1.3 million women victims of physical assault each year, this film represents the modern -day struggles and public health issues faced by Americans. Produced by Dr.Louis Deon Jones, the 2020-2021 Daytime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Daytime fiction program is a must-see film which educates viewers on how to identify signs of abuse and address it in order to limit or prevent negative outcomes. What inspired you to become a filmmaker?As a psychotherapist, I recognized early on that many people did not have access to therapeutic services but also presented with the most mental challenges. I wanted to create films that have a therapeutic twist in it that also provided interventions that could help the viewers with their problems. A way to provide free therapy to the world. 
Share some details about the production of your film.All of my films present a common issue that many people struggle with and I provide real life interventions on how to overcome those issues. Each film deals with a special challenge that we work through by the end of the film. In some of my productions, we have actual therapy scenes in the film.  

What advice would you give someone who seeks to create a film?

The best advice I could offer a new filmmaker is to ask as many questions as you can from the people who are doing what you are trying to do. Watch as many films that fit your style of films. Google and YouTube is your friend, research everything it takes to become a successful filmmaker and surround yourself with people who are just as dedicated to filmmaking as you are. 

Tell us about the road of funding your film.

My road of funding consisted of me sacrificing a lot of things to save money. I self-funded every film by working a 9-5 job. I also found film crew members who were willing to work for free or reduced/affordable prices. I also utilized my resources by filming in my apartment, my friends apartment, outside, in my own car, etc. to reduce the price of locations. 

Where do you see your career in the next five years?

I see myself as one of the greatest filmmakers to push the narrative forward regarding topics and issues we’ve always struggled with in our life. I will still be creating groundbreaking  films and leaving a legacy that will influence future art. 

Bio:

Dr. Louis Deon Jones is a screenwriter, producer, director and psych doctor originally from Chicago, IL but resides in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Louis is known for his award winning digital series, Cycles and NoHo: A North Hollywood Story. He is the writer, producer, and director of several short films such as The Good Teacher, A Hopeless Father, Can I Be Me?, Divided, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? and Produced the Daytime Emmy Award winning film, ‘The Girl in Apartment 15’ which earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Fiction Program.

Social Media

Website: www.LouisJonesTV.com
Instagram: @DrLouisJonesOfficial & @LouisJonesTV

Black Facts.com