Interview: Jacob Jones

In the latest edition of Interview, Last Resort Films president sits down with writer Jacob Jones (Odette, Nexus) to discuss his latest film AGOS: A Game of Survival, as well as projects he has in the near future...

PD: AGOS: A Game of Survival is one of your biggest films, from a budgetary stand-point, what made you decide to tackle a more action-packed film this time around?

JJ: When I first came to Last Resort Films, one of the goals I had in mind would be to rewrite some of my older film ideas. You might see them in future seasons, but this one stuck out to me as one I needed to do since this was the first movie I ever made for a movie forum game. And then I thought to myself, there are people in the world who feel the world is getting more violent. And I can agree with that sentiment, I do think the world would be better if people were more compassionate. I can understand why people resort to violent. Maybe something occurred that really got their angry or they're going through personal struggles. Even so, it is the worst way to resolve a conflict. So with the message figured out, I needed a way to convey it that would resonate with an audience. And I thought to myself, why not channel my love for reality shows and create my own hellish version of the Hunger Games? After all, there are those in the world who think these types of shows (especially ones similar to "Jersey Shore") are reflecting badly on society and I think the genre can be used to benefit the world.

PD: AGOS: A Game of Survival has quite the varied cast. Was it a difficult cast to assemble?

JJ: Not really. I had a general idea of what I wanted. For instance, I knew a major star had to be involved somehow and Dwayne Johnson seemed perfect for the role. I wanted the obvious first out, so I figured Tom Green would be right. I wanted a veteran who was warn down but could still kick your ass if he wanted, I thought of John Travolta and so on and so forth. Theo James was almost cast in the movie, but sometime after posting the script, I panicked that the film wasn't going to get released so I sent the script again with a different man in mind. Nicholas Hoult. Finally, there's a man who I feel deserves more respect in the film industry. John De Lancie. He's quite a good actor as shown in "Star Trek" and "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" and he's shown he can play a variety of roles from sinister to comedic and back again. In another world, he would be contending for Oscars and starring in bigger movies, but considering what he's done over the years I'd say he's created an excellent career for himself. And I think such a career deserves to be rewarded with a chance to prove himself in the big screen.

PD: Later this season you have an original musical set for release, which has had a bit of a tumultuous development period. Can you tell us about that?

JJ: Time Passages is one of my absolute favorite songs, from it's mesmerizing vocals to the poignant lyrics to the best saxophone solo of all time, it's a treat to the ears and mind. One day while listening to this I glanced at the lyrics and realized that there was the potential for a classic here. So I went off and wrote to my heart's content, containing everything under the sun. One of the plot lines I had in mind proved to be too much, so I cut it. That still left it quite a bit too long, so I cut my losses and decided to start from scratch. It started off pretty good, but I stopped after garnering several new ideas and stalling on a way to make the movie flow. Thankfully I figured something out and, without going into spoiler territory, I think a lot of people will be leaving theaters having tears in their eyes and smiles in their faces. In the end, I'm proud with the end result and I'm looking forward to sharing what has essentially become my pet project with the world.

PD: Are there filmmakers or on-screen talents you haven't worked with yet that you would be interested in working with?

JJ: Like with Michael Bay, I feel like Roland Emmerich gets a bit of a bad rep. Yeah they make some divisive movies and they aren't known for clever and witty dialogue, multi layered characters or thought provoking stories, but if the box office has anything to say about them, it's that there's always going to be a place for these movies. That said, I think after Michael's success with Justice League International, it could open the door for Roland to try his hand out. I'd be willing to take the opportunity if the right idea comes. Another director I'd love to work with is Jean Marc-Vallee. The work he's done for the studio over the seasons has been wonderful and I think he deserves more notification than he gets. As for actors, I've grown pretty fond of Mena Massoud and Will Smith after their performances in Aladdin and I can see them fitting well in Last Resort Films with the right scripts. Especially Mena who I think could be a game changer if given the chance.

PD: What's next for you?

JJ: Like I said earlier, I went on a writing spree and have written several new movies set to debut for the next three seasons. All of which varying in differing genres and styles. One of the movies will feature me teaming up with Selena Gomez and Judd Apatow again. Another movie is going to be the debut of the controversial Adam Sandler to LRF (Editor's Note: Sandler already appeared in one LRF release, Nobody in Season 8). I've also got a detective movie channeling my love my acapella music and an autobiography depicting the life and times of controversial wrestling manager Tammy Sytch, better known as Sunny. For the final movie, well, i'm not going to spoil anything major but it does have to deal with Andrew Lloyd Webber and one of the greatest musicals ever created.

On the television font, my love for all things reality show wise comes up again, this time with a cartoon parodying them. I'm planning on this only lasting for one season in order not to conflict with "Survivor: Last Resort". After that I'm not sure what to do for LRTV. I might try and create a new drama series, but we'll see.

As for what happens after these movies come out, hopefully I can continue to improve and prosper in the studio. I feel Odette really lit a fire up my behind after it blew up in my face and it's driven me to try harder to cast and write the best movies possible. I've got quite a number of ideas i'm trying to break through on and i'm expecting many more will come my way soon.