Anthony Jamari Thomas

Scheme Engine

What was your first professionally directed work and when was it?
My first directorial work was completed in January 2021. The work is entitled Hood Prophets. Hood Prophets is an intimate portrait of first generation, West African creatives Modibo ‘Minx$’ Sy and Mamadou ‘Dusse’ Doumbouya. An excerpt that profiles their heritage, practice of their Islamic faith and the Harlem community that continues to serve as the backdrop of their pursuit to sow change, love and service to others. Although presented conceptually, the film grounds itself in the truth, that love is a language spoken and harbored by many, peace as a virtue of intention and the concept of community, as a well for replenishment as well as reflection.

How did you get into directing?
I landed on directing through loss, grief and developing ways to monument those I love. I have always been a child of media, eager to see the primetime lineup of ABC or a geeking out on how the 8pm slot of Nickelodeon in the 90’s flowed so well – blending marketing, content and quality into a block that still permeates into my work until this day. Television continues to have a strong influence on my practice, particularly my desire to create authentic/diverse stories, within the confines of advertisement while developing projects that portrait humanity even with the charge of selling a brand/product.

What is your most recent project?
My most recent project is entitled: “OKOMFO” a movement inspired piece focused on the theme of change/becoming, featuring the inaugural debut of Ghanian luxury brand: Oberima Afriyie. The work is an illustration of the OKOMFO rite which is heavily practiced in West Africa, traditionally known as a channel to speak to one’s ancestors. The project is documented completely on film (16MM) and is shot by cinematographer: Raheem Stanley.

What is the best part of being a director?
The best part of being a director is the continual opportunity for collaboration and the meshing of minds on a singular project/moment. The feeling when everyone’s attention is directed towards building something beautiful, this is where harmony unfolds and beauty wraps the work. The ability to work with an unlimited number of minds from start to finish to help shape this “intangible’ thing and bringing such to life. Additionally, I find the ability to show my community in their full dimension, a real push and motivator for me – from the sounds, the dialect, the inflections and gestures of my folks, getting to show this in full capacity has been a true privilege. I am very thankful for this opportunity to be a director in this lifetime.

What is the worst part of being a director?
I don’t think there are any bad aspects – maybe the fact that I have yet to do this 365 days of the year, which I hope to do so in the future. But wait, is this healthy?…haha!

What is your current career focus: commercials and branded content, television, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?
I am currently focused on branded content, shorts and feature films.

 Have you a mentor and if so, who is that person (or persons) and what has been the lesson learned from that mentoring which resonates with you?
I have two very special mentors: Andrea Thomas (mum) and Jannie McInnes (EP). These two women are respectively incredible in their own right and continue to lead those who they care for fearlessly. Between these two, I have learned the power of presence as well as resilience – instilling the law of accepting challenge as an opportunity for growth. As two figures in the realm of media, they each represent the beauty in using your voice to uplift others and the hustle to do so until your very last breath.

Who is your favorite director and why?
My favorite director is Yorgos Lanthimos – at the moment he reigns supreme. His eye and writing are so interconnected, often creating worlds where only his mind/taste could thrive. Lanthimos has an incredible sense of humor, also understands timing and consistently uses cinematography as a means to punctuate an already colorful, vibrant, odd universe. Additionally, Lars Von Trier and Spike Lee are my runner-ups.

What is your favorite movie? Your favorite television/online program? Your favorite commercial or branded content?

• My favorite movies are Melancholia, No Country For Old Men and The Lobster.
• My favorite television program is: Seinfeld.
• My favorite commercial-run has to be the recent Heinz commercials by Wieden+Kennedy.

Tell us about your background (i.e., where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
I am born and raised in Brooklyn, NY (Bedford-Stuyvesant). I am of Jamaican/Panamanian descent and have roots in West Virginia. I have a background in the performing arts and set design, which has helped propel my work in the fashion industry. Before my work in film, I worked for luxury brands: Gucci and Comme des Garcons, while also creating media for New York-based brands: Who Decides War, Theophilio and Carter Young.

Have you had occasion to bring your storytelling/directorial talent to bear in the Metaverse, tapping into the potential of AR, VR, AI, NFTs and/or experiential fare? If so, tell us about that work and what lessons you have taken away from the experience?
I have yet to have my work featured in the meta-verse and hope my next projects will feature so including VR and AI. I am ready to embrace the technological wave and incorporate such into my storytelling.

Contact

• Scheme Engine, Jannie McInnes, Email: jannie@schemeengine.com