Area Native Jaron Lockridge Prepares for Movie Premiere in Jackson
In just two days, movie maker Jaron Lockridge adds another film credit to his repertoire with the premiere of “Cubic Zirconia”, that will be shown at the Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center in Jackson, Tennessee. It is another installment in his filmmaking experience that he hopes becomes a fulltime career.
Jaron describes himself as a writer first and a filmmaker second. He credits his love of writing to Bolivar Central High School (BCHS) teacher Deborah Hodge.
“I have always been a writer. My teacher was Deborah Hodge, and she was the one that kind of instilled the passion in me, because I started writing in her theatre arts class,” said Jaron, who noted he combined that love with filmmaking. “I’ve always been creative. I came from a creative family. Having that gift of writing and knowing I had that gift has inspired me to get that vision in my head to the screen.”
In 2016, Jaron officially created Misguided Perceptions Media Group, and through that company he has already completed several film projects. In the beginning, Jaron did everything behind the camera. He was the screenwriter, camera operator, and filled every other position required to make a movie. Being self-taught, Jaron has learned his skills through “trial by fire”.
“Now, I am getting to the point where I am hiring help on other parts such as my wife now helps me with scheduling the cast. I have more people I am finding locally interested in film making jobs like operating the camera,” said Jaron, who has actively sought local talent to perform in his films as work behind the scenes. “A lot of people are just surprised to see movies are being made around here.”
Although Jaron now lives in Jackson, he still has family members that live in Hardeman County. Jaron returned to Hardeman County while filming “Cubic Zirconia”. Audience goers will be surprised to see several scenes set in Toone, Tennessee.
“A lot of times when people see movies [I make], they are like, ‘that is made around here?’,” said Jaron, who hopes to garner more support behind the idea of making movies here [West Tennessee].” I just want to build my company here. I have no interest in going to Hollywood or any of the bigger cities. I would like to create a working film industry right here at home. You see big cities in movies all of the time. You never see places like around here on the big screen. I just feel like we have character. We have our own stories. We have unique stories and who better to do it than the person who is here. I’m passionate about bringing our stories, our way of life, and our way of talking to the big screen because it is something you rarely see.”
Jaron hopes people come out to support “Cubic Zirconia”, which he describes as a crime thriller movie that is part of a series of films he is making.
“I recently released a movie, “Stix Universe”, and “Cubic Zirconia” is another movie within that universe,” said Jaron, who has already started working on the next project for that film series. “Technology allows films to be made so much easier now, so I am able to work faster from creating to filming to closing because I manage everything. There are not so many people I have to go through when making a film.”
“Cubic Zirconia” is finished! Tickets are available now for you purchase to see the premiere. Tickets are only available online to purchase and will not be sold at the door. Jaron’s movies are also available to stream.
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