Conversations with Joseph Ebanks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Ebanks. 

Hi Joseph, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’m an independent filmmaker from the east side of Nashville, TN. “Out East,” to be correct. I started shooting music videos about ten years ago. As a self-taught videographer, I reached a point where I wasn’t progressing at the rate I wanted. I then enrolled at Nossi College of Art, where I really honed my technical skills. I won many awards as a student including Academic All-star, Talent Discovery, and Most Creative. 

In my sophomore year, I competed in the 48 Hour Film Contest. With a small crew, a couple of classmates and I walked away with an award. This was definitely the moment that piqued my interest in narrative filmmaking. As I was preparing to graduate, I wrote my first feature film. I figured I’d make a quick indie film while I wait to begin a career with a potential company. Little did I know that I’d get more of an education than my BGA from Nossi. But I am grateful for all of the long days and stressful nights I put into my debut film, “More To Life”. My experience has prepared me for the next level. 

More To Life has been a big success! We made history being the first independent film to sell out Opry Mills Regal Cinema. The film has also gone on to do over a million streams on Amazon Prime. The biggest win from More To Life is the confidence I got from seeing it come to fruition. I know the minimum resources we had. To pull off a project of that scale is something that I’ll forever be proud of. 

I’m currently in post-production for my second feature film, “She’s Such a Lady. It’s a Romantic Comedy. I’m excited to show my flexibility as a storyteller. I don’t want to ever get predictable or boxed in. My goal is to show progress with each project and to make opportunities for as many actors and crew members as possible. There are a lot of dope artists in Nashville, and this is a great time to be a part of the culture we’re creating! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not! lol I expected tough times. One of the toughest things to do is build a team. It can be tricky when you’re trying to find talented people who share some of the same goals and visions you have. Not to mention, in the early days there may be less budget to work with. It has to be something you’ll do for free. If it’s just about the money, you’ll probably burn out before you ever see a big payday. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most known for my debut film More To Life. It is available to stream on Amazon Prime. This film was made with absolutely no money. I owned some equipment, and I had a vision. I knew I wanted to be a director, but I didn’t want to go to Atlanta and sweep sets as a PA. I figured there’s a bigger chance of me getting lost in the sea of dream chasers down there. I wrote a film and said I’d build my skills up from the ground. I knew my journey would take me longer, but I knew the experience would put me on the right path. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a sports kid. Growing up in a cul de sac with nothing but boys, we played every sport. I played basketball up until my senior year of high school. I even got a couple D1 offers. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directorjosephebanks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JEbanks615

Image Credits
Nyla Ebanks
Jovon Wilson