Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazz Collins.
Hi Jazz, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From an early age, I’ve always had a passion for film. I loved movies, theater, dance, and music, and I was fascinated by the way visual storytelling could bring ideas and emotions to life.
In 2019, during my senior year of high school, I decided it was time to learn how to operate a camera. I joined my school’s AV club simply for the opportunity to get my hands on one. I was fortunate enough to borrow a camera from the school and take it home for about a week. During that time, I immersed myself in learning everything I could about it.
After graduating, I purchased my first camera and launched my videography and photography business during my freshman year of college. From there, I continued to develop my craft, growing not only in the artistic and technical aspects of filmmaking but also in the business side of the industry. Studying business and mass communications in college gave me a foundation that continues to influence the way I approach my work today.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to take on a wide range of videography projects, gaining experience across different industries and learning something new with every opportunity. Through it all, my love for film has remained constant. That passion has led me to create multiple short films and, most recently, my first feature film, which is set to release this year.
Today, I work full-time at Ballet Austin as a Video Content Creator while continuing to grow my own production company, Jazz Jaquoi Visuals. Whether I’m creating content for a brand, capturing a story, or developing a film of my own, my goal remains the same: to create meaningful visual stories that connect with people and leave a lasting impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. As many entrepreneurs know, there are good seasons and bad seasons. But through it all, God has always provided.
The COVID-19 pandemic set in motion what would eventually become Jazz Jaquoi Visuals. At the time, I was in college and uncertain about what I truly wanted to do with my life. I went through a lonely and difficult season, struggling with anxiety and depression. I didn’t have the typical HBCU experience that so many others get to enjoy, and as the pandemic continued, I found myself staying home in Austin for the remainder of my college experience.
Looking back, I can see how God used that season to connect me with people who would help shape my journey as a filmmaker. While it wasn’t an easy time, those relationships helped lay the foundation for my career and opened doors I never could have imagined.
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n 2021, I also met my wife, who became an incredible source of love, encouragement, and support during a time when I was battling depression. We were both entrepreneurs, and we challenged each other to pursue our businesses wholeheartedly. Our mindset was simple: Give it everything you have, or don’t do it at all.
Today, we have a son, we’re still building our businesses, and we continue to pursue the dreams God has placed in our hearts. When I look back at where I started and everything I’ve walked through to get here, I’m reminded that even in the most difficult seasons, God is still working behind the scenes.
I can honestly say that I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and I’m grateful for every part of the journey that brought me here.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a filmmaker and videographer based in Austin, Texas, and the founder of Jazz Jaquoi Visuals. I specialize in creating cinematic video content that tells stories, captures emotion, and helps brands and organizations connect with their audiences. My work ranges from brand commercials and promotional videos to event coverage, social media content, documentaries, and narrative films.
What sets me apart is my passion for storytelling. I don’t just want to capture what something looks like; I want to communicate what it feels like. My background and love for film, music, dance, and theater influence the way I approach every project, allowing me to bring a creative and intentional perspective to my work. I enjoy finding ways to make each project feel unique while staying true to the client’s vision.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come and the opportunities I’ve created through my passion. What started with borrowing a camera from my high school AV club has grown into a career in filmmaking, a full-time role as a Video Content Creator at Ballet Austin, and my own production company. I’ve also created multiple short films and completed my first feature film, marking a major milestone in my journey as a filmmaker.
Above all, my faith is a huge part of my journey. There have been seasons of uncertainty and challenges along the way, but I’ve continued to grow, create, and pursue the vision God has placed on my heart. I’m proud that I’ve been able to turn something I’ve loved since childhood into a career while building a family and a business of my own.
Ultimately, I believe what sets me apart my eye for cinema, my ability to evoke certain emotions out of whoever is viewing my work, my commitment to storytelling, and my understanding of what it takes to build something from the ground up. I want every project I work on to be more than just a video. I want it to tell a story worth remembering.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As a filmmaker and entrepreneur, I’m constantly learning from other creatives, business owners, and people who have built careers that I admire.
YouTube has probably been one of my biggest learning resources. I’ve used it to learn everything from camera operation and lighting to editing, storytelling, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. I also enjoy listening to podcasts and watching interviews with filmmakers and entrepreneurs because hearing how other people navigated their careers often gives me new perspective on my own.
My faith is also a major part of how I approach life and work. Reading the Bible and spending time in prayer help keep me grounded and remind me that my identity isn’t solely tied to my career or accomplishments.
I also find a lot of value in simply creating. Watching films, listening to music, and experiencing different forms of art constantly inspire me creatively.
Ultimately, I try not to rely on one particular app, book, or resource. I’m a big believer in staying curious, continuing to learn, and surrounding myself with people and ideas that challenge me to become better—both as a filmmaker and as a person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jazzjaquoi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazzjaquoi_/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jazzjaquoi?si=WaULrJyHUxtss2Ip
