Jerome Hancock, a junior mass communications major from Jacksonville, N.C., is a budding director/editor. Hancock can be found in the Mass Communications editing lab 24/7 – at least it seems that way. Argus staff reporter Steven Gaither sat down for an interview with Hancock to find out where he gets his drive.
Q: What are some of the projects you have worked on? A: I’ve done three projects – two music videos, which I plan on trying to put on Ram TV, and a commercial.
Q: Which do you prefer: videos or commercials? A: The commercial isn’t really all that, but the music videos are great.
Q: How long have you been directing and how did you get into it? A: I’ve only been directing for two months. I always knew I wanted to do something in the entertainment field. At first I was focused on being in front of the camera as a news anchor or a VJ, but I realized not many people stay in front of the camera for long. You get real longevity behind the scenes and behind the cameras. I also edit, which is what I love to do along with directing, they go hand in hand.
Q: Have you done anything in the entertainment field prior to directing? A: I had my own show on Ram TV when I was a freshman. It was called “The Lymelight,” and I was the host. I was in front of the camera and I liked the attention, but I always knew that the people that make the real money in the entertainment field are those behind the camera, the people who are shooting, directing, editing and so on. It’s good to learn these things, because not everybody is gonna be a Denzel Washington or a Halle Berry. I had to humble myself and realize that you don’t have to be in the limelight to be successful.
Q: Who are some of the directors you look up to? A: Some of my role models in this field are Hype Williams, Little X and Benny Boom, all great directors.
Q: What are your plans for the future? A: I plan on directing shows as well as writing, shooting many more music videos, and, of course, editing shows and videos.