Meet Jabarre Davis of Boksvizual in Plano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jabarre Davis.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jabarre. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Wow, that’s a good question. I guess I can say it all started back when I was a kid growing up, watching tv, riding in the front seat of my grandmother’s Oldsmobile, peering out the window, watching the world. People’s personalities, actions, and conversations always grabbed my attention. As a small boy, I would write short stories about real people in my life and even managed to get roles in a few local stage plays. I grew up in a small town in Arkansas where sports was the predestine activity for most young boys, and even though I was pretty good, there wasn’t much fulfillment in it for me. There weren’t many creative opportunities for a kid to engage in, so I would write.

It was when I attended college and met a group of amazing creatives in the theater department at the University of Central Arkansas – I got the opportunity to really see my potential among other artists. I came in open to whatever the medium needed me to be. Soaked up all that I could. Worked behind the scenes on college plays, and acted as well. This gave me the insight of all the working components that make a production successful that would later lead me behind the camera. I was always drawn to anything creative that delved in the world of visual art and culture.

While college was an amazing and eye-opening experience, I had to drop out. I moved to Dallas and started working. I worked as a valet, then a doorman for the Hyatt Regency where I got to really get an understanding of the rich culture and history Dallas has to offer. Then my mom was diagnosed with cancer, which changed my scope on life. She revealed to me what a fighter looks like and she beat cancer! After years working in the hospitality industry, I transitioned to the mortgage industry where I worked at all the Fortune 500 mortgage companies in the DFW metroplex. While I felt my job was important, and I was helping people, I knew this wasn’t it. I kept my eyes and ears open for any opportunities in film. My experience was all self-taught. I was determined to make my way into film, so I read and learned as much as I could. I took courses in creative writing and watched a ton of movies.

Unfulfilled with where I was going and also a hip hop junkie, I took the risk of starting my own urban clothing line, Rapville Clothing. I would go to local concert venues in Dallas and sell my clothing. I needed visuals for my gear, so I purchased a camera and started filming, putting together promos, short films, and docs. One day I was a vendor for a hip hop show at Trees Dallas, and I met one of the opening acts, his name was Tyler Sloan. We conversed and realized we were both on the same journey. We began shooting together – music videos, promos, TV commercials, etc. That was about five years ago. He then introduced me to another talented soul that goes by the name Jason Van Sickel who has over 25 years in the business and also a five-time Emmy winner. We have managed to work on some amazing projects over the years.

My testimony lies within the spirit of never giving up on your passion. There’s no right or wrong way to follow your dreams. You just have to get started. I was able to take all the knowledge and experience I had obtained over the years and use it behind the camera. Now I am a documentary filmmaker with some amazing projects on the horizon, but I couldn’t have gotten this far without a solid ensemble of great supporters. I’m very thankful and humbled by this journey!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been easy at all. Gaining experience was the toughest. I knew in order to be a well-rounded filmmaker, I needed to learn as much about the industry as possible, so I started off booking gigs with little to no budget, but I wanted to put together a portfolio, so I didn’t care. I shot music videos and promos for friends, but I knew I needed to surround myself around other filmmakers and creative artists.

Please tell us about Boksvizual.
My company is Boksvizual. It is a film production company, specializing in film and photography. I am the owner and creative director.

To this date, I am most proud of the full feature independent documentary, “Jumping Jeff” I produced and directed with a crew of talented creatives; Tyler Sloan and Jason Van Sickel to name a few. In 2017, I was approached by the family of Olympian Jeff Henderson, who competed in the long jump at the Rio Games in 2016 Olympics. The family asked me if I knew of anyone who could tell his amazing story. I paused for a second and said: “yes, I do know of someone – ME”! Fast forward two years later – the blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifice are what have made this journey so worth it. We traveled across the country, conducting interviews, and capturing the true essence of this inspiring story. We are in the final stages of post-production, and I can’t wait to show the world.

I think that our experience and ability to approach each project with a creative aptitude and cinematic vigor is what sets us apart.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would’ve started much earlier, but everything happens on its own time, so I’m thankful for the way things worked out.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.boksvizual.com
• Phone: 214.693.9051
• Email: boksvizual@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boksvizual/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boksvizual/

Image Credit:
Jabarre Davis, Tyler Sloan, Jason Van Sickel

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