JTWO partners with LISC Chicago & Walmart for latest Hoops in the Hood production
PROJECT DETAILS
JTWO partners with LISC Chicago & Walmart Foundation for latest Hoops in the Hood production
Philadelphia-based video production company JTWO is proud to partner with LISC Chicago and the Walmart Foundation for their latest project under the Projects That Matter Initiative. This year, the Hoops in the Hood city-wide tournament was able to resume in-person games after a year-long pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
JTWO was tasked with profiling two players, Apple Guerrero and Devin Feliciano, who play for the Pilsen neighborhood. The brand video showcases the unique stories of these two players and how the Hoops in the Hood program has given them a safe space to play basketball and has helped them excel both on and off the court.
As a continuation of JTWO’s partnership with LISC Chicago and State Farm on their 13th Annual Hoops in the Hood City Wide Tournament, this project highlights the positive impact the program has on 17 Chicago communities each year. Over the past 13 years, Hoops in the Hood has provided a safe environment for thousands of Chicago kids to play organized basketball games and build positive relationships with peers and adults.
Check out the brand overview video JTWO created for Hoops in the Hood here to gain insight into how this program is making a difference in the lives of young people in Chicago. With their mission to highlight important social and cultural initiatives, JTWO is committed to telling stories that matter and making a positive impact in communities through their work.
JTWO Welcomes Director/Editor Matt Sullivan
Matthew Sullivan
We are proud to announce the latest addition to our JTWO Crew in Director/Editor, Matthew Sullivan. Matt, a product of our [INC]ubator Project, comes to us from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Film and TV Production. His love for film is rooted in its ability to change perspectives, challenge ideas, and serve as a connection between viewers and creators alike.
Up Next: Maria Cantu
UP NEXT
Q&A
Director Maria Cantu
Our newest Director, Maria Cantu, might just be our best yet (sorry, Justin)! A product of our [INC]ubator Project, Maria has burst onto the scene in the past twelve months directing and editing projects for brands and clients and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.
We sat down for a quick Q&A to see what makes her tick.
You recently won a Best in Show ADDY Award for your work on your short film, Barre None, what did that mean to you?
I had never been more proud than when Barre None won this award. I was so happy to be able to bring home the gold to my team, who I was so grateful to for helping me make this as beautiful as it is. The entire process of creating this video is something that I’ll cherish forever.
How did you end up at JTWO?
I needed to do a fake internship application for an assignment at Temple, so I looked up “Philadelphia film companies” on Google. Thirteen companies into my search, I clicked on “JTWO Films.” After a minute on the website I was thinking how cool it would be to work with them, and once I saw the pictures of puppies, I was sold. So, I decided to actually send in my application. It was the first and only internship I ever applied for… I never left.
Barre None
Directed by Maria Cantu
The [INC]ubator Project
In her short documentary, Maria tells the captivating and beautiful story of a young ballerina who is able to push through the harsh realities and overbearing pressures of the dancing world with unconditional love for the art.
What’s it been like jumping into the JTWO family and learning how to work with the team so quickly?
I think it was the best way for me to learn was to just get right into it. At first I was definitely out of my comfort zone in terms of the work process and knowledge of the film industry (my training is in news production), but I felt completely at home when it came to the atmosphere and the people here, which gave me the confidence to be creative in new ways.
What types of projects are your favorite to work on? Or gives you the most fulfillment?
Without hesitation, my favorite projects are the heartfelt stories with a positive message in the end. There’s so much work that goes into creating a video, so it always makes me feel good when I know my time is going to something that will put some love back into the world.
"...IT ALWAYS MAKES ME FEEL GOOD WHEN I KNOW MY TIME IS GOING TO SOMETHING THAT WILL PUT SOME LOVE BACK INTO THE WORLD."
You have to fly out to a remote country to do a project. Who’s your crew?
I’m taking the whole family. Everyone here is great at different things and all of our heads together would make a project the best it could be.
Thoughts on dogs?
Nose juice. Frito feet. Sandpaper paws. Droopy Jowls. Sploot. … Look it up.
How do you see yourself as a female director/editor in a male-dominated field?
Honestly, it’s not something I notice on a daily basis, but this is only my first year in the business. As I look toward achieving success in the industry, a male-dominated field doesn’t intimidate me in the slightest. My work speaks for itself. Also, the guys here have supported me, believed in me and empowered me from the very start, which has made me feel like I can do anything. Remember this ladies, “The man is the head, but the woman is the neck. And she can turn the head any way she wants.” – My Big Fat Greek Wedding
You were born in the [INC]ubator Project and now spearhead entire projects. What do you make of your trajectory? And where do you go from here?
The only place to go is forward.