Yo check it Brand nerds. Off the rip, Merry Happy all the things! If you wanna learn how to architect the career of YOUR DREAMS this is the podcast for you. James Lopez, aka the silent assassin, is a living embodiment of 'I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.' Shout William Ernest Henley. Lopez and I, and our families would break bread in the valley. As our children played together and our wives conversed, Lopez and I would chop up his ambition and plan to ‘transition’ from the music business to the movie business. His questions were penetrating. Focused. Pure. Lopez was lucid about the WHAT, I knew he’d soon figure out the HOW. I was confident Lopez' cinematic vision manifest in the music business, from TIP to The Nappy Roots, would serve him well in the world of cinema. Now look at you bro…changing the game in partnership with Will Packer and team. I truly hope your words of wisdom are consumed and digested by the hungry, for if they listen and learn they too will dine at the table of career destiny. Ashe bro! Very proud of you and your substantial accomplishments.
Additionally, we welcome you to enjoy and learn about:
• Obtaining one’s first real job in a field everyone wants to join
• How a marketer can make the difficult transition from one field to another
• Trusting one’s instincts…
#brandsbeatsbytes #cmo
Show Notes
James F. Lopez is President of Will Packer Productions. In the position he is responsible for developing and overseeing production on all film projects through the company’s first look deal with Universal Pictures.
He is an executive producer on the company’s comedy film Almost Christmas, starring Gabrielle Union, Danny Glover, Mo’Nique, Romany Malco, Nicole Ari Parker, Kimberly Elise, JB Smoove, Jessie T. Usher and DC Young Fly and the upcoming July 21, 2017 feature Girl Trip starring Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Queen Latifah and Tiffany Haddish as well as Jacob’s Ladder, a reimagining of the 1980’s thriller classic, starring Michael Ealy, Jesse Williams and Nicole Beharie that debuted in 2017.
Prior to joining Will Packer Productions, Lopez was Senior Vice President of Production at Screen Gems, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment. During his tenure, Lopez oversaw some of the company’s top grossing and most anticipated projects. He was the production executive for the box office hit Think Like A Man. The film debuted at number one at the box office and grossed over $96 million worldwide. He oversaw production on About Last Night, Think Like A Man Too, The Wedding Ringer, The Perfect Guy and When The Bough Breaks for the studio. He also produced and conceived the story for the acclaimed short film #AmeriCAN, directed by actor Nate Parker.
Formerly Senior Vice President of Marketing for Atlantic Records before joining Screen Gems, Lopez played an instrumental role in developing and overseeing the marketing campaigns for several multi-platinum artists including T.I. during his tenure in the music business. He also oversaw the soundtracks for numerous films including Hustle & Flow, P.S. I Love You, Step Up 2: The Streets, Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls, Meet The Browns, Why Did I Get Married? and Avatar. In addition to overseeing marketing for artists, Lopez has directed a series of television commercials for album campaigns and led efforts for film soundtracks and brand partnerships. His music video for T.I.’s “No Matter What,” from his double platinum album Paper Trail, was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award. Lopez also has a Grammy nomination for his producing of long form video “The World According to Nappy.”
Lopez is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and has been included on Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 list and Imagen Foundation’s Most Powerful & Influential Latinos in Entertainment. He is also a board member for the African American Film Critics Association and ICON MANN.
What is Brands, Beats & Bytes?
Interesting people, insightful points of view and incredible stories on what’s popping and not popping in marketing, tech, and culture you can use to win immediately. Brands, Beats and Bytes boldly stands at the intersection of brand, tech and culture. DC and Larry are fascinated with stories and people behind some of the best marketing in the business. No matter how dope your product, if your marketing sucks your company may suck too. #dontsuck