We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff “JB Cool” Brazzle and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jeff “JB Cool”, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Creating my own production company was driven by two fundamental ideals: culture and freedom. It boiled down to the liberty to craft the projects that truly resonated with me, particularly those narratives rooted in my community and culture. These were the stories that might not fit neatly into traditional molds, but they were just as authentic and deserving of accolades.
Moreover, it was about shedding the shackles of a boss or studio constantly questioning every decision I made. With this newfound artistic freedom, I aimed to not only create but also share the knowledge I’d accumulated. I envisioned mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, potentially benefiting both my company and myself by taking on freelance work for other productions. This collaborative approach would allow me to contribute to the growth of our industry while also expanding the horizons of my own endeavors.
It’s a win-win for everyone involved because we all get to do what we love and learn from each other.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
“Mama’s Boys” is a web series about an African-American mother who has borderline personality disorder. She’s trying to balance her past and present life and will do anything for her two sons. What makes this story special is that it goes beyond what we typically see on screen. The main character, “Thelma Jean Butler,” also known as “Mama B” and played by the talented Mariah Ingraham, isn’t confined to stereotypes. She brings to life the qualities and characteristics that anyone can relate to, regardless of their background. Especially if you’ve ever known someone with this kind of disorder. It’s her skills and the way she and the rest of the cast portray their characters that make some of the toughest and most emotionally charged scenes truly remarkable.
I’ve faced challenges on my journey to get where I am today. Sometimes, I’ve seen my peers get opportunities that I worked just as hard for, and it left me wondering if I was being overlooked. It often felt like a struggle between my identity and my creativity. To break free from that cycle, I founded I.Vizion Entertainment to pave my own way. It’s not easy, especially because some people aren’t accustomed to seeing someone like me—an African-American—in the position I’m in, doing the things I’ve done both nationally and internationally.
I proudly embrace the title of a “Black artist.” I’ve hired a predominantly black crew and cast, and while some might label it a “Black” web series, I’m okay with that. However, there’s more depth to the story that everyone can relate to, even those with limited perspectives who may not see its financial or emotional value. But I won’t let that deter me. As a creative writer, I’m using my freedom to explore important topics in our community, and this series is just the beginning of a larger story.
So, keep an eye out for the “Mama’s Boys” web series. It was a joy to create with a dedicated team, crew, and cast who all worked hard. It’s not just about my identity; it’s about the work itself, and we’re proud to share it with the world.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, first I’d tell him to come down on a Tuesday & that night is all about the planning. We’d probably go get a couple drinks at downtown Hollywood and chill.
Wednesday Day 2:
Hit up Downtown Miami, starting at Bayside & then Wynwood as our local sights and sounds as a backdrop, spending a combined 5-6 hours until we gotta beat the traffic and get back to rest up.
Thursday Day 3:
is all about the food – go and get full at El Palacio de los Jugos, go take a nap, then hit Wynwood – The joint of Miami R&B Thursdays
Friday through Sunday – Days 4, 5, & 6:
We’re bringing along a few more friends for a weekend getaway to Key Largo at the Ocean Reef Club resort, where we have access to a boat through our membership. On Friday, we’ll kick things off with a relaxing sunset dinner.
Saturday is all about the water adventure. We’ll set out early, drop anchor, and dive into the beautiful underwater world near John Pennekamp Park. After an exciting day of snorkeling and diving, we’ll make a pit stop at the local market to grab some delicious grub for a chill evening of grilling and hanging out.
Then, on the following day, it’ll be time to check out and head back up north. End Sunday night at the Seminole Hard-rock, take some pics, gamble a little, wind down….capping off a memorable weekend escape.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out to The CLLCTVS, a South Florida’s collaborative production company that aims to create meaningful and inspiring content through cinematic and theatrical excellence.
The crew helped me on set with my series, “Mama’s Boys” and they are tremendously professional and fun to work with.
Website: https://ivizionentertainment.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mamasboysseries
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/@mamasboysseries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550555437060&mibextid=avESrC
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mamasboysseries
Image Credits
@UlyssePhotos @TheCLLCTVS