During a time when zombie movies rule, Director Marlon “MJ” Jones takes his action thriller to a higher realm, literally with his faith-based movie Intercessors about strongholds (or demons) fighting us in the spirit world.  The award-winning movie recently walked away with Best Feature Action Film at the Artemis Women In Action Film Festival 6th Edition, and several previous other film festival accolades (as noted on the key art).  And I personally could not have said it better than this . . .

“The one thing that I really like about this film: Is it about God? Yes. Is it giving you the message that Jesus asked for you? Yes. Is it shoving it down your throat? Not at all. And I don’t care how unsaved you might be. I don’t even care if you don’t believe in God. When you see this film, you’re going to see what you’re dealing with in this world. You’re going to see that when you’re out there trying to accomplish whatever it is, and it feels like everything is going against you, and you can’t figure out how the heck to get past these obstacles, you’re going to discover what’s really happening and how you can fight it!”

– Kickin’ It With Kymm

INTERCESSORS: Allegory meets reality, as three women fight to survive personal turmoil and spiritual assault. Danielle Crumble; Nicole Ochoa; Teri Lee Johnston; Monica McSwain; Kat Hughes; Natasha Neary; Marlon Jones, writer/director. Adult themes. USA

Interview by Kaylene Peoples
Responses by Marlon “MJ” Jones, Writer/Dir. of Intercessors

Marlon, tell me a little about your film and what inspired you to make Intercessors? 

Intercessors is a film that was designed to make a lasting impact on its audience (beyond just entertainment). The story follows three women in their day-to-day struggles. Their obstacles are fear, domestic abuse, & addiction. It has a gritty real-life feel to it, and it’s unique because it has a supernatural twist. The movie takes you on an emotional ride with a satisfying ending. All in all, the film is about courage, sisterhood, faith, and war! I know that sounds like an unlikely blend, but it’s true. (Haha.) I’m inspired to tell stories that MATTER.

How long did it take to complete the film? What was it shot on?

The film was filmed sporadically over about 12 days of shooting and about 18 months of editing that spread out over a couple of years. It was a true labor of love, and was done on nights, weekends, etc.

Tell me about the filmmaking process. Let’s talk about the cast and crew. 

Well, in general, filmmaking is collaborative! For part of the shoot, I had a full crew, and other parts I did everything myself with maybe a couple of friends. I wore a lot of hats on this, to say the least . . . kind of like Robert Rodriguez back in the day. My primary roles were DIRECTOR, WRITER, & EDITOR. However, some days I was the cinematographer, 1st AD, Casting Director, Crafty, you name it! You do what you gotta do to get it done. In my opinion, it’s better to jump in there and do it yourself than to fail. Just sayin’.

Tell me about who was involved and particularly your key players.

I had a very talented, experienced, and generous stunt choreographer. Simon Rhee (awesome actor/stuntman) and his assistant helped me out A LOT! Also my cast was excellent. Even those who weren’t athletes went above and beyond to make this happen. One standout was Nicole Ochoa. Nicole plays a sword-wielding “Good Samaritan,” and she respected the process and took it seriously. That meant a lot to me. Everyone gave 100 percent, and the cast was a key to the film having success. Also, one of the leads plays a character called SIREN played by Danielle Crumble-Smith who steals the show!

What was your experience on Intercessors? What drew you to this film?

I like to make films about real life. I also like to make the kind of movies that I would personally go see. So for this, the task was to make a film that encouraged people and showed the power of God. I took the challenge of presenting a relationship with God in a visceral and authentic way that would not dissuade nonbelievers but also ring true to the faith-based community. Oh, and let’s not forget, AVOIDING the typical cheesy approach that’s often associated with this kind of project. It was a tough thing to pull off. Hopefully most audiences will embrace it.

What were some of the most memorable moments on set?

One memorable moment was when I saw a few of the fight sequences come together on set. It showed everyone that we were making something significant and that I was there for war. Another moment that I remember is the day my lead decided to act her behind off and show her true talent. The character SIREN has a ton of dialogue and she killed it!

Tell me about your background as a filmmaker.

I started making films in 1995 when I was around 20 years old. I didn’t know what I was doing back then but I shot a short and three features within a two-year span. That showed me that there was a potential career – outside of baseball, which was my first love. It never panned out though.  So, after undergrad, I went to grad school/film school in southern California (I’m a native New Yorker). I’ve worked in television as an editor for two decades, and I’ve done the indie film thing for the same amount of time. I’ve done every job there is to do at one point or another on a film set. I’m an independent filmmaker, and I’m just looking for the opportunity that will open the correct doors for me, so to speak. It’s a tough business, but I’m not quitting. Hopefully my perseverance will create opportunity. I’m not out here trying to merely entertain people. I want my films to impact people’s lives in a memorable way. Sadly, I don’t feel that I’ve even scratched the surface on what I’m truly capable of. And no one knows it except me and God. This is a “show me” business. So I need to show it, rather than talk about it.

What would you say is unique about this film? 

Even if you hate God, you could still enjoy it! I’ve had atheists tell me as much.

Were there any challenging moments during production?

Independent filmmaking is terribly difficult, lonely, and frustrating. This film embodied all of those things during its creation. It’s a low-budget film that was directed by a guy with high concept, big budget ideas. I didn’t have a lot of resources, but I went for it anyway! From equipment malfunction, to rain, crew members leaving, and everything in between, there were tons of challenges. However, there were a number of miracles that happened along the way as well. It’s almost like this project was meant to be. Even with all the limitations.

What were some of the highlights of filming Intercessors?

Getting to shoot and create action sequences was a huge highlight! I believe that action scenes are a form of art. And when action is done right and the story complements the action, then you have something special on your hands. Also, rehearsals were fun. I learn so much during that process and I always tend to bond with actors and stunt people who are putting their bodies on the line to make something cool. I’m an ex-athlete myself, so I love and respect athletes and martial artists. I love when a fight scene looks real and you can see the performers do more than three seconds of choreography on screen.

What were some of the obstacles?

Well, at times budget was a huge obstacle. Or the lack of support/belief in what I was doing. But those are the typical hurdles for any indie filmmaker. So, no complaints here! I’m so thankful to the Lord that I was able to complete the project.

On your next project what might you do differently and what might you do the same? 

On my next project, I will have a staff on board who believes in me and the project. If I can get that, then I’ve already won. Regardless of the outcome.

What advice could you give to a first-time director/producer/composer/etc?

Shoot, shoot, shoot. Create, create, create. WRITE IT DOWN. Don’t wait!!!

Is there is anything else you’d like to mention. If so, please do.

If anyone reading this thinks, “Hey, I like what that guy is saying and I’d like to work with him,” hit me up, because you never know when you’ll find the right professional fit.

Also, I’d like to thank Kaylene Peoples and Agenda magazine for this opportunity to be interviewed. Shout out to the Artemis Women In Action Film Festival!

And . . . Thank you Jesus! Yep, I said that.

One more thing: No one makes it in any profession without the help of many people along the way. And even though I have NOT “made it” yet, I’d still like to thank a few people. Vera Diane Chesley at Bowie State University, Andre Joyner, Colin Taylor, Dan Leonard (at Chapman University), James Beatty, Lizette Anaya, Airi De Atley, and my wonderful wife and kids (T, M & M).

And if you’ve never met Frances Jones, then you are missing out! She’s the best! Also, my father Michael Jones who passed away a few years ago. He was a real man.

In Christ, MJ

“If you hate God or if you love God, you can both sit in the same theater (or in front of the same screen) and watch it . . . and everybody will be cool. We had a [mixed-religion] theater that was Christian, Jewish, athiest, agnostic, and everyone understood everything that was happening. And if they didn’t, their questions were so poignant, that it was going to put them in a better place.”  Marlon Jones, Intercessors

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ABOUT MARLON “MJ” JONES: DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, WRITER, CREATOR

An Emmy-winning editor and Artemis Best Director MJ is a filmmaker with a distinctive vision of integrity and an edge with over 20 years of Film/TV experience with the ability to execute during production and in post. And mostly, MJ ‘s commitment to excellence, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done, makes for great moviemaking.

INTERCESSORS is currently screening at the Artemis Women in Action Film Festival (AWIAFF) through the month of May 2021.  Get your all-access pass at artemisfilmfestival.com and watch this incredible film.