Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Lambert.
Jeremy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Throughout my school years, I tried it all: sports, arts, good grades and girls. After trying all the social norms, I always knew one thing: I could make people laugh. Maybe it helped that I spend most of my afternoons watching S.N.L or HBO comedy specials, or maybe it was the one trait God graced me with. So I joined an improv troupe (The Humoroids) straight out of high school and was the first youngest member due to how funny I was on stage or off.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina happened and we all disband moving to different cities or states. I decided to form my own comedy group. I actually drafted seniors from my high school because I wanted to find the ones who had a passion and drive like myself, but couldn’t afford college or wasn’t able to get scholarships. Shortly after, I ran into a small group running comedy shows and hit the stage, sharing real-life stories you only see in movies.
Since Mississippi isn’t the best place to pursue an entertainment career, me and my film partner/friend decided to move to California. Once we made friends with fellow filmmakers and comedians, we formed a new group and have been independently producing our own material ever since. I named my group Playing Pretend Entertainment since everyone is always reminding me I’m a grown-up Peter Pan.
Since 2015 I’ve hosted several comedy shows, continue to open for my friend’s bands. I write, film and edit my own projects. My team recently released our new web-series Redneck Batman and have three more shows in production once lockdown is over. Recently I met Clark Monroe online, who runs a non-profit organization that will help local San Diego talent of all kinds find more work locally. We are a lot alike in that aspect with me searching for more venues for upcoming local comics where we can have more stage time to practice or work out the kinks in our material. 2019 was a big year for me with networking and working with local filmmakers. We’ve all helped each other produce projects anyway we can. Going into 2020, my plan is to help bring more diversity into film-making and help build a group of local actors/writers who miss chances to pursue their dreams due to financial or experience issues. Everyone deserves a chance to follow their dreams and I think it’s time. We all come together and help make that happen and that’s why San Diego Entertainment will focus on.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly, when I first started performing comedy and filming, it seemed like there was nothing that was going to hold me back. It seemed that once my group had several projects underway, life quickly got in the way with work or people building families. Being a small fish in a huge ocean didn’t help either. Finding anyone interested in publishing stories or help with filming was impossible without having a legitimate professional background or college education. You also have to choose when work gets in the way since you need a steady paycheck to survive. I tried not to let any of that get me down; just stay focused, write as much as I can and take matters into my own hands, slowly gathering the equipment needed to produce my own content.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
We are independent film-makers, writers and actors. When I’m not filming, I do stand-up comedy. We handle all aspects of the production process: filming, directing, editing and producing. What I can say I’m known for is running comedy shows where I give performers a stress-free stage where they can discuss any topic and not worry about someone rushing them off the stage. I mentioned that our film group is Melting Pot Films and it symbolizes we are trying to bring diversity in the stories we film. To include everyone in all walks of life and bring more realism to the characters we portray. That’s what I can say I am proud of about my group, judgment-free zone and extend helping hand to everyone.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I say success is someone trying to achieve whatever their passion is. Never giving up on your dreams even when family or friends don’t agree with you. Success is anyone willing to go the distance like buying their first camera and gear, writing day in and day out, practicing on their desired craft and continue learning and growing your skills.
Me, I’m trying to grow any way I can: Networking, Staying motivated, Having a professional image, Not using any short cuts.
Contact Info:
- Email: jmantheirishguy@hotmail.com
- Instagram: redneckbatmanuniverse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JManTheIrishGuy
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/slwchildrnatplay
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