Rising Stars: Meet Cordele Taylor II of Point Loma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cordele Taylor II.

Hi Cordele , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I begin to my interest into film as a 14 year old kid while attending correa middle school. I was a young kid coming from Houston Texas, I learned very quickly how bright and colorful most of the kids were in school in Point Loma versus the competitive athletic environment promoted in texas. I quickly became friends with a group of kids who were into dancing. I began to film the which progressed into me editing and adding music onto of the films. From then on I fell in love with videography and editing film. throughout high school I took different video production classes which helped me understand more of what I wanted to be apart of. after I finished school I grew to developing scripts. Now at 28 I have reached a point to where I am a complete student of film. I have partnered with many different film makers to create awesome projects. I have recently in association with Tysen knight have released a documentary about his life. ‘ THE TYSEN KNIGHT EXPERIENCE ” Which has won 4 awards and one singular nomination. This was a huge milestone for me and my production company JUNKY ROOM FILM Since we started 11 months ago professionally producing film on July 6th 2024. Since that date we have filmed a future film ‘ THE BIG SNOOZE : Law & Disorder ” September of 2025. We have released one episode to a Docs series titled ” REGUCATION ” About the state of regular education in Texas. While we are also in production filming ” THE LALA STORY ” A concept that focuses on a different style of oppression were normally most film portray this through class. I have written a story that shows how two 14 year old teen navigate through the inner city as they shy away from a life of crime that is constantly promoted to them through many different avenues. La-La & Jay are your average kids who promise each other that they would own a business and never go to jail. This story dives into the different dynamics in a Childs life that could knowingly or unknowingly shape their reality whether that impacts them negatively and positively. Since starting last summer I have directed-Produce-Written & edited 6 projects and im excited to see who I will creating cool stories with next !

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Along the way I have faced. many struggles and challenges. But it comes down to how you look at it. Sometimes at the start of a project we look at what we dont have instead of looking at what we do have. My grandmother told me to ” do what you can with what you have “.

1. in 2022 I thought I was done with film forever I hit a rough financial patch didn’t have enough money and momentum to keep going. I ended up selling my camera and this was a lot for me being someone who would just freely shoot anything anywhere. it came down to what it represented ” FREEDOM”. I gave that up and until today I never really looked back on it in that light. When I made that decision I suppressed my own creativeness or well I thought so for a year or so. later in February of 2024. I was reading some of my old scripts they were unorganized & raw. I begin to re write and re work the structure of my stories and even developed other stories that became fun to read over. That’s when I decided to buy a cinema camera not just any camera but a good one. I did my researched and I found one, I waited a week or so for the camera to come but when it did I started filming the first day July 6th 2024. In all I had to find a way back naturally and writing delivered that path so I took it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most known for my involvement in film. Being 28 I feel a strong connection to writing and I am constantly looking for ways to become a better story teller. I am still not sure what it is that I am the best at. I dont look at it that way. Everyday in film you are constantly learning something new and or solving challenges to get the job done. I do my part which is usually writing directing editing. I figure continue to put out art and great stories and audience will let me know what im really good at and where I strongly contribute to a production.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
To all readers. When I gave up my camera in 2022 it felt like leaving your buddy, your dog at the park and never coming back ! a feeling you dont ever want to feel. Take that leap of faith and trust in yourself. Being creative starts with you and you only. a great artist/Muralist once asked me ” Can you draw ? ” I replied “NO.” He slid a piece of paper across the table and said draw a stick figure. I did so. he replied to me and said ” You are now an artist “. What we do not realize is that art is defined/expressed by you and it is your creativeness is that expression.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefedeez/?hl=en

Image Credits
2024 silicone beach film festival (Director – cordele Taylor II)