The Gods (2014) br Action, Drama br br Director: Mykel Shannon Jenkins br br Writer: Mykel Shannon Jenkins br br Stars: Mykel Shannon Jenkins, Stefania Spampinato, Kevin Interdonato br br The Mykel Shannon Jenkins Story br br Filmmaker, Mykel Shannon Jenkins is a man who has a sense of his own identity, and a vision of where he wants to go in his life. He is comfortable in his own skin, which makes him a rarity in today’s society. His plan is to bring about change in this world. He feels if you want things to change, you have to become a part of that change. Film is an excellent instrument, because it is widely viewed, on the largest stage in the world. Having this amazing intensity and passion about himself, made him known, to filmmakers as the ‘beast’, especially for his physically powerful performance in Undisputed III: Redemption (2010). Mykel is a force on screen. If you ask him about his craft, he will always give you a straight answer. His views are honest, simple and to the point. Believe in yourself, and faith. Greed does not win, Power can exchange hands, and Love always has the last say. br br Q: Who most inspired you in your youth? br br I was born and raised in the south, and was surrounded by, “the art form of drama”, at a very early age, by my mother who was a Drama Teacher. Many great people have inspired me, but I have to say, that my greatest inspiration was my mother, the greatest unknown Actor in the world. She taught me everything I know; Like, the importance of words, understanding and communication. I learned the power of faith, and the necessity, of belief. If you are willing to work, there is no reason to believe that you cannot make things happen. The lesson I will never forget, is that you put everything you have, into whatever you are doing, and never quit. br br You wear many hats in the production of your film. What is your favorite hat? br Producer, Director, Writer, and Actor? br br I think that ‘The Box’, was built so people could learn how to play outside of it. As far as producing, directing, and starring goes, there isn’t really a favorite hat. I would rather hand over those responsibilities, but there are times when the vision is so clear, and the story so vivid, that it drives you forward. There is no doubt, that this is an enormous responsibility. As a filmmaker, once you have a crystal-clear image, of where you want your story to go, sometimes you will need to wear these hats, because you have to make sure that the story tells itself. After that, you just get out of the way, and provide it with an opportunity to live. br br Having had the chance to watch Mykel work, has made me realize that no matter what he is working on, he has a clear image of what he wants, and where his ideas should end up. He works tirelessly towards that end. When his work requires his blood, sweat and tears, you can bet he will give it all, every single time. His new film “The Gods” is a testament to Mykels, passion and hard work, his perfectionism and his determination to tell this story. Mykel has a fire inside that will not rest, until he has finished his work. He is both steadfast and true to his craft. His Roar is loud and clear. He creates excitement in the film environment as soon as he enters the arena. Mykel walks tall and always with a touch of class. He is that diamond in the rough; He is definitely someone to watch in the near future. br br With your acting and filmmaking experience, is there any words of wisdom, you would give to future actors and filmmakers? br br If I were to give anyone some advice, I would say, do it if you must, make that film as if your life depended on it. Tell your stories. You should always, ‘Speak Out’, about your vision, passion and your truth. It is extremely tough out here, and it is only getting tougher. The only guarantees you have for opportunities, are the ones you, create. Go out there and ‘Create’, because you have no other option, but work at what makes you happy. br Your film “The Gods”, tell us a little about it. What’s next in the near future? br br “The Gods” is a modern day ‘Romeo and Juliet’, where Mikey James, a street hustler raised on the streets with his two brothers, goes to work for the Fasano family, as he desperately tries to find a way out of his hustling life style. Mikey James has always been in love with the Mob bosses beautiful daughter, Sofia Fasano. Now he begins his move to capture her heart. Despite the sworn contempt between the two families, Mikey and Sofia wed in secrete. Once the wedding is exposed, the chain of fateful events that follow will forever change the lives of both families. As for the future: God only knows. All I can say is keep watching, I will be out there. You can count on it. br br He is a charismatic, gentle man. His honesty and his work ethics are above reproach. His new film “The Gods” is already creating a buzz. Mykel never disappoints on or off the screen.