Jesse's Work
Jesse learned about the arts early, from his uncle David Layne and his cousin, choreographer Dianne McIntyre.
His first experiences in the film industry began casually with auditions and occasional acting jobs for fun in Washington DC with Camera Ready Kids. He was especially proud of a small role in an episode of the TV show Homicide when he was around twelve.
His first adult, professional opportunity in the film industry came from Colin Cumberbatch at Spike Lee's production company where he worked as a production assistant on Inside Man. He also enjoyed production jobs on Munich and Michael Clayton, and the television show 'Rescue Me." His last job -- with Working Title Films -- fulfilled one of his dreams as he worked as assistant to the director, Adam Brooks, on the film Definitely, Maybe.
While Jesse had established contacts in the film industry, intermittent jobs in the restaurant business helped him finance his education and take time for script writing. This included his work at the Heights near Columbia during his student days, and recent work he enjoyed at the Maggie Brown restaurant in his Brooklyn neighborhood while he wrote his screenplay and prepared to move to LA.
Jesse completed a large number of small film projects, film research and writings. His themes included coming of age, youthful comedic shorts, sweet interludes, the examination of controversial social issues, a political action thriller, interactions between cultures, and African American life. In addition to film and basketball, Jesse loved to study philosophy and this quiet love was reflected in his writing. In between his own projects, Jesse enjoyed collaborating with friends on their work. Colleagues have begun to collect and catalog Jesse's films and writings.
At the time of his death, Jesse planned to move to LA to continue his career in film as he neared the completion of his first, professional full length feature screenplay.
Jesse's Story | Jesse's Work | Jesse Played
