Brandon T. Jackson continues to make his mark in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera. In addition to standout performances he’s demonstrating his growing influence as a creative force in the industry by moving into production.
As the founder and CEO of 1919 Distribution, a rising powerhouse in independent film and content distribution, his leadership has secured upcoming releases on major platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, further establishing its presence in the digital media landscape.
His next venture is a satirical comedy series, Makin’ A Brand, where entrepreneurs pitch their business or startup ideas to a panel of celebrity judges. Unlike traditional business shows, this will blend comedy and an entrepreneurial spirit, offering participants exposure, feedback, and the opportunity to showcase their brand in front of a wide audience.
The twist? It’s not quite Shark Tank! Expect bold critiques, hilarious roasting, and a unique mix of business meets entertainment. Whether you get roasted or rewarded, it’s all part of the experience. Makin’ A Brand is a fresh, comedic take on the journey of building a brand while keeping audiences laughing along the way.
As the show gears up for its live recording this week, Jackson took time out to speak with our Peter Gray about what spurred this idea to fruition, what he would personally do if he were to appear on his show, and the vision he hones for his career going forward.
When it comes to Makin’ A Brand, it’s obviously more than a competition show. It’s a talent incubator. It’s a cultural catalyst. What was the first seed of this idea? How did you know this was the right time to bring it to life?
Well, I’ve been watching a lot of these shows on the internet. All these competition shows. I thought, “You know what? Maybe we could do something different, more cinematic, with brands, and add comedy.” I’ve never seen it with comedy. I’ve seen music talent shows, and America’s Got Talent, but never something (like this). It’s almost like the people who couldn’t make it on Shark Tank (laughs), all the rejects, the undeserved people that have ideas but you just might not invest in them. I wanted to find the underdogs of talent, get them on a show with comedians, and make it cinematic. That was my whole inspiration.
And you have such artists as Trey Songz, Soulja Boy and Diamond Platnumz here too. How did you go about curating them as guest judges? And is there an energy or perspective that each of them bring?
I wanted big talent and big personalities. The personalities that can make great viral moments. I’ve seen viral moments done in a “reality” way, but I wanted it done in a cinematic way. I’ve never seen that before.
Are there qualities or a mindset that you’re looking for? When you think of the next generation of cultural leaders, what separates someone who’s just talented from someone who can lead a movement?
Everything is about original ideas and how you execute them. I see a lot of great ideas, and from my background, and I’m not trying to knock anybody, but I just want to always keep everything high content. Premium content. If you see the trailer, we use a Mozart mix in the same kind of sound mixing as a Christopher Nolan film. I get that this is reality-based, but if I can mix reality and non-scripted with a cinematic flow…I’ve always seen it be very structured for television.
If you could go back and compete on something like Makin’ A Brand, would you? Would there be advice you would give to young Brandon at that time?
I would probably perform some stand up. I think I’d probably argue with the judges (laughs), because they’re kind of assholes on purpose. But I enjoy the back and forth with them in between sets.
We’ve seen multiple sides to Brandon T. Jackson. Actor, comedian, producer, entrepreneur…What side of you are we seeing that’s never been seen before here?
It’s more me than you’ve ever seen before. My personality is the biggest thing. I haven’t given enough of that as an adult. You know, Nick Cannon had Wild ‘n Out. Kevin Hart had his (Cold As Balls). This is my show and my personality.
You’ve spoken about your personal growth. Is there a vision change for your career? We’re seeing you helm your own brand and your own platform. Everything you’ve done in your career, has it shaped you in a way that’s led to this?
I think what I’m doing now is just taking more controls over the IPs that I want. Same with how Brad Pitt and George Clooney started their own production companies. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, even when I was on Tropic Thunder. I was watching Ben Stiller make his own content. I think that’s how you make a brand for yourself, and that’s why I did this (show).
You’re creating your own pipeline, instead of waiting for permission. What advice do you have for young creatives who feel locked out of traditional gates?
I would say that you just got to find a way to make your own stuff. You got to find a way to do your own things. There are so many different pathways to this business now. I think the way to go is to take power into your own hands and be creative that way.
I’ve read up on you and seen interviews where you’ve spoken about everything you’ve gone through, and you’ve returned so strong. Not everybody comes out the other side. I won’t pry into everything, but I just want to extend that it’s inspiring to see someone grab everything they’ve learned and hone it into something positive that can help the next generation.
Oh, man, thank you. We’re doing a lot of films right now. There’s some non-scripted (stuff) I’m getting my feet wet on, and obviously my comedy special, Chest Out. I have the number one movie on Starz, Trap City. There was a lot of mistakes that I have learned from, and you just got to keep doing it, and that’s what this producing process has been like. And now I’m getting text messages from talent, and looking at director schedules, and I’m the one putting these shows together. It’s really different.
Makin’ A Brand will film in front of a live audience across August 1st – 5th, 2025, in North Hollywood, before arriving on screens in September. For more information about the show and how to be involved, head to the official website here.
