Tag, You’re It! – Rocky Jo

It’s been over a year since I wrote a “Tag, You’re It!” blog. And well, in honor of LOVESICK‘s premiere in Taiwan, I’m writing about Rocky Jo, extraordinary director/writer/editor who’s also one of the most positive and humble peeps I know.

Rocky, Rocky, Rocky… first of all, how many Asian guys do you know with that name? Secondly, what kind of Asian is Rocky? Well, I’m afraid I can’t reveal that or he’d kill me as he’s always been so secretive about it… But I’m sure you can take a good guess with his recent film release and how well he speaks this Asian language here. Haha~ :X

So I first met Rocky at the San Diego Asian Film Festival in 2005. My short documentary, Future Rock Stars of America, screened in a program with his short film, Bunny & Clydo. Prior to meeting him, I had actually noticed him at the festival party the night before, cuz’ 1) he was very aloof and 2) he was wearing a Japanese school uniform looking suit to match a very Japanese hairstyle which made him look like he came out of an anime. Lol.

After getting connected, Rocky reached out to me about a music video project in 2006. He’d always wanted to direct a music video for an Asian American artist and I happened to know a lot of them. With what he had in mind, I pointed him in the direction of At Last aka Tatum Jones. Next thing you know, I was getting my first real experience as a producer ( “Ain’t No Sunshine”). In 2007, Rocky asked me to produce for him again. This time it was for a short film that he wrote called My First Crush where he wanted to fuse Chinese, Korean, and Japanese elements. I tell ya… Rocky likes to confuse people about what kind of Asian he is. Haha.

From my experience working with Rocky, my job was always easy because he always knew exactly what he wanted. He basically showed me the ropes of producing and was very hands on with the entire process. And at the time, I honestly had no idea what the heck I was doing with my life, so Rocky was definitely very encouraging and nurturing of my exploration with producing.

Can’t have a Rocky picture without a peace sign. Here we are with the main cast members of MY FIRST CRUSH.

Since working together on those two projects, Rocky and I have actually become better friends than colleagues. From going to the same church and grabbing lunch on Sundays, to being at each others’ baptisms to praying it up for each other, Rocky is my BRO. And well, I’m super proud of him and excited for him, cuz’ God has definitely given him lots of favor.

And Rocky doesn’t take any of that for granted. He loves what he does and he’s serious about it. He’s always wanting to do the right thing and he just wants to share his heart. I don’t have an ounce of doubt that he’ll do big things. I mean, shoot he already has and it’s only the beginning :]

Official Bio:

Rocky has directed over 100+ world class athletes including Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning, Mia Hamm, and for clients such as Toyota, Gatorade, the US Marines, US Navy, US National Guard, Cisco Systems, and numerous NFL, NHL, and NBA teams.

Born in Texas, educated at Boston U. (dual in Finance and Film), Rocky landed in LA where he honed his highly kinetic and often anime-influenced directing style. With his deep knowledge in writing, editing, and coloring, his projects have garnered a number of awards. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, he loves just working with great people to tell amazing stories.

Read more…

See where he’s been and where he’s going: rockyjo.com