Our Origins
The story of how BLP Film Studios came to be started more than a decade ago when founder Jason Farmer’s son, Jason A. Farmer II (lovingly known as J-II) expressed an early interest in filmmaking.
What began as a casual hobby quickly developed into a passion for young J-II, and it didn’t take long to figure out that this young man was solidly on his career path. Farmer reached out to industry friends, asking who was available to help support his son’s developing interest. Before too long, doors began to open with entertainment professionals of every stripe offering to share everything they knew.
Farmer became involved on the set of several productions, serving as grip, camera assistant, gaffer — the list goes on — all with the goal of sharing the important industry skills he learned with his young son. Of course, predictably, Farmer found a passion of his own. Beginning in 2010, he shifted the focus of his business acumen to participate full-time in his newest enterprise: BLP Film Studios, a full-scale, world-class film production and content creation company.
“Be yourself,” says BLP Film Studios Founder/CEO Jason Farmer. “That’s a value I instilled in my son. And, in doing so, his passion for creation ended up being my own.”
J-II is currently attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he is studying filmmaking.
Jason A. Farmer
Founder/CEO
In 2012, after a distinguished 25-year career in the government and public service sector, Jason A. Farmer formed BLP Film Studios, an award winning multi-media company in response to emerging trends in the arts sector.
Since then, he has worked diligently to develop industry relationships and market presence with filmmakers, composers, directors, producers, and other industry professionals to further promote the inclusion of voices of People of Color across the Film and TV industries.
Producer credits include:
Top Ten Short Films: Driven (2017), Memphis Film Prize, Minority (2018), Indie Memphis Film Prize, International Black Film Festival Nashville.
Creator: Black Creators Forum at the Indie Memphis Film Festival (2018) (2019)
Locations Manager: Color Creative/Issa Rae presents BET pilot, CURVES
Jason’s volunteerism runs deep — in addition to serving on several non-profit boards including the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Indie Memphis Film Festival, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Leadership Tennessee and Morehouse College Parents Council, Region III Representative, he is also dedicated to establishing his hometown of Memphis as a premier center for the cinematic arts.
Memphis is… the rhythm of the world.
Creativity is… Inspiration, Initiative, and Innovation.
Favorite Quote:
“To whom much is given, much will be required”
- Luke 12:48
Jason A. Farmer II
Executive Intern
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Jason A. Farmer, II is a 2019 graduate of Middle College High School at Christian Brothers University.
During this time, he developed a passion for broadcast and media as an active member of the school’s media team.
Always active in the community, Jason served as a volunteer at his church, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Westwood, and with such agencies as LITE, Leadership Memphis, Indie Memphis Film Festival, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Jason is currently attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he is studying film making.
Memphis is… page one of my evolving life story!
Creativity is… the unrestricted exploration of one’s mind.
Favorite Quote:
“If you have an idea that you genuinely think is good, don’t let some idiot talk you out of it, because in this space creativity is what drives me.”
- Stan Lee
Carolyn N. Henry
PARTNER/CFO
Carolyn Nelson-Henry brings more than 30 years of experience in corporate America, where she previously served as Finance Manager, Assistant Controller, and most recently as a Senior Financial Analyst with a Fortune 50 corporation.
In addition to her role as Partner/CFO of BLP Film Studios, she is the owner of CNH Productions, LLC, with which she completed her first movie entitled, “The City of Crosses.”
Her creativity has also motivated her to manage R&B, Classical Jazz, and Hip-Hop artists, in addition to serving as executive producer on a number of short films.
Memphis is… the next up and coming film, motion picture, and music hub of the South.
Creativity is… the power of thought, manifesting an object or idea that previously did not exist.
Favorite Quote:
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
- Thomas Edison
Cecilia S. Barnes
PARTNER/GENERAL COUNSEL
A native of Gulfport, MS, Cecilia S. Barnes graduated from Duke University in 1992 with a B.A. in political science, and obtained her law degree from Vanderbilt Law School in 1995.
Her legal expertise in corporate law and labor and employment law issues has become well-rounded, and has included law firm practice, serving as in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 company, serving as a Labor Relations Manager for a Fortune 50 Company, as well as work in the public sector. She brings 25 years of professional experience and legal experience to BLP Film Studios.
Memphis is… my personal ideal of freedom.
Creativity is… not settling for the obvious.
Favorite Quote:
“No regrets.”
Ane Weathersby
STRATEGIC PARTNER
A native of Los Angeles, California, Ane has spent 15 years in commercial real estate specializing in finance, development, investments, and operations of TV and Film studios in the US, Canada, UK, and the Middle East.
Mrs. Weathersby is the principal owner of AEW Consulting Services lending her expertise to media real estate developers around the world. Prior to starting her consultancy, Mrs. Weathersby led the financial planning, analysis, and strategy for Sunset Studios, the media, and entertainment joint venture between Hudson Pacific Properties and Blackstone.
In July she joined BLP Film Studios as a Strategic Partner and will leverage her 15+ years of industry experience as BLP continues pre-development activities ahead of groundbreaking.
Memphis is…Up next!
Creativity is… the foundation of all innovation.
Favorite Quote:
“Persistence is stronger than failure.”
Christie Taylor
WRITER
In her role as Writer for BLP Film Studios, Christie Taylor brings a creative and business acumen collected during a lifetime spent in the worlds of music, media, film, and entertainment.
While her career started in music, where she shared the stage with rising gospel stars and legends alike, a fascination with the cinema led Christie into an award-winning radio and screenplay writing career.
The host of ‘The Christie Taylor Show,’ Christie assists others in developing traditional and digital media projects through Christie Taylor Consulting and RadioGyrl Media.
Memphis is… a magical place constantly birthing creative energy from pain
and pleasure in equal measure.
Creativity is… breath. The “kiss” between God and mankind.
Favorite Quote:
“The Jewel of Life is Peace.”
- CBTaylor
Fenton E. Wright, Sr.
STRATEGIC PARTNER
A lifelong Memphian with a dedication to improving the quality of life for the residential and corporate citizens of the city, Fenton Wright most recently served as Vice President and Executive Director of the Consortium MMT, where he was tasked with creating and overseeing talent development programming.
Fenton is currently an independent executive consultant specializing in strategic planning, organizational management, and executive decision- making.
Memphis is… on the verge of realizing its potential as a city of global
influence in multiple industries.
Creativity is… the manifestation of individuality that commonly relates to us all.
Favorite Quote:
“He who starts behind in the great race of life must forever remain behind, or run faster than the man in front.”
- Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays
Lawrence E. Hall, Jr.
STRATEGIC PARTNER
A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Lawrence E. Hall, Jr. recently served as the Director of the Office of Neighborhoods and Community Engagement for the Nashville Mayor’s Office.
He has also served as Vice President of External Affairs and Business Development at Meharry Medical College. A committed Tennessean, Lawrence has served on numerous government councils, as well as on the boards of various community and non-profit organizations.
As part of his balanced schedule, he also enjoys a career as an accomplished music producer.
Memphis is… innovative, full of creativity and on the move!
Creativity is… the cornerstone of happiness.
Favorite Quote:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
- The Holy Bible
Tracee R. Comfort
VP, Film/TV/Streaming
A native of Memphis, Tracee Roderick Comfort is a member of the Southern Producers Lab, and an Executive MBA who graduated from Princeton with a degree in Politics, as well as the NYU Tisch, Dramatic Writing MFA program as a Dean’s Fellow.
Today, Tracee has parlayed these skills into film work as a co-producer of Top-10 short films in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Memphis Film Prize. In the last several years, she has collaborated with film festivals across the country.
Memphis is… the future of filmmaking. We are the Soul of Southern film.
Creativity is… in my DNA. Our resistance to make something from nothing.
Favorite Quote:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.”
-Henry David Thoreau
Barbara F. Tolbert
STYLIST
With an eye for fashion, style, and beauty, Barbara Farmer-Tolbert brings more than 25-years’ experience to her role as chief stylist for the executive team of BLP Film Studios.
A licensed cosmetologist and established entrepreneur, Barbara’s expertise in makeup artistry has allowed her to establish long-standing relationships with artists and celebrities, regionally and nationally.
Memphis is… full of potential that has been concealed, and is ready to be revealed.
Creativity is… the stimulation of thought, transmuted into action to become reality.
Favorite Quote:
“Don’t Allow Labels to Limit You.”
Pamela D. Pitts
EVP/COMPLIANCE
Prior to her time with BLP Film Studios, Pamela Pitts served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for five years before beginning her legal career as an attorney for the city of Nashville, Tennessee. She relocated to Memphis in 1992 to work as an attorney for a Fortune 50 corporation, where she spent a decade-and-a-half in Senior Attorney and leadership roles.
In 2007, she left her corporate in-house position to pursue her passion for a career in personal finance, where she works tirelessly to act as an impassioned advocate of financial planning for all.
Memphis is… a soulful and gritty mix of people who are using their talents to
take Tennessee to its next level of greatness.
Creativity is… collaborating with the universe and manifesting your vision.
Favorite Quote:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.”
-Henry David Thoreau