Jay Ellis recently shared his experience working alongside Kate Hudson in the sports drama Running Point, airing on Netflix. He described Hudson as easy to be around, funny, kind, and a bit of a smart ass, creating excellent chemistry between the pair on screen. Ellis plays the head coach of the Los Angeles Waves NBA team, while Hudson portrays Isla Gordon, who transitions into the team President role after her brother enters rehab. The duo must prove the team’s potential with a diverse roster of players.
Ellis expressed his gratitude for working with Hudson, highlighting the magic that happens when actors click and create something relatable for the audience. He also found the opportunity to incorporate elements of his personal life, such as his basketball background, into his role on the show. Reflecting on his time as a college basketball player, Ellis drew from experiences with teammates, injuries, and personal ambitions, adding a layer of authenticity to his portrayal of a coach approaching young players.
While Ellis saw parallels between his own competitive nature and his character’s motivations in Running Point, he acknowledged the differences and complexities of coaching compared to playing. Despite the challenges faced while delving into the role, Ellis found the experience enriching and enjoyable, allowing him to explore various aspects of the character and storyline. This experience has also provided Ellis with a platform to mentor an aspiring filmmaker through the Creative Spirit Challenge with Rabbit Hole Distillery, emphasizing the importance of supporting emerging artists.
Through his partnership with Rabbit Hole Distillery, Ellis aims to encourage and uplift upcoming filmmakers, recognizing the significance of storytelling in shaping culture and society. The Creative Spirits Challenge invites filmmakers to share their stories and compete for a chance to receive professional-grade camera equipment and a mentoring session with Ellis. The initiative reflects Ellis’s dedication to nurturing young talent and helping them navigate the multifaceted aspects of a filmmaking career, from creativity and marketing to technical craftsmanship.
Ellis is enthusiastic about the prospect of guiding a new creative mind through the mentorship program and hopes to instill the importance of storytelling and self-confidence in the winner. Emphasizing the value of knowledge and mentorship, Ellis intends to equip the aspiring filmmaker with the necessary tools and insights to succeed in the competitive field. By engaging with emerging talents and supporting their artistic endeavors, Ellis and Rabbit Hole Distillery aim to cultivate a vibrant and diverse storytelling landscape. Through their joint efforts, they seek to empower aspiring filmmakers to have their voices heard and stories shared with the world.
The collaboration with Rabbit Hole Distillery and the Creative Spirit Challenge exemplifies Ellis’s commitment to fostering creativity and providing opportunities for emerging artists to shine. By championing the filmmakers of tomorrow and offering mentorship and resources to aspiring talents, Ellis hopes to inspire a new generation of storytellers. With Running Point premiering on Netflix, Ellis’s passion for acting, mentorship, and storytelling continues to drive his endeavors in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impact on the creative community.
