Jayleen S Perez

Award winning Film Director Jayleen S Perez is a former Jersey City, Miss Puerto Rico 2011. In addition to beauty pageants she was very athletic and has won many softball awards from the ages of 9-17, including a stand out MVP award. After receiving a degree in Health Service Administration, She was hired as a Spanish Translator for the NJ public school system. Shortly after that she became the Research Manager and Office Administrator for a dermatologist. At the age of 25, In 2019 Jayleen wrote her first short film “Karmen” which she then directed and co-produced in the fall of the same year. “Karmen” is a romantic thriller with a strong Latina and LGBTQ presence. It has been well received in film festivals both domestic and internationally. “Karmen” has won racked up various nominations and awards in reputable film festivals some examples include: Best Drama at the Couch Film Festival in Canada, Best First Time Director award in the Brightside film festival in Jersey City, Best Director nomination at the IndieX film festival in Los Angeles, as well as a nomination at the Oniros Film Awards in Italy.

Recent victories include: Best First Time Director award at the Golden Earth Film Awards and Best Director Win at The Tagore international film festival in India.

Karmen has also been accepted to many upcoming festivals including: Point Lookout Film Festival in Long Island, Hang On To Your Shorts in Asbury Park, NJ, ( the film is already nominated for Best NJ SHORT DRAMA) and the colt favorite NJ Horror Con which takes place at the famous Showboat Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ in March 2021.

She directed the opening segment of a upcoming feature for Narrow Bridge Films.

Within a year she already has 5 IMDb Credits including an acting credit in a commercial for a famous Restaurant, known as Hendrickson’s corner in Bayonne, NJ.

In August 2020 Jayleen co-produced and directed a short horror film with actor and producer Dan Gregory.

The bloody film AirB&D follows a sadistic couple that target a novelist who is on a weekend getaway.

Jayleen was featured on the JHS Podcast with Puerto Rican actor and musician John Soto where she discussed her up coming projects and career as a director. The interview is available on YouTube.

Most recently she has been on a podcast with LBJ The Heartfelt Truth, which is currently streaming on iHeart Radio, iTunes, and Spotify.

Vocal readers please enjoy our interview!

Tammy Reese:

What inspired you to become an Filmmaker?

Jayleen S Perez:

The inspiration to become a filmmaker came from being surrounded by so much talent! For the past 3 years, I have been to Film Festivals as a supporter of other people’s work and I thought to myself that I could do this and even better. I am not just a bystander; I am a competitor. Since I was a child, I have always been a fan of horror movies and sometimes when I watch them I think to myself, I should make them. As a fan you know what elements would keep the audience on their toes, and that’s what I strive to do with my projects.

Tammy Reese:

What has the Filmmaking journey been like so far?

Jayleen S Perez:

My film journey takes just started! Last year was when I wrote and direct my first short “Karmen” and it has been such an impressive start with laurels, film festivals, and awards BUT don’t get me wrong we have been rejected from a few but every rejection has just made me want to continue filming and continue crossing the line. I don’t focus on rejection because “Karmen” has won many awards in various categories from “Best Director” to acting awards for my actors, so I am not offended if my powerful material isn’t for everyone.

Tammy Reese:

What are some obstacles?

Jayleen S Perez:

An obstacle I have faced as a first time filmmaker is self producing, not only did I have to direct the film that I wrote but I also had to manage the behind-the-scenes of a film production, as significant as the budget, crew, location. As tough as it was, I love being the boss and in charge of everything going on.

Tammy Reese:

What are some memorable moments in your career so far?

Jayleen S Perez:

Some memorable moments so far have been winning “Best First-Time Director” at the Bright Side Film Festival in Jersey City, it was my first in person festival and since it was my first film I did not see that win coming.

I was having a bad day (female problems) when I received an e-mail saying that I won “Best Director” at the Golden Earth Film Awards (Worldwide Online film competition) ... But the most memorable was working on my first Project with my boyfriend, Actor, Producer, writer, Dan Gregory, it was such a great feeling, knowing that someone who has been in this business for so long, believes in you enough to be part of your first project!

Tammy Reese:

What do you think is the future of cinema?

Jayleen S Perez:

The future in Cinema is DIVERSITY!! I am proud to be a Female Puerto Rican Director. I take pride in seeing people of color headlining major T.V and film projects. Hopefully, my future involves me directing my favorite Actress, Viola Davis. If anyone at Netflix or HBO Latino (Any network TV) is reading this HIRE ME, you won’t regret it :).

Tammy Reese:

How has the pandemic shaped your day to day life?

Jayleen S Perez:

This is a horrible worldwide pandemic and I do not want to sound insensitive but during this time I have been getting into the best shape of my life, writing, and focusing on myself and my future. I left a job I was not passionate about and it has turned out to be the best thing for me!! This time has also showed me that you can do whatever you want as long as you have the support of those closes to you, for me that’s my Family.

Tammy Reese:

What are you currently working on ?

Jayleen S Perez:

I just wrapped a horror short called “AirB&D” I believe this film will be most successful than my first! The amazing cast of AirB&D consists of Dan Gregory, Loarina Gonzalez, Molly Esther Wilson. In a few weeks I will direct the last segment of a Horror Anthology Feature with the talented independent film group, Narrow Bridge Films in Bayonne NJ.

Tammy Reese:

What is next for you?

Jayleen S Perez:

I am in the process of creating my own film company. by Spring 2021, I would love to work on my Horror Feature. I have big plans for cast and BOLD ideas for the script!

Tammy Reese:

What advice would you give aspiring Filmmakers?

Jayleen S Perez:

The advice I would give to inspiring filmmakers is DO NOT ALLOW your age, race, gender, or sexual orientation limit you, your voice is relevant and NEEDS TO BE HEARD ... MAKE THAT FILM”!

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