Award-Nominated Director J.Jesses Set To Roll On Latest Feature Film 305 Outlaws

NEW YORK—Posse Alert: The Wild, Wild West has come to Miami! Via film, that is. If you ever wondered what a film that combines the action and drama of Heat, Dead Presidents, Biker Boys and The Fast and the Furious would look like, you don't have to wait any more. 305 Outlaws is guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush, as the crew tears through the streets of Miami on their motorcycles, looting armored trucks, eluding police and making their bikes move in a way only the imagination can create. "This is an incredible film to be a part of," says creator/writer/director J.Jesses Smith. "We want to combine elements that no other film has done before, taking the moviegoer on a true adventure."

J.Jesses is no to stranger the world of visual imagery. He’s spent more than a decade directing Hip-Hop/R&B music videos. In fact, he's directed more than 150 music videos for such superstar artists from 50 Cent, Snoop Dog, Swizz Beats, and DMX to Eve, Lil Kim and Ashanti to The Wu-Tang Clan, Keith Sweat, Dave Hollister, and Avant. He's even directed rock videos for such acts as Dope, Most Precious Blood and Seminole County.

Despite the impressive music video resume, J.Jesses has branched out to other mediums. He has directed the television series "T&T Today,” which is based on Caribbean culture in Trinidad and Tobago. In addition to this, J.Jesses directed the independent feature film Crime Partners, based on a novel by Donald Goines. The indie film, which earned more than $40 million, starred a powerhouse cast including Clifton Powell, Ice Tea, Snoop Dogg, Tyrin Turner, Laz Alonzo, JaRule, Dorian Missick and Kinya Shakur. Most recently, J.Jesses directed I Do I Did, a dark romantic comedy that was executive produced by actor/comedian Brian Hooks and starred Shar Jackson, Antwon Tanner, Marcus Patrick, April Scott, Cherie Johnson, and Obba Babatunde'.

J.Jesses' hard work and achievements haven't gone unnoticed. He received an Honorable Mention in the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival for New York Money Fights; two MTV nominations for his Ruff Ryders music video “Ruff Ryders Anthem- Stop, Drop" and Mos Def's "Ms. Fat Booty"; two Source Award nominations for Tupac’s (featuring the Outlawz) "Baby Don't Cry'; and Mos Def’s "Ms. Fat Booty'; two Tamiko Reggae Awards nominations; and a MTV Europe Award nomination for T.O.F's "Funk It Up." J.Jesses was included in the 31st New Directors/New Films 2002 series presented by The Film Society of Lincoln Center and The Department of Film and Media of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City for Independent Film and American Black Film Festival, and he received the HBO Film Writers Award in 2006.

“I think 305 Outlaws is really going to take people by surprise,” says actor Laz Alonzo, who has joined the cast. “I think we have a fantastic team, and working with J.Jesses in the past has been a great experience. I can’t wait for the camera to start rolling”. With the entire behind-the-scenes elements in place, J.Jesses is filling out the cast. “I am looking forward to casting this film. The characters are exciting and instantly familiar.” offers 305 Outlaws casting director, Winsome Sin Clair.

Here’s a taste of the drama that unfolds in 305 Outlaws: Lito, the leader of a motorcycle street crew, is the prime suspect behind the hijacking armed trucks for their cargo of millions in cash. Meanwhile, FBI officer Sam Jeffries is working overtime to nail down Lito. To do so, Sam goes undercover by infiltrating the local motorcycle community which includes her ex-lover FLO, Miami's popular custom bike designer.

J.Jesses promises the film will be true to the bike culture. "I want it to be believed by hardcore enthusiasts," he says. "We will also be able to attract a wide demographic—from young filmgoers to action lovers.” Because of its broad appeal, 305 Outlaws has the potential to develop major merchandising—including video games, sequels, a top-selling DVD, and its own branded franchise.

Look for 305 Outlaws to set new trends—and be a box office success.

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