We recently had the chance to connect with Jeffrey Morris and have shared our conversation below.
Jeffrey, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I would have to say integrity. Without it, life is meaningless. I can pursue any tangent of my life successfully—education, creativity, entrepreneurship—if i have a basis of integrity in how I operate day-to-day, I can use it as a foundation for success in every pursuit. It’s about HOW I go about things. Truth, honestly, hard work,. Never lying to myself. This is how I get things done.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a writer, director, and production designer focused primarily on creating hard science-fiction films. My projects include the animated techno-fantasy PARALLEL MAN, the forthcoming deep-space adventure PERSEPHONE, and the futuristic underwater disaster movie OCEANUS.
As a lifelong science-fiction enthusiast, I’ve built a career that unifies my interests in futurism, art, education, and entrepreneurship. My role models include undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau, astronomer Carl Sagan, TV creator Gene Roddenberry, and futurist film designer Syd Mead. Early in my career, I worked with the musician Prince as a dancer/choreographer and moved on to directing and producing for Paisley Park Studios.
I’ve directed short films, commercials, music videos, and documentaries. Additionally, I’ve published children’s books and graphic novels. Recently, I co-wrote a novelization of my film PERSEPHONE with New York Times-bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson (DUNE, STAR WARS).
I’ve worked extensively in education and founded the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Project Universe. In addition to developing and teaching award-winning science curricula, I brought Hollywood-style storytelling and visuals to educational initiatives at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Lockheed Martin, and the International Space University.
I established the ‘FutureDude’ moniker in 2012. It began as the name of a successful science blog, which morphed into my production company, FutureDude Entertainment. Today, my company develops content rooted in intelligent, optimistic action and adventure stories—each with a sensibility inspired by the golden age of science-fiction cinema in the 1960s and 70s.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would say that a number of teachers throughout my life who saw something in me, They would say that I was special. They saw my ability to reason and question at a young age and who accepted that I was unique and pushed me. I am very thankful for them. They made me feel less like a freak!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Success is going to take a while. But keep your eye on the ball. Don’t get distracted or waste time on frivolous pursuits. You will get there even faster through focus. Don’t be afraid to make hard decisions and sometimes go it alone. Don’t waste time on avenues where your gut tells you otherwise!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That the people in charge know hat they are doing and are good at it. the truth is that the film industry is flying by the seat of its pants. If it were a startup, it would be out of business in a month. Its and industry run on fads and nepotism. So many talented film makers never get a shot because they aren’t in the right place at the right time, or don’t know the right people (relatives, lovers, etc.). I truly believe that there are very few truly brilliant film executives. If they were all also smart, there would be a far greater number of quality movies being released and far fewer sequels and reboots.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Human society is based on myth, lies, and fantasies that we all continue to buy into. They are only as real as we allow them to be. We could choose another path that takes into account the greater ecosphere while respecting and nurturing the individual. We have finite resources and live in a fragile enclosed system. Most people don’t seem to realize that they live on a planet in a seemingly infinite universe. If we realized where we truly are and how unique and special this is, I think we would act very differently. We would finally grow up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://futuredude.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuredudeentertainment/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreymorris2/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realfuturedude
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@futuredudeentertainment6965
- Other: https://eagledocumentary.com
Image Credits
FutureDude Entertainment
