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Jason Rivera

Background

  • Professional photographer and documentarian
  • 10+ years of professional experience in photojournalism and fashion photography
  • Published work with Vogue and other major publications
  • Recently disillusioned with mainstream fashion/media industry
  • Collaborating with Johnny Rapp on "Wellness Check" documentary project

Professional Experience

Photography Career

  • Fashion Photography: Published with "Vogue's of the World" and major fashion publications
  • Photojournalism: Extensive background in documentary and journalistic photography
  • Commercial Work: Capable of earning $3,000-4,000 per week from commercial gigs when needed
  • Technical Expertise: Skilled in video production, editing, and visual storytelling

Current Transition

  • Moving away from mainstream fashion/media work, which he now views as "stupid and fake"
  • Seeking to create "real media" focused on authentic human stories
  • Committed to self-funding independent projects rather than corporate work

Wellness Check Project

Creative Partnership with Johnny Rapp

  • Role: Primary cinematographer and visual storyteller
  • Vision: Creating "real human centric media company" as alternative to mainstream media
  • Content Focus: Authentic stories, real problems, real solutions
  • Production Values: Bringing professional-level production to independent content

Season Structure

  • Season 1: Already completed filming with Johnny
  • Season 2: Planned to begin filming in October 2025
  • Budget: Self-funded by Jason and Johnny, maintaining creative independence
  • Format: Documentary-style "wellness checks" on interesting people

Content Philosophy

  • Anti-Brain Rot: Explicit rejection of TikTok-style content
  • Human-Centric: Focus on real people, real stories, authentic connections
  • Educational: Exploring "how to live and why to live" through different cultural contexts
  • Global Perspective: Interest in filming international comparisons (Thailand vs. America family structures)

Technical Capabilities

  • Camera Work: "Happy to be behind the camera" with strong personality despite not being on-screen
  • Editing: Post-production and content editing skills
  • Visual Storytelling: Ability to "make something feel good" through cinematography
  • Production Management: Can handle technical and logistical aspects of documentary production

Collaboration Style

  • Supportive Role: Prefers to spotlight others rather than seek personal attention
  • Professional Standards: Maintains high production values while working independently
  • Creative Chemistry: Strong working relationship with Johnny, complementary skill sets
  • Financial Commitment: Willing to invest personal earnings into meaningful projects

Future Vision

  • Media Company Development: Building alternative to mainstream media with Johnny
  • Documentary Focus: Continuing wellness check format while expanding scope
  • Community Events: Planning screening events to build audience around content
  • Global Documentation: Interest in filming different cultural approaches to family and living

Personal Philosophy

  • Rejection of superficial fashion/media industry values
  • Commitment to authentic storytelling over commercial success
  • Belief in power of documentary to inspire positive change
  • Focus on human connection and real-world solutions

Key Quotes

  • Views mainstream fashion/media work as "stupid and fake"
  • Committed to creating "real media" and "real human centric media company"
  • Focused on documenting "how to live and why to live"

Interaction History

  • 2025-08-21: First mention in Gary-Johnny conversation, described as key collaborator on Wellness Check project and future media ventures

Notes

Jason represents a growing trend of experienced media professionals leaving mainstream industry to create independent, values-driven content. His technical expertise combined with Johnny's vision and Gary's network could create powerful alternative media platform focused on authentic human stories and practical wisdom.

His willingness to self-fund projects and maintain creative independence suggests strong commitment to the mission over financial gain, making him valuable partner for long-term vision of transforming media landscape.