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.