JJ (José Juan) Pérez Velázquez

(1986 - ) Creative Artist, Producer & Marketer

 

 

Actor, Director, Editor, Graphic Designer, Marketer, Producer, Singer, Teacher, and Writer, with an MBA, who never rests on his achievements and finds ways to evolve further and grow as an artist in our challenging times.

 

     A self-taught video editor and graphic designer, from 2012 to 2016, José Juan served as producer, marketing manager and video producer for professional companies such as Artefacto, Casa Productora, Effectively Creative Group, Teatro Repertorio UPR and Theater Partners.  He also kept busy acting, copywriting and producing for brands like Ediciones SM, Pizza Hut, Soft & Creamy Ice Cream, Tres Monjitas, and Walgreens.

 

     Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico from a family of musicians, José Juan showed from a very early age an innate passion for the arts.  During his childhood and teenage years, he was active in the live stage as an actor, singer, and dancer who played the guitar and trumpet.  After high school, he relocated to San Juan and began a bachelor's degree in Drama at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR).  Professors and professional producers noticed and recruited him for the professional arena; allowing José Juan to excel since 2004 as a prop master, actor, director’s assistant, producer’s assistant, and stage manager.  Dipping his toes in multiple areas allowed JJ to understand the entertainment industry as a holistic experience; gaining him the respect and admiration of his mentors, peers, and teachers.

 

     José Juan debuted as a writer and producer in 2006 with the musical Martita y su Aventura en el Mundo del Reciclaje (Martita and her Adventure with Recycling); revived in 2010 for a year-long tour.   In April 2011, José Juan retook his passion for directing and producing with John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt; staged for the University of Puerto Rico.  That same year, in December, José Juan produced and directed Feminicidio: Extractos (Feminicide: Extracts) receiving the applause of his mentors and the audience.

 

     On 2014, José Juan premiered his first screenplay Cyberbullying: Redes Fatales; which he also directed and produced.  That same year, he starred as Jesus in Cristo 33 (Christ 33) and, months later, played the Devil for the film No Te Duermas, Cabrón (Don’t Fall Asleep, Motherf…er); winner of the 2015 Jury Prize for Best Short Film in Puerto Rico. Concurrently, José Juan began working as actor and producer for the TV game show Quién Sabe Más (Who Know Best) and extended his role for two seasons; delivering a total of 130 scripted episodes and 130 unscripted segments. 

 

     In 2016, José Juan relocated to Rochester, New York and in 2018 completed his MBA from the prestigious Simon Business School, University of Rochester.  After graduation, he set his home base in Los Angeles and is pursuing his passion for producing engaging and timeless video content.