Jalen Ellis is Redefining Representation in Entertainment

Jalen Ellis’ journey—from a film-loving kid in Staten Island to a Hollywood professional—is a testament to the power of access, opportunity, and belief in oneself. Through hard work, mentorship, and a commitment to uplifting others, he is shaping a future where more HBCU students can find their place in the entertainment industry.

As he puts it: “We’re not just building careers—we’re building a movement.”

Jalen Ellis never imagined that his childhood obsession with movies would one day lead him to a career in the entertainment industry. Growing up in Staten Island, New York, he was just a kid collecting DVDs, studying his favorite films, and dreaming of a future beyond what he could see. But dreams have a way of taking shape when passion meets opportunity.

“I was always a huge fan of storytelling—whether it was movies, books, or video games,” Ellis recalls. “I just didn’t know how to turn that passion into a career.”

Today, he’s an assistant in the feature literary department at The Gersh Agency, working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. But his journey to this moment wasn’t easy—it took mentorship, perseverance, and a willingness to take a leap of faith.

A Love for Storytelling Turns Into a Calling

As a child, Ellis found solace in stories.

“Growing up in Staten Island, I felt a bit isolated at times,” he admits. “But movies transported me to different worlds. They made me feel like anything was possible.”

It wasn’t until he attended Morehouse College, majoring in Cinema, Television, and Emerging Media Studies, that he realized storytelling could be more than just a passion—it could be his future. But breaking into the film industry, especially as a young Black creative, felt daunting.

That’s when EICOP’s HBCU IN LA program changed everything.

Taking a Leap of Faith

When Ellis first heard about HBCU IN LA, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I applied not knowing if I would even get in,” he says. “But I told myself, ‘Why not take the chance?’”

That decision turned out to be life-changing.

Through HBCU IN LA, Ellis landed internships at A24 TV, CAA Global TV, and The Gersh Agency as part of the Spike Lee Fellowship. The experience was eye-opening.

“Suddenly, I was in rooms I had only dreamed about,” he recalls. “I was learning from professionals, networking with people who looked like me, and realizing that I belonged in this space.”

His time at Gersh was particularly impactful, as it led to a full-time job offer. Within a summer, Jalen went from being an intern to working at one of the biggest agencies in the industry.

“That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a dream anymore—it was real,” he says.

Finding His Place in the Industry

Despite his success, Ellis acknowledges that breaking into the industry wasn’t without its struggles. One of the hardest things he struggled with was figuring out where he fit. Being so multifaceted and having a love for so many aspects of entertainment, including directing, producing and representing talent, Jalen took explored many internships until he landed at Gersh and finally discovered his passion for helping emerging talent navigate the industry.

“I love advocating for creatives and helping bring fresh voices into the room,” he says. “It’s about opening doors for people who might not otherwise have access.”

The Power of Mentorship and Community

For Ellis, mentorship has been key to his journey and now that he is a member of the EICOP Alumni Board, Ellis is committed to paying it forward.

“I know how hard it can be to navigate this industry, especially coming from an HBCU,” he says. “That’s why I stay involved. I want to help the next wave of students the way others helped me.”

Building a Legacy

Looking ahead, Ellis has big goals. “I want to change the industry from the inside out,” he says.

Whether that’s through representing diverse talent, championing underrepresented voices, or producing meaningful content, he is determined to make a lasting impact.

“I want to leave behind a legacy where more HBCU students see this as a viable career path,” he says. “Because the more of us there are, the more the industry shifts.”

His advice to students looking to break into the industry? “Take the shot. Apply for the programs. Put yourself out there. You never know where one opportunity might lead.”