TPPF’s Sherry Sylvester sits down with Emmy nominated producer Martin Jones to discuss his recent collaboration with the Texas Public Policy Foundation and our leading filmmaker Stephen Robinson to produce “The Making of a Classic.” The latest episode in the Forging Texas series is about a race film that was filmed in Dallas in 1941 entitled “The Blood of Jesus,” which was written, directed and starred the legendary Spencer Williams. It was the first Texas film to be selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

About Forging Texas:
"Forging Texas" is a video series that explores the history and culture of Texas, highlighting the
stories of individuals who have shaped the state's identity. "The Making of a Classic" episode pays
homage to the contributions of Black filmmakers and artists in Texas, shedding light on their impact
on the world of cinema.

About the Director:
A native Texan, Stephen Robinson was born and raised in Austin and graduated from the
University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Film. An accomplished writer and director, Stephen
has won numerous short and long-form films. He has directed videos for Nokia, signup.com, Weeva
and PBS. He recently served as 2nd Unit Director on the upcoming Dennis Quaid film The Long
Game.

About the Producer:
Martin Jones is an Emmy® Award nominated producer and executive with a talent for creating
captivating multimedia content. As the Head of Austin Studios, Jones oversees the production of
diverse projects, from commercials to feature films, showcasing the vibrant creative community of
Texas.

Social Media:
Follow "The Making of a Classic" on social media for updates:
Instagram: @The_Making_of_a_Classic
Facebook: The Making of a Classic Facebook Group