JAMEL "MEL CITY" THORNTON
"HE GOT GAME"
For most high school students, Senior year is the time where you and all of your classmates are off having fun somewhere in the trenches, partying their last year together out. But for Jamel Thornton, it was different story. Everything was different....
After many years of family members/teachers pushing him to pursue a career in acting, Jamel auditioned for a film that would soon change his life forever. This film was none other than Spike Lee's "He Got Game" staring Denzel Washington, Ray Allen and Rosario Dawson. Albeit his personality, Jamel didn't exactly make the starting line, but, was offered the opportunity to be an extra.
Just after a few days, this opportunity soon grew dull. It was here Jamel ask to intern with He Got Game's extra's casting department and 40 Acres and A Mule Productions. Just shy of his 17th birthday, Jamel applied for an internship. To his surprise, there was an opening and he took it. Little did he know, his decision would soon prove to be rewarding.
After finishing his internship he would be promoted to casting assistant with the Winsome Sinclair & Associates casting company. There, Jamel assisted in the casting of the hit television series; New York Undercover, the famed MTV/NBA All Star Game ('98 NYC), and several music videos for visionaries such as Hype Williams, Little X, Dave Meyers and Chris Robinson; to name a few. From every completed production, new relationships were forged and with those came new experiences.
Two years later Jamel became production coordiantor at MTV; participating in shows such as Model Mission '99, MTV Sports, and Hard Rock Live (Las Vegas). Simultaneously, he filled the same position with the acclaimed and legendary television series Showtime At The Apollo.
In 2000, Jamel became coordinator of A&E's History IQ and later, the executive assistant to Joanne Carsey-Werner/Bill Cosby for CBS' tele-picture; COSBY. Like all other productions, COSBY ran it's course -- but Jamel's diligence kept him in the game. Less than six month later, he was asked to join the ranks at Dick Clark Productions as a post production coordinator. There, Jamel made creative and editorial decisions on nomination/award video packages for the 27th Daytime Emmy Awards.
In 2001, Jamel returned to Showtime At The Apollo, but this time as a producer; where he discovered multi-platinum recording artist Lyfe Jennings. It was also here that he discovered his passion; producing and directing. In order to set himself apart from the youthful inexperience, Jamel decided to further be known under the moniker MEL CITY. Over the next few years he would work on countless video shoots and television series such as Furious (Fast & Furious), Chingy's Right Thurr, BET's Top 25 Countdown, The Ames & Moby Show(Comedy Central), Super Munchies(Kimberg.TV), and eventually field producer/post supervisor for MTV's Run's House.
From 2006 to now, Mel City has produced and directed MTV Overdrive's Rock Your Fashion. Although the brand has switched to E! Style Networks, he remains executive producer/director for the Rock Your Fashion Series. From this, Mel City has had many requests to direct and produce works such as: Mu Dill's Fresh N Fly, G Mackin, newly developed series such as The Learning Channel's Cover Shot, Watch Over Me, and corporate marketing videos for; Ralph Lauren (Prime Films) and Making of The Band: Day 26(R. Group).
In the summer of 2008, Mel City Entertainment partnered with VTA, the largest production facility in the Southeast region with offices in both Atlanta, GA and Hollywood, FL. With Mel City Entertainment as the production arm of the two companies, it makes MCE/VTA the premier, one stop shop: specializing in film, television, video production, closed captioning, editing, color correction, audio production, scoring, voice overs, media marketing and branding. Covering every facet possible Mel City Entertainment and VTA prove to be an unstoppable production force.
For someone who didn't know anything about the film industry, didn't want to act, and started in casting; one thing is for sure; after 11 years in the business, Jamel "Mel City" Thornton has remained a heavy hitter in the industry. Now, He Got Game!
Jamel "Mel City" Thornton currently resides in downtown Atlanta, GA where he operates his company, Mel City Entertainment, full-time. He is a proud father, and currently preparing for law school.
Mel City Entertainment (MCE)Mel City Entertainment (MCE) is a multifaceted media company specializing in film, television, and video production. MCE has produced and directed for networks such as E!, Style Network, and MTV among others. MCE has also cast, produced, and/or directed over 50 music videos and features to date. MCE's services also include brand management as well as music licensing administration for SESAC and independent artist services. MCE is currently producing a documentary on child soldier refugees, several high profile reality series. and two feature films later 2009. For more info, please email Vickie Williams, General Manager [email protected]
...... ALL VIDEOS BELOW ARE NOT ORIGINAL COMPRESSION.
THERE MAY BE SOME DELAY OR PIXEL ISSUES (BLURY).
2008 PROMO
CLENT: DAY 26 R GROUP INC
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: BY MEL CITY
FRESH N FLY
ARTIST: MU DILLS
DIRECTORS: MEL CITY & KEEB GREEN
PRODUCER: MEL CITY
MTV OVERDRIVE
MAGIC CONVENTION 2006
DIRECTOR: MEL CITY
PRODUCER: MEL CITY
RIGHT THURR
ARTIST: CHINGY
DIRECTOR: JESSY TERRERO
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/CASTING: MEL CITY