What is Let's Talk Shop?

Let’s Talk Shop is a filmmaking workshop series curated by Jabari Jefferson, the Executive Producer and Lead Director of Photography at Mass Comm Guru—a full-service video production company based in Washington, D.C. 

This series welcomes filmmakers from the DMV and Baltimore areas to an event brimming with inspiration, networking, and learning opportunities. Targeted at those ready to launch their first film or eager to collaborate on new projects, Let’s Talk Shop offers a unique experience. Attendees can engage with peers during a networking mixer, enjoy screenings of works by local filmmakers, listen to a panel discussion, and participate in Q&A sessions. 

​This initiative is designed to empower and unite the creative communities in these vibrant areas.
SHORTS NIGHT at Eaton Cinema May 18th, 2024

How to Get What You Deserve: Film Review

Let’s Talk Shop spotlights How to Get What You Deserve, a bold short film by writer Shamsher Bains and director Leon Mitchell. Exploring modern dating, online toxicity, and shifting relationship norms, the film blends humor and heart with striking visuals by Darius Lyles and Daniel Bowie. Through this initiative, Let’s Talk Shop continues to celebrate and elevate local filmmakers telling real, resonant stories.
Written by Jabari Jefferson, November 1, 2025​

Let's talk shop 
'Welcome to Chocolate City'
​Szn 1 Premiere 2025

We’re thrilled to share photos from our latest event at Eaton Cinema in partnership with the hit interactive TV drama Welcome to Chocolate City, filmed right here in the Nation’s Capital 🍫🌆

At Eaton Hotel DC, we screened Season 1 of Welcome to Chocolate City—a smash! We had an incredible turnout, engaging conversations during the Q&A, and plenty of networking and new connections 🔗

Let’s Talk Shop is all about amplifying the creative voices throughout the DMV and Baltimore. We can’t wait to see all the amazing work that Kayla Orlando and the cast and crew continue to create with such a powerful concept 🍿

Special shoutout to our amazing media team:
🎥 Event Producer — Jabari Jefferson
🎤 Host/Moderator — Glen Gordon
📣 Marketing Partner — Certified Official
💻 Livestream Producer — Folasade' Ogunmokun
🤝 Event Partner — Unskrypted TV
🎥 Livestream Camera Operator — Dave McLaurin
📹 Event Videographer — Alonzo Mozee
📸 Event Photographer — Jules Coy

Special thanks to Eaton DC, Andrew Grant, Nina C. Ligon, and Thomas Pipkin for their support and collaboration 🙌🏽

Subscribe to Welcome to Chocolate City 🍫🌆
🔗: @WelcomeToChocolateCity​ on YouTube!
Photo Credit: Jules E. Coy
Streamed by Unskrypted TV - October 16, 2025

Let's talk shop 
​Filmmaking Workshop 2023

Check out photos from our first ever filmmaking workshop curated by Jabari Jefferson and hosted by Alté Labs, a Baltimore, MD black-owned collective and contemporary studio established in 2022.

This event was aimed at those ready to launch their first film or eager to partner on new endeavors, 
​Let’s Talk Shop offered a unique experience to engage with peers through a networking mixer, enjoy screenings of works by local filmmakers, and participate in Q&A sessions.

It’s an initiative designed to empower and knit together the creative fabric of these vibrant communities.
Let's Talk Shop at Alté Labs November 18th, 2024

Cinema @ Eaton 2024

This special iteration of the successful workshop series is a collaborative effort intended to stimulate social discourse amongst artists and arts patrons alike. This monthly series will vary between film screenings and interactive film-based activities.

Let’s Talk Shop collaborates with artist and cultural programmer Britt Sankofa for ‘BLACK PEOPLE’S AWARDS: A Game Show Evening.’ Participants will be given a QR code to vote in several honorable, hilarious, and historical categories, including “Best Black Sitcom Theme Song,” “Most Quotable Black Film,” and “Best Black McDonald’s Commercial.” This event is an opportunity to fellowship, win cool prizes, and celebrate the multi-dimensions of Black history and culture.
BLACK PEOPLE'S AWARDS at Eaton Cinema June 19th, 2024

Pathways Day @ garnet Patterson 2024

We’re thrilled to share the magic that happened at this year’s Pathways Day at Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. High School in Washington, DC! Special shoutout to Bakari of Caandor Labs, Tiescheka Stuart, and SkillsUSA for providing us with this incredible opportunity!

Let’s Talk Shop is eager to connect with the youth of the DMV and Baltimore to teach video production techniques and inspire the next generation of creators. The youth are indeed the future, and we’re honored to support them in bringing their dreams to life!
Let's Talk Shop at Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. High School 
​December 10th, 2024

Camera Training Events 2o24

Let's Talk Shop's camera training sessions are crafted to empower filmmakers in the DMV and Baltimore areas with essential tools and hands-on experience. 

Our priority is to build interest and gather market insights, ensuring we bring these sessions to the community in the most impactful way possible. Inclusive marketing is critical to our approach—we want everyone to feel represented and inspired. We're reaching out to creators passionate about their craft and committed to producing top-quality work. They see filmmaking as more than a profession; they see it as an art form.
Let's Talk Shop Training Event at LED Studios
Fall 2024

Composition 101

Let’s Talk Shop is making an international impact!

We had the opportunity work with the Global Opportunities Youth Network (GOYN) to share our expertise with the incredible youth at the 5th Annual GOYN Global Convening!  We produced a Composition 101 video seen by youth attendees from Mexico, Brazil, Haiti, South Africa, and beyond!

We want to give special shoutout to my amazing creative team for bringing the Courage Karate commercial to life. It was instrumental in demonstrating the basics of camera composition.

Jabari Advocates Instagram Live Experiences

Contact Us

If you would like to get involved with our mission, follow us on Instagram @letstalkshop_ and fill out the inquiry form on the right.