Great Kern County
Bakersfield native and actor Brian Hooks founded Left of BANG Entertainment to provide inner-city youth with the opportunity to take part in the filming process by being on set and participating in all that goes into bringing a film to life.
Bakersfield native Brian Hooks bridges gap between entertainment industry, at-risk youth By Ema Sasic
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SOMETIMES ONE COMMENT IS ALL IT TAKES TO COMPLETELY SHIFT YOUR GOALS IN LIFE. Bakersfield native and actor Brian Hooks once listened to an ex-police chief speak during a Rotary event when he heard the comment “that changed my life.” “He said they were able to predict that a child by age 3 will be headed to jail or prison” depending on the geographic area they live in, the number of gangs they pass on their way to school and whether their parents are or were in jail or prison, explained Hooks. “I was sitting, waiting, wondering what’s the catch, I don’t like where this is going, but he said what he said,” Hooks said. “At 3, this kid who has no idea what life is, doesn’t have ill will, but because of their area, the arc of life is limited to death or
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prison.” But educational programs have proven to change that trajectory, so Hooks, wanting to share his passion for film and television with at-risk youth, founded Left of BANG Entertainment. The company hopes to intercept students before the bang — before a child finds themself with a gun in their hands. Left of BANG Entertainment aims to provide inner-city youth with the opportunity to take part in the filming process by being on set and participating in all that goes into bringing a film to life. They also receive mentorship and support throughout their time in and out of the program. “A lot of these kids are joining gangs, they’re looking for a sense of belonging and family. That’s a natural human instinct, it’s not unique to inner city kids,” Hooks said. “These kids given the chance to choose between shooting a gun or shooting movPHOTOS COURTESY OF LEFT OF BANG ENTERTAINMENT
