Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Brian Hooks is a highly prolific actor, producer, writer, director, and stand-up comedian. In addition to starring in feature films such as the smash hit “Fool’s Gold”, and premiering as a series regular on UPN’s “EVE,” Hooks has also enjoyed remarkable success as a leading star, producer, and director in numerous highly profitable independent films.
While attending Cal State University Northridge, Hooks majored in mathematics with the intent of becoming a high school teacher, though the idea of film piqued his interest. While still in university, he began submitting himself for various roles and soon landed his first major role as the central character in the urban classic “Phat Beach,” written and directed by Doug Ellin, the creator of HBO’s “Entourage.” It was during this time that a friend of his also approached him to help make a film. The duo created the 90-minute amateur comedy called “Q: The Movie.” After Xenon Pictures bought the film, Hooks discovered his niche, where he could produce and control the destiny of his films without being at the mercy of film studio companies.
The success of “Phat Beach” ignited considerable demand in Hollywood for Brian, as he thereafter landed roles in blockbuster films such as “High School High,” “Beloved,” and “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.” His big-screen notoriety was accompanied by concurrent guest starring roles in many television series, such as “NYPD Blue,” “Moesha,” “ER,” and “The Parkers.”
While furthering his on-camera success with additional major roles in popular films such as “Soul Plane,” and the cult classic “3 STRIKES,” Hooks began to refine his position by redirecting some of his efforts to the off-camera aspects of production. After developing and producing an independent film that produced a remarkable 5,000% return on investment, “Q: The Movie,” Brian was able to observe the distinct advantages and lucrative nature of successfully creating and developing motion pictures. As a result, and backed by major film distributors such as MGM, Brian began to produce independent films in between his many film/television acting roles.
In light of the convincing success of his many previous film, television, and comedy endeavors, Brian considers his biggest achievement to date his new production company, Left of Bang Entertainment . In 2018, Hooks came to the realization that his life had a deeper purpose, and he had a burning desire to give back at the highest level. Citing his favorite quote from Steve Jobs, “Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life or do you want to come with me and change the world?” Hooks embarked on a mission to bring about change in the film industry and help inner-city youth. Knowing that inner-city youth are typically not exposed to outlets of community other than gangs and the violence associated with it, Left of Bang Entertainment is giving a unique alternative option to these kids.
The Left of Bang Entertainment mission is to create a safe space for young men and women by providing inner-city youth with the opportunity to take part in the filmmaking process. The production company allows the kids to be on set, work side by side with celebrity talent and crew, and observe and participate in all that goes into bringing a film to life. Brian and Left of Bang Entertainment have formed partnerships with a number of schools and youth centers in the Los Angeles area including Barack Obama Prep Academy and Santa Monica’s Pico Youth & Family Center.
Though challenges of the Coronavirus have forced Hooks and Left of Bang Entertainment to adapt to these changing times, it has not stopped them from forging their way through the COVID-19 pandemic, to expose at-risk kids and teens to a world that lets them know that they too can achieve anything.