BEYOND THE PERFORMANCE

Street Performer & Boxer | Los Angeles

Jay is 22 and has been performing on Santa Monica Pier since he was 18.

Filmed over the course of a day in Los Angeles, this documentary follows Jay through back-to-back street performances on the Santa Monica Pier before joining him for boxing training in Venice Beach later that afternoon.

Between performances, Jay talks about the reality of making a living on the street, the crew he works alongside, and the physical risk that comes with what he does. After tearing his Achilles during a performance, he found himself unable to work and without a stable place to live, until an unexpected act of generosity helped him get the surgery he needed.

The documentary follows Jay beyond the performances as he talks about family, discipline, faith, boxing, and preparing to become a father. At 22, he is beginning to think about what comes after street performing and the kind of life he wants to build next.

About Jay

Jay began performing on Santa Monica Pier at 18 after teaching himself flips and tricking from videos when he was younger. Four years later, street performance remains how he makes a living, often doing several shows a day alongside his crew.

Outside the Pier, he trains in boxing and continues to build his life around athletics. With his first child on the way, his priorities are simple: a working car, a spacious home, a healthy baby, and a successful business.

The Film

Featuring: Jay
Locations: Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach, California
Filmed, directed & edited by: Valentine Di Marco

A What a Life documentary.