Jonas Bell Pasht

Film and television producer Jonas Bell Pasht is no small name in LA. From his extravagant parties to co-heading his own production company, Citizen Jones, Bell Pasht has produced series for Netflix, CNN, and Discovery, to just name a few.

Hometown?

Toronto.

Place you call home now (neighborhood etc)

Los Feliz. I love Los Angeles. I think it's a crazy place - definitely one of the craziest - but its rich (albeit brief) history inspires me. The city is full of opportunity and potential and if you have a curious spirit, there is so much to discover and enjoy.

Any notes on your education?

I attended the American Film Institute; it was my introduction to Hollywood and to Los Feliz, where I have lived ever since.

Favorite sport to watch?

Basketball (the greatest athletes in the world play basketball).

Favorite sport to play?

Basketball (see above!)

Best vacation ever?

It's hard to beat Rome, especially if you can pair it with a trip to Tuscany.

Dream trip destination. Why?

Next on the list is a trip to Vienna for the architecture.

Favorite dinner?

If you have the right company, it's just so hard to beat steak frites and a martini at the corner bar at Cafe Stella in Silverlake.

Favorite dessert?

Tiramisu. Why, got some?

Underrated food?

Good question. But here's an overrated food: Avocados. They're often good, but never great. Everyone's been lying to themselves about avocados.

Dish you’re best at cooking?

Thank you for reminding me to work on this aspect of my life.

Best meal you've had at a restaurant?

Portuguese charcoal-grilled chicken and potatoes and Piri Piri sauce. It's a simple style of food, but I'll eat it every day for the rest of my life if given the chance.

Road trip - three in the car with you. Living or dead. Who are they? Why?

Steve Nash (legendary Canadian NBA star with a funny haircut), Martin Luther King Jr. and my grandfather.

Favorite TV show as a kid

SCTV (classic Canadian answer!)

Favorite movies?

Being There
The Shining
Rushmore
Silence of the Lambs

Car you’d like to drive

Vintage Fiat in cream.

Best car you've owned. Why?

I will never forget my first car; a beaten-up '83 Honda Accord my grandmother gave me. I'm deeply nostalgic and will always cherish items attached to people I love.

Summer drink of choice?

Sipping Mastiha liqueur and ice by the beach in Greece.

Winter drink of choice?

Old Fashioned at 6pm.

Cologne?

Aqua Di Parma.

Go-to red on a wine list?

Don't tell anyone but I don't like red wine. Seriously, keep this between us.

Favorite beach?

My heart will always be in the Mediterranean - some of my happiest memories are there. I'm fine with a gnarly, rocky beach.

On a Saturday, your favorite errand to run is:

Snooping around at the flea market for vintage furniture, collar pins, or Edwardian brushed silk top hats (still looking for one in my size).

Otherwise, you’ll be busy doing what?

I'll be at the office or on set if you need me.

Best work advice you ever got?

Things are never as bad - or as good - as they seem.

Best thing about your career?

The best thing about my career is that I have one. I am one of the lucky few who, through a combination of incredible good fortune and relentlessness, was able to do what I always dreamed of doing (at least, for now). The process of collaborating with talented artists and storytellers to create impactful entertainment is the thrill of my life.

What do you do now for work? Tell us something about your work and career path.

Along with my business partner, I run a television and film company called Citizen Jones in Los Angeles. I currently produce TV shows for all kinds of networks - from Netflix to CNN to Quibi. I get to be involved in all aspects of the projects, which I love.

What does luxury mean to you?

I'm not interested in displays of wealth - in fact I reject them. For me, a sense of "luxury" comes from an accomplished sense of personal style. The things you wear - and how you wear them - can bring enormous confidence. This has had an incredible impact on my life. It is one of the most empowering, confidence-giving things on earth.

Got a philosophy to live by?

"Best foot forward."

Do you have any philanthropic interests/endeavors?

I make modest annual contributions to a few causes. But I mostly express my philanthropic spirit through personal acts of volunteering and mentorship. I've always had a soft spot for the elderly and disadvantaged youth.

Add anything else about yourself here that you would like the world to know about you

I love LA for its sense of occasion. When I'm invited somewhere by a friend, I will do everything I can to be there, and I will never be underdressed. Style has played an enormous role in my life. People often overlook how important the things we wear have been throughout the history of humankind. I believe people should wear whatever they want - but I also believe a well-developed and expressive sense of personal style can transform your life. It all comes down to storytelling and confidence. What do you want to say to the world?