Committee Member: Jonas Bell Pasht
Los Angeles - Film and Television Producer
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.
Toronto.
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.
I attended the American Film Institute; it was my introduction to Hollywood and to Los Feliz, where I have lived ever since.
Basketball (the greatest athletes in the world play basketball).
Basketball (see above!)
It's hard to beat Rome, especially if you can pair it with a trip to Tuscany.
Next on the list is a trip to Vienna for the architecture.
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.
Tiramisu. Why, got some?
Good question. But here's an overrated food: Avocados. They're often good, but never great. Everyone's been lying to themselves about avocados.
Thank you for reminding me to work on this aspect of my life.
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.
Steve Nash (legendary Canadian NBA star with a funny haircut), Martin Luther King Jr. and my grandfather.
SCTV (classic Canadian answer!)
Being There
The Shining
Rushmore
Silence of the Lambs
Vintage Fiat in cream.
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.
Sipping Mastiha liqueur and ice by the beach in Greece.
Old Fashioned at 6pm.
Aqua Di Parma.
Don't tell anyone but I don't like red wine. Seriously, keep this between us.
My heart will always be in the Mediterranean - some of my happiest memories are there. I'm fine with a gnarly, rocky beach.
Snooping around at the flea market for vintage furniture, collar pins, or Edwardian brushed silk top hats (still looking for one in my size).
I'll be at the office or on set if you need me.
Things are never as bad - or as good - as they seem.
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.
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.
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.
"Best foot forward."
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.
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?