Even at a young age, 17 year-old Malcolm Mays, senior, knew he would direct and write his first movie before his 18th birthday.

Equipped with immense aspiration and confidence, it was no surprise when Mays was featured in the New York Times (12-27-07) for his work on his debut, full-length film.

During his first year of high school at Fairfax, Mays experienced racial tension between blacks and Hispanics. This would later be the concept of his screenplay Trouble.

Fortunately for Mays, his mother moved him to another school before he was harmed. Yet his three best friends weren’t as lucky—they had all passed away that year.

At 16, Mays’ script and plans for Trouble were recognized by Panavision’s highly selective New Filmmaker Program. Studio executives, companies, and producers have been supporting Mays by providing money and equipment to assist him in his filmmaking endeavors.

Director Martin Campbell (Casino Royale), producer Todd Black (The Pursuit of Happyness, The Great Debaters), literary agent Howard Sanders, and DeVon Franklin, junior executive in Sony’s development department, have been mentors during Mays’ project.

Mays’ film, Trouble, is named after the main character of the movie. “The movie was inspired by life.

“The death of three of my friends during my ninth grade year was my motivation to make this film,” said Mays.

Mays stars in and is directing his original screenplay. Joining him on screen are a few fresh faces, including Anthony Pendleton. Fellow students Michael Penn and Earl Wood have been assisting, with the editing process.

The film is being taped all around the Los Angeles area—University High School, Westchester High School and Jackie Robinson Park have all been used as previous film locations.

When people think of acting, directing and writing a movie, a fairly large paycheck is often synonymous with the process.

However, Mays has been working on this project sans monetary profit. “I haven’t been paid for any of my work. Labor of love, you know?

“I’ll get paid in the end, hopefully. But regardless, that doesn’t even matter. I’m doing what I love to do.”

Mays has always had aspirations to be a filmmaker.

In eleventh grade, he was selected to participate in a mentoring program with the prestigious United Talent Agency through its ongoing affiliation with Uni.

His mentor, Howard Sanders, confessed himself that Mays was more of a mentor to him.

“He knew exactly what he wanted, and nothing was going to stop him,” said Sanders. “This kid, obstacles are thrown in his way, and yet he remains utterly positive, passionate and confident in his abilities.”At just 17 years-old, Mays has accomplished more in his life than many amateur filmmakers hope to achieve.

With college ahead, there’s no telling what the future lies for this promising young talent.

“College is definitely in my plans. I applied to Cal State Long Beach and Cal State Northridge. I have pretty much been accepted to USC; it’s just a matter of paying for it.”

When asked what the near future holds in terms of the film industry, Mays stated: “Acting, directing, writing, producing—anything that has to do with the creative process.”

There’s no doubt that success is in store for this aspiring, young filmmaker.