Jay Ellis Reflects on Chemistry with Kate Hudson in "Running Point"

For Jay Ellis, connecting on screen with co-star Kate Hudson in "Running Point" was a "slam dunk."

"First of all, Kate is truly easy to be around," Ellis, 43, told Us Weekly. "She’s funny, she’s kind, and, yes, a bit of a smart ass. All sides of her come through at once. Plus, she serenades you with her mermaid-like voice. It’s beautiful."

In the sports drama streaming on Netflix starting Thursday, September 27, Ellis plays Jay Brown, head coach of the fictional NBA team, the Los Angeles Waves. Hudson portrays Isla Gordon, a former party girl who unexpectedly becomes team president when her brother Cam (Justin Theroux) enters rehab for drug addiction. Together, they aim to prove the Waves can assemble a "winning roster" despite the eclectic team dynamics.

While Ellis had no specific expectations before working with Hudson, he was pleased to discover their strong rapport as actors. "Some people just click—it’s magic," he noted. "Acting is giving and receiving gifts. When you are locked in, it’s a special blend, hopefully creating something relatable for viewers. That’s how it felt with Kate."

Alongside Hudson, Ellis also immersed his personal experiences into his role, contributing more than just sharing his first name. Having played basketball at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, he graduated Suma Cum Laude and served as student body president.

"It’s amazing to bring so much of my own life into a character," he shared during the "Running Point" premiere in Los Angeles. "It took me back to my college days while thinking of my teammates, their injuries, and my personal ambition to excel on the court."

However, Ellis mentioned compelling differences in his role. As a coach, he advises younger players while still being relatable, having recently transitioned from player to coach in his character’s journey.

Ellis finds the competitive spirit depicted in "Running Point" closely resonates with his own drive. "I often push my own limits," he conveyed. "From workouts to acting, I innately feel that drive. My background in sports helped condition this in me."

His competitive edge may be beneficial in his new role as a mentor for his Creative Spirit Challenge with Rabbit Hole Distillery. This initiative includes a contest for aspiring filmmakers, accompanied by a unique whiskey series launch from the distillery.

"I firmly believe that today’s filmmakers are making short films now," he asserted about collaborating with Rabbit Hole. "Supporting emerging artists is vital. By not doing so, we lose out as a culture."

Allied with Rabbit Hole, Ellis invites budding filmmakers to take part in the Creative Spirit Challenge by submitting a video expressing their story and why they should win. The grand prize includes a professional Canon camera and a one-on-one mentoring session with Ellis, with three additional winners receiving Canon cameras. A collaborative whiskey release is expected in spring 2025.

Ellis maintains high hopes for effective mentorship, urging the winners to commit earnestly. "I’ll present them with a thorough syllabus—if they doze off, I’ll wake them up for a pop quiz," he joked. "There’s much to consider in building a career. Yes, passion and creativity matter, but there’s also marketing, self-confidence, and the techniques of writing and filmmaking."

Believing in the power of knowledge, Ellis stated, "No one has all the answers. I want these winners to understand their stories matter. We want their films in the world."

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