Jay Ellis Talks Working With the ‘Funny, Kind, Bit of a Smartass’ Kate Hudson on ‘Running Point’ (Exclusive)

Building Unforgettable On-Screen Chemistry with Kate Hudson in Running Point

For Jay Ellis, working alongside Kate Hudson in the upcoming Netflix series Running Point was nothing short of a cinematic dream come true. Ellis, who plays the role of Jay Brown, the head coach of the fictional NBA team the Los Angeles Waves, described Hudson as a joy to collaborate with. “Kate is such an easy person to be around,” Ellis shared in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. “She’s funny, kind, and a bit of a smart ass. You get all sides of her at the same time. Plus, she’s always singing—this incredible, mermaid-like voice that’s just beautiful to hear.” Hudson stars as Isla Gordon, a former party girl turned team president, who, alongside Ellis’s character, must prove the Waves’ misfit roster is capable of winning. Ellis admitted he had no expectations going into the project but quickly discovered how well the two actors clicked. “There’s just some people you just click with,” he said. “Working with Kate was like a gift. Acting is all about giving and taking, and when you’re locked in, it’s magic.”

Bringing Personal Passion and Expertise to the Role

Ellis didn’t just rely on his acting skills to bring Jay Brown to life; he also drew heavily from his own life experiences. A former basketball player himself, Ellis attended Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, where he excelled on the court, graduated summa cum laude, and even served as student body president. “It’s crazy how much of my personal life I got to bring to this role every single day,” Ellis reflected. “It took me back to my time as a player, thinking about my teammates, injuries, and even my own ambition to be the best. I thought about all of those things and how they related to this character.” Ellis’s character, Jay Brown, is a coach just a year or two removed from playing, a dynamic that Ellis found both relatable and challenging. “It was interesting to step into the role of a coach, talking to younger players and drawing from my own experiences,” he said. The blend of personal and professional elements made the role feel incredibly authentic.

The Competitive Spirit That Drives Him

Ellis’s competitive nature is a defining trait, both on and off the screen. “I find myself constantly wanting to push further, whether it’s in a workout, a role, or even my next take on set,” he said. This drive, he explained, is something that’s both innate and reinforced by his sports background. “I think part of it lives in me innately, and another part has been conditioned through sports,” he added. In Running Point, this competitive spirit is front and center, as Ellis’s character navigates the high-stakes world of professional basketball. Yet Ellis believes this same drive will serve him well in another endeavor: mentoring the next generation of filmmakers through his partnership with Rabbit Hole Distillery.

Empowering Emerging Filmmakers with the Creative Spirit Challenge

Jay Ellis is as passionate about storytelling as he is about basketball, and he’s using his platform to give back to the creative community. Through his collaboration with Rabbit Hole Distillery, Ellis has launched the Creative Spirit Challenge, a program designed to support aspiring filmmakers. “The filmmakers of tomorrow are making short films today,” Ellis said. “If we’re not supporting emerging artists, we’re only hurting ourselves in the long run. Every opportunity we have to help storytellers get their start is something we should be doing.” The initiative invites filmmakers to submit a video sharing their personal story and why they deserve to win. The grand prize winner will receive a professional-grade Canon camera and a one-on-one mentoring session with Ellis, while three runners-up will also receive cameras. A collaborative whiskey release will follow in spring 2025, further celebrating the intersection of creativity and craft.

Passing on Knowledge and Empowering the Next Generation

Ellis is not just offering a prize package; he’s committing to a mentorship that will provide real value. “There’s a whole syllabus for these guys,” he joked. “They’re gonna fall asleep, I’m gonna slap the ruler and wake ’em up, and we’re gonna go through it again. There’ll be a pop quiz.” While the comment was lighthearted, it speaks to Ellis’s serious dedication to sharing his knowledge. “I really believe in information,” he said. “No one person has the answer, but I want to be able to point them in the right direction.” Ellis hopes the winner walks away with a deeper understanding of the craft and the confidence to tell their story. “Their films matter,” he said. “We want their voices in the world.”

A Legacy of Storytelling and Collaboration

Whether he’s on set, mentoring filmmakers, or advocating for the arts, Jay Ellis is a man driven by a love of storytelling and a commitment to giving back. His partnership with Rabbit Hole Distillery is just one example of how he’s using his platform to support creatives. “I think companies like Rabbit Hole realize the importance of storytelling in our culture,” he said. “It’s about supporting the arts and giving people the tools they need to tell their stories.” With Running Point set to premiere on Netflix on Thursday, September 27, Ellis is ready to bring his passion to the screen once again. And as he prepares to empower the next generation of filmmakers, there’s no doubt that his legacy will extend far beyond the basketball court or the Hollywood set.