We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jennifer James. Check out our conversation below.
Jennifer , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something out of work that is bringing me a lot of joy lately is finding creativity again that isn’t tied to making a profit or for anyone else but me. Because I grateful enough to be pursuing a career where I get to be creative (ie. make films), I often forget that I also used to love it as a hobby. Over time that feeling of me just writing for fun, scrapbooking, or even dancing without some sort of “pay off” tied to it made me stop. So, recently this year, I have been enjoying finding time to be creative without the pressure, and I really enjoy it and feel it has improved my relationship with what creativity means to me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Jennifer James, an actress, writer, and producer. I am British-American, and currently reside in London, UK. I started my film production company at the end of 2020 and since then have produced seven short films, worked at DNEG animation on the Garfield feature, freelanced on many different indie and high end productions, and been working towards my first feature film. A side quest I also started this year was Double Take Newspaper, a newspaper for filmmakers and film lovers by filmmakers.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
The belief I had as child was that I am not as “lucky” as other people. Anything from not having the money, the resources, or the leg up to achieve the big dreams I dreamt of. However, I realized it doesn’t always come down to that. You have everything you need right in front of you, it’s all with how you use it that matters. Now whenever I give myself the excuse of “well if I had this I could do it” I stop myself and appreciate that it only means I have to get a little more creative. Which is always the fun part!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Funny enough I am in the midst of this right now. I have been working on multiple projects for the last couple years that always seem to almost take off or inch just enough forward it could all fall into place, and then doesn’t. When finances are tight, leads are at their end, and you don’t see a way through – that is when you really want to give up. But on the other hand, I have to remind myself it’s on the other side of this that it is all about to come together. My dad always says to me, you only fail if you give up. So, yes, I am in the midst of wanting to give up so badly right now but I don’t want to submit to failing just yet.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The project I am committed to no matter how long it takes is my acting career (apart from my film production company). Acting has always been my dream since I can remember, and I have had many on and off moments but have never given up on the pursuit of it. The industry has always been tough, and sometimes it all comes down to timing. So, I never give up because you never know how many auditions you are away from booking a breakout role. And how exciting to think that you get to continue to pursue a dream you have had all your life and seeing the progress you’ve made and little wins for one day see it all come true – no matter how long it takes! Because after all, time is still going to tick by, so you might as well keep working on your dream. You are only ever one day away from it happening.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I think the biggest thing I will regret not doing is spending time with family and constantly putting my career in the forefront of life. I learn this more and more as I get older, and I will always regret not attending the family event, the holiday, or taking time to live life every once in a while. Pursuing a career can be fun, but pursuing a life is where the real magic and joy happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doublejproductionsltd.com
- Instagram: @jenniferdenisejames
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferDeniseJames
Image Credits
Mark St. Cyr and Charlie Lyne
