We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jane Chua a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jane, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

Corporate America often faces several challenges and pitfalls in filmmaking, which can lead to products that miss the mark with audiences. Here are some common issues:

Focus on Profit Over Story: Many corporate entities prioritize box office returns above all else, leading to formulaic plots, reliance on sequels or reboots, and an overemphasis on star power rather than storytelling. This can result in films that feel disingenuous or lack depth.

Market Research Over Creativity: Extensive market research may lead to overly cautious decisions that stifle creativity. Filmmakers can feel pressured to adhere to proven formulas rather than taking risks on innovative or unique narratives.

Alienation of Niche Audiences: In pursuit of mass appeal, studios might overlook niche audiences or specific genres that have passionate followings, resulting in films that feel generic and fail to resonate deeply with viewers.

Lack of Diverse Voices: Corporate structures can lead to a homogeneity in storytelling, with a predominance of perspectives from a narrow demographic. This can result in missed opportunities to explore rich, diverse narratives and underrepresented voices.
Pandering and Trend Chasing: Studios sometimes attempt to capitalize on current trends or social movements without a genuine connection to the material. This can come off as inauthentic and can alienate audiences who see through the opportunism.

Overreliance on Technology: Advances in technology can enhance filmmaking, but an overemphasis on visual effects or CGI may detract from character development and storytelling, leading to spectacle over substance.

Complicated Decision-Making Processes: Corporate oversight can lead to lengthy decision-making processes where creative input may get lost. Filmmakers might end up having to compromise their vision due to multiple corporate layers and stakeholder interests.

Merchandising Over Artistry: The emphasis on creating merchandise tie-ins can dilute the artistic vision of a film, leading to projects that feel like vehicles for selling toys or other products rather than genuine artistic expressions.

Poor Marketing Strategies: Sometimes, corporate marketing strategies fail to understand the film’s core audience or the nuances of the story, leading to ineffective campaigns that don’t resonate with potential viewers.

Neglecting the Importance of Film Festivals: Corporate entities may undervalue independent films or projects that originate in film festivals. By ignoring these, they can miss out on discovering unique narratives and fresh talent.

Overall, while corporate resources can enable high-quality production and distribution, the focus on financial outcomes can often overshadow the artistic aspects of filmmaking, leading to products that feel more like commodities than genuine works of art.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As a trailblazing film producer and former international artist agent, Awarded woman in film. I seized the extraordinary opportunity to reinvent my career during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Following the closure of my talent agency, (Will be back soon) I leveraged my invaluable acting experience in independent films in Washington, D.C. to study cinematography and transform one of my properties into a film studio. This strategic move enabled me to produce several films before relocating to Los Angeles in 2022, where I produced the sci-fi movie ‘Andromeda Wars,’ currently in post-production. To further my vision, I established JCC Studios, a state-of-the-art film studio designed to foster creativity, innovation, and limitless possibilities. Through perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering passion for filmmaking, my dream has become a reality.

JCC Studios boasts a diverse range of movie sets, including futuristic settings inspired by ‘Andromeda Wars,’ and SPACEPORT, featuring a cutting-edge indoor curved XR virtual production LED screen.

My objective is to continue pushing boundaries as a film producer, leveraging my leadership, communication, and financial management skills to drive success and empower my team to reach new heights. I aim to secure funding, make informed decisions, and stay abreast of industry trends and regulations, always striving for excellence.

2025 is poised to be a breakthrough year for me and my business, fueled by multiple potential partnerships in filmmaking.

I am thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with renowned action star Matthias Hues and accomplished producer-writer Leslie Carleton. The partnership is set to launch an exciting slate of sci-fi and action-horror thrillers that will reshape genre storytelling for the modern audience. Known for their distinctive approach to filmmaking, the team aims to bring back the essence of classic storytelling while embracing cutting-edge technology to craft captivating cinematic experiences.

Matthias Hues, best known for his role in the sci-fi cult classic I Come in Peace, will be joining the team not only as an actor but also as a writer and director, bringing his decades of experience in the action genre to the table. Carleton, a former Max Factor model turned writer and producer, is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in film production, offering a unique perspective to the team. Together, they bring a mix of creative vision, practical expertise, and a shared passion for delivering fresh and engaging content to moviegoers.

The films will be set in the highly profitable mid-budget range, a space that allows for creative freedom and a focus on character-driven narratives. With small, tightly-knit casts and limited locations, these thrillers will prioritize storytelling over spectacle, crafting gripping plots that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. A defining feature of the collaboration will be JCC Film Studios’ advanced curved LCD wall technology, a state-of-the-art tool that allows filmmakers to build immersive environments without the need for elaborate physical sets or excessive visual effects. This innovative technique has been successfully utilized in major productions like The Mandalorian, which has revolutionized the way stories are told in visually dynamic worlds.

As I expand my film production company in Hollywood, I am seeking visionary investors and collaborators to partner with on my upcoming projects, including ‘BROOKS’, a groundbreaking female action film, and several sci-fi movies, such as ‘Vrykulactus’ , “Demon Hunter” will be starred by Michael Pare who will portray “Halloran” A priest battling addiction, gets a divine calling to hunt demons, he faces supernatural threats and his own darkness. “Vyrthock – Scourge Of The Abyss and ‘Psykhe’. With multiple projects ready to shoot, I am poised to make a lasting impact in the film industry.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a reputation in filmmaking requires emphasizing key elements, including quality of work, unique voice, collaboration, networking, persistence, audience engagement, recognition, and a diverse portfolio. By focusing on these factors, filmmakers can strengthen their reputation and achieve success.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

To effectively manage a team and maintain high morale, adopt good leadership practices and nurture a positive work environment. Key strategies include fostering open communication, recognizing achievements, encouraging professional development, promoting work-life balance, and leading by example. Implementing these strategies can lead to a cohesive, motivated team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jccfilms.studio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janechua_officialpage/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JccInternationalTalents?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-chua-a32639157
• Other: IMDB : https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm7338732

Image Credits

PHOTO CREDITS by JCC STUDIOS