Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aminee Hoff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Aminee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I became obsessed with the behind the scenes process of movie making watching clips of how Jurassic Park was made. It made me think of how special the process of creating something bigger than life really is; it made me want to be a part of it and create something people can enjoy at a larger level- the way I do. I went to school to study film and got incredibly lucky finding professors and peers who supported me in my journey, teaching me how to analyze film and appreciate it deeply, giving me feedback on my scripts, and even setting me up with amazing, unique opportunities. Someone I looked up to in college invited me on set for a 48 hour film in which I was finally able to experience what I’ve been wanting to be a part of for years. Since that day, now about 2 years later, I found my place in the film world; I got the opportunity to try new roles on set- PA, Producer, Assistant Director, costumer, etc.- with wonderful groups of equally ambitious and talented Midwest folks who have helped me find my own confidence in doing what I hope to do for life.
My biggest takeaways from my past experiences (and current ongoing journey) has been to always say yes to an opportunity. Volunteer for things and meet new people. The people you will want to surround yourself with will be willing to take you on and help you learn the craft. However, in the process, be aware that it is normal to question your knowledge and feel like you’re behind. I still learn more about my job everyday despite being in my current role for over a year. You will not learn everything you need to know right away but taking the opportunities to learn from others, take criticism, and taking the chance to practice it in real time is what has been most helpful in my journey.

Aminee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As Pointer Studios’ General Manager from May 2023-May 2024, I strived to inspire and organize my staff members. Together, we aimed to create quality content for the people of Stevens Point- especially entertaining and informational content for UWSP students. To do so, I ensured each and every branch of Pointer Studios (Sports, News, Entertainment, Film, and YouTube) was constantly supervised and analyzed to be certain each one was up to standard and meeting their designated goals as well as having the necessary resources and skills to do so.
​Using my skills from my business marketing classes, I was able to create campaign goals and track our success using data and analytics from our video/social media posting.

Combining my skills in the newsroom and in pre-production meetings, I
am able to utilize my knowledge on film sets. I promise each set is prepared in advance to create a successful film day.
Aminee works hard, finding every opportunity on set she can- whether that be Assistant Directing or being a PA! She loves to help and participate in the production process anyway she can. To the left, one can see some behind the scenes pictures of an upcoming film she worked on in March 2024 as the Assistant Director! She hopes to continue this practice and make it a real career.

Graduated May of 2024 from UW-Stevens Point with a Media Studies Major and Business Minor, she is set her up for success, using every opportunity to make connections, work with others, get creative, and direct on set! Outside of school, she works with multiple production companies to create short films for festivals often as an Assistant Director as well.

For future potential employers or coworkers, the highlight of my career at current would have to be traveling to the Cannes Film Festival 2024 where I was able to watch the short film I assistant directed play on the big screen.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As a creative, I have a unique opportunity to create things, stories, characters from scratch. Sometimes, the joy comes from creating stories of people in your head and finally seeing it written down on paper from beginning to end. Other times, the joy comes from hopping onto a project with another creative and helping them create their world on screen. The joy and fulfillment you watch them experience from helping them create their own world is overwhelming. You can physically sense their relief and excitement from seeing everything they created come true. All the hard work and late nights are finally worth it. Then later, when the project is finished and you can finally share this new creation with others like friends and family, seeing them react just the way you hoped they would is monumental. Then again, later, being able to point at the screen of credits and say, “that’s me”, proves your part in this piece. It is beyond worth all the work to experience the pride of seeing a project completed and watch others experience it for the first time.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Along with my goal to experience the rewarding aspect of creating that I mentioned previously, my overall goal is to learn and challenge myself beyond what I think I am capable of. Everyday in my field presents a new challenge that I aim to prove to myself and others that I am strong enough to take it on and come out of the situation better than I left it.

Additionally, this motivation to prove myself comes from my experience as a woman in this field. Growing up, film has always been obviously taken over by men, proven to be a male dominated field where there is no place for women. I, along with other rising female artists, aim to prove this incorrect and make space for current and future artists to make a mark in this industry. Representation has lacked for women in media, in front of the camera, and especially behind it. Nearly every set I am on lacks a female crew, often leaving me to be the only woman in a room of men or placing women only in more aesthetic roles like makeup or costuming. My motivation to do what I do on set is, of course because I enjoy it, but to also prove that there is space for us behind a camera in a leadership or technical position. I hope to continue to see an increase in women in film, and this is my part in that journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amineehoffproduction.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amineethead/ (professional) @amineethead
• Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aminee-hoff-ready/ (personal)
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aminee-hoff-ready/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amineehoff5680 (old, unused)