We were lucky to catch up with Jack Ruefli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jack, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

As a Producer, Writer, and Director, I have learned (and continue to learn) my craft through both formal education and self-driven curiosity. My journey began in my senior years of high school, where I made my first film and took a film class that ignited a passion for the medium that I still hold today. I then pursued an undergraduate degree in Screen Arts at Curtin University, and I am currently in my second year of a Master’s in Producing at the American Film Institute.

Although I have formal education, I would say the biggest lessons I’ve learned came from independently creating my own films as a producer, writer, and director. In Perth, Western Australia, where I’m from, you had to wear many different hats to get things done. This approach taught me a lot about the craft across different facets, and it has made me more informed about the process today.

When I was starting out, I wish I had known how important it is to have a mentor. Ever since childhood, I dreamt of telling stories and making movies, and as a teenager, I realized that no one was going to make that happen except me. This realization pushed me into action and fostered a mindset where I believed I was the only one who could help myself. While that mindset served me well in the early stages, I now realize I could have progressed much faster if I had sought out mentors who could have provided valuable advice. Having a mentor early on would have sped up my learning and provided a strong anchor in the uncertain waters of my journey. That said, I don’t regret anything because it has led me to where I am now, but for those just starting out, I would advise: seek mentors who are just ahead of you or where you aspire to be; it will advance you leaps and bounds. I’m fortunate now to have some great mentors in my life.

The most essential skills I’ve learned so far aren’t technical but rather pertain to leadership and communication. Filmmaking—especially producing and directing—is a highly collaborative craft, and you won’t get far without the ability to lead diplomatically and with a level head. As an artist, it’s natural to get emotional about your projects. Passion is great, but you need empathy and stoicism to effectively lead a team. At this point in my journey, I would say these skills should reign above all, along with the hunger and work ethic to pursue your craft with love, no matter what.

Regarding obstacles, I prefer to reframe them as “challenges.” This might seem like a small distinction, but I believe obstacles are something beyond your control, while challenges are something you can face and overcome. The biggest challenges I’ve encountered have been self-limiting beliefs and limited resources. The first challenge was overcoming doubts about myself and my ability to succeed in this industry. While I haven’t “made it” yet, giving myself permission to take my passion seriously was the turning point. When you start out, people will tell you that filmmaking is unsustainable or that you should pursue a “real” career. You might start to believe them, which can lead to inaction. My first step was to block out those voices and focus on what I wanted to do. The truth is, those objections feed off your failure but wither in the face of your growth. If people say your dream is unrealistic, your job is to create enough evidence to make it real.

Limited resources are a common challenge for budding filmmakers, and my experience was no different. But this challenge has a solution: figure out what it will take to make your film, then make a plan. I was fortunate to live in a community rich with musical talent, where artists were eager for exposure. My friends and I organized shows for these artists, collected entry fees, and used the funds to produce short films. We would then host a premiere for these films, and ticket sales, merchandise, and crowdfunding would roll into the next year’s projects. This challenge taught me a lot about the economics of filmmaking and how to find ways to make things happen, no matter the hurdles.

Jack, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jack Ruefli, and I’m a filmmaker specializing in Producing, Writing and Directing. My journey into the film industry began with a love for storytelling that I carried from childhood. Growing up, I was surrounded by captivating stories from people who had traveled the world and experienced life in unique ways. These personal stories, combined with the films I watched with my parents from our local Video Ezy (Australia’s Blockbuster), sparked my passion for telling stories through cinema.

I began my filmmaking journey at sixteen when I created my first short film. It wasn’t just about learning the craft but understanding the profound impact that films have—both on individuals and society. Since then, I’ve produced ten short films and one feature now in post-production, many of which have garnered recognition, accumulating in 24 awards, 16 nominations, and over 50 festival selections.

In my work, I focus on telling meaningful stories that resonate with audiences through genre, often addressing important societal issues such as mental health and social struggles. For example, one of my first major projects, Paper Cuts: And So Do Words, was a short film I produced for the Make A Difference Foundation, a charity helping struggling youth. It was an invaluable experience where I managed most aspects of the production—handling cast, crew, and logistics—which taught me the importance of understanding every department’s needs to ensure a smooth collaboration on set.

I see each project as a piece of a larger puzzle—a contribution to the ever-evolving narrative of society and culture. My goal is to create films that are not only artistically beautiful but also commercially successful. I draw inspiration from producers like David Fenkel and Lars Knudsen, and directors like David Fincher, Christopher Nolan and Ari Aster who have mastered the balance between these two worlds, and it’s a balance I strive for in my own work.

Moving forward, I aim to produce feature-length films and series that continue to expand the puzzle of storytelling, finding that perfect intersection of art and commercial success.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to craft stories that entertain and inspire, just as I was inspired by the filmmakers who captivated me from a young age. While filmmaking might not address global issues directly, it plays a crucial role in shaping culture and reflecting societal attitudes. I am driven by the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this ongoing conversation, creating work that resonates with audiences and adds value to the ever-evolving landscape of cinema.

Ultimately, filmmaking is a profound passion for me. It’s not just a profession but a calling that I deeply enjoy. The process of working with creative individuals to bring stories to life, and the joy of seeing those stories connect with others, is incredibly rewarding. I’m committed to this craft and find immense fulfillment in contributing to the world of film. It’s something I can’t imagine doing any other way, and I am grateful for every opportunity to be part of this dynamic and impactful artform.

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

By far, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist in this industry is the experience of sitting in a theater surrounded by an audience watching a film that you created with the help of your cast and crew. The sheer joy and fulfillment come not from whether the film is liked or not, but from the knowledge that your work has evoked emotions and sparked thoughts in others. The ability to create something that resonates with people, making them feel and reflect, is an incredible privilege and a testament to the collaborative effort that goes into filmmaking.

Knowing that your creative efforts have touched others, stirred their emotions, or prompted them to think in new ways is what makes the entire process so meaningful. It’s moments like these that reaffirm why I am passionate about filmmaking, and why I cherish every opportunity to contribute to this artform.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wolftalepictures.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack.ruefli/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-ruefli/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wolftalepictures8405
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12514914/