We were lucky to catch up with Janine Parkinson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Janine, thanks for joining us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

As a former female stunt person, I am a strong advocate for equal pay. We often perform the same stunts without protective gear. Total respect for Tom Cruise, but try jumping off a building in a miniskirt and heels. Stunt women are a truly tough bunch. I also realized, after years in the industry, that there was a significant lack of female representation in higher positions, especially after presenting my first short film and being the only female Producer, Writer, and Director on stage.

So, I founded Chicken and Cat Productions to be a part of the solution and foster a more inclusive workplace. We focus on mentorship opportunities and value skills and experiences beyond formal degrees. This approach benefits high-functioning individuals like me and extends opportunities to marginalized communities through open education resources.

Embracing diversity is vital for creating an environment where unique perspectives thrive. Our policies prioritize work-life balance and accommodate diverse needs. We aim to create an accessible and supportive workplace, allowing us to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

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.

After running away from home, I sought solace at The Second City comedy club. There, I found more than laughter; I discovered a mentor and took classes. This marked the beginning of my adventure in the entertainment world.

Moving to broadcast television, I gave tours at the Canadian Broadcasting Company and gradually worked my way up. However, I faced limitations due to my lack of formal education. But that didn’t deter me. Instead, it sparked my innovative spirit.

I taught myself web languages and ventured into pod/webcasting. I worked with a small team and pioneered the first social media release. I took on various jobs, continuously upgrading my skills to stay ahead.

My competitive nature eventually led me to explore stunts. After being laid off at the CBC, I wanted to learn more about editing and filmmaking. With a Producer friend, we created a video and uploaded it on YouTube. Little did I know that would kickstart a decade-long stunt career and pay for my first house, all thanks to a call from RoboCop.

Now, as I focus on my own company, my passion lies in creating films that promote inclusivity and diversity. These values have become more critical than ever, particularly during the WGA and AFTRA strike. I firmly believe that we should not be forced out of our homes, and as a Producer/Writer, I am committed to denouncing any repugnant statements that hinder progress.

Striving for diversity and inclusivity is not only about fairness; it benefits everyone involved. By creating an environment where marginalized communities find representation, we foster creativity and inclusivity that propel the entire industry forward.

My journey has been one of constant growth, overcoming obstacles, and embracing opportunities to make a difference. I am proud to stand for positive change in the industry and work tirelessly to tell stories that reflect the diverse world we live in.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In stunts, resilience was a way of life. I’ve faced numerous challenges that tested my courage and determination, pushing me to the limits both physically and emotionally.

There were moments when I had to jump off buildings during rainstorms or be set on fire for a scene. The fear was real, but I learned that active listening to the instructions and cues from the team was crucial to ensure my safety. Every moment on set demanded focus and trust in my skills as well as my team, which helped me to perform my best while keeping everyone, including myself, safe.

However, the life of a stunt person is not all action-packed excitement. There are periods of uncertainty and long stretches with no work. During one of those tough times, I found myself struggling to pay my rent. It was a low point where doubt crept in, questioning if I should stick to my passions or consider a more stable career path.

But it was a friend of mine who became my guiding light during that difficult phase. He encouraged me to stay true to my passions and reminded me of the saying, “Water wears away rock.” Just as water, with its steady flow, can wear away even the hardest rock over time, I realized that I, too, could overcome obstacles if I persevered.

So, I held onto my dreams, honed my skills during the quieter periods, and continued pursuing my passion for stunts and filmmaking. There were moments when I questioned my decisions, but my friend’s wise words kept me grounded.

It’s about the unwavering commitment to my craft, the willingness to face challenges head-on, and the belief that I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way with determination.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, there are definitely resources I wish I had known about earlier. One of the most important lessons I learned was to stop apologizing for being myself. I used to let people put me down because I didn’t have the “right” education or know all the proper industry terms. It took me a while to realize that those things don’t define my worth or value.

I wish I had surrounded myself with more open-minded and supportive individuals earlier in my journey. I’ve come across so many great people who are constantly learning and growing, and I aspire to be close to those individuals. They understand that knowledge and skills can be acquired over time and value personal growth and passion.

It was disheartening to encounter small-minded individuals who judged me solely based on a lack of jargon. I now recognize that memorizing some industry jargon doesn’t make me any more or less qualified to work in the industry. What truly matters is my dedication, willingness to learn, and being true to my authentic self, along with my own film jargon, such as “Velvet Pan,” which refers to a gentle and smooth camera movement. After all, the industry’s essence is innovation and storytelling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chickenandcat.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j9writes/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/j9parkinson
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4178310/

Image Credits
Headshot image – Emerging Design & Photography Boxing image – Roy Belding