We recently connected with Jeff Mercer and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the video production company I co-founded with my partner. Initially, our plan was to use our past Reality / Documentary TV experience to create unique wedding videos. We quickly found out that the wedding video market was a tough sell. The wedding videographer is often the last thing a couple is willing to add to their budget. At the same time, were also filming pole dance and burlesque-related content, like live shows and personal dance videos. This niche area of our business was inspired by my partner’s passion for pole dance—she was a part-time instructor who often spoke about how the art helped her discover her sense of female empowerment, her inner goddess.

Our work led us to Pole Expo in Las Vegas, a 4-day event that truly opened my eyes to the pole dance community. Pole Expo was a gathering of enthusiasts from all over the world, featuring competitions with men, women, and young adults. It also consisted of live pole dance shows, and classes taught by renowned instructors from across the globe. The event was also a hub for vendors selling everything from pole apparel to specialized equipment, showcasing the depth and diversity of this community.

Before my partner had opened her pole studio, and before we started our video business, I had only known of pole dancing in the context of strip clubs. But being surrounded by passionate performers, dedicated instructors, and enthusiastic participants changed my perception completely. I witnessed firsthand how this form of dance and fitness fosters empowerment, confidence, and a strong sense of community. Seeing the positive impact it had on my partner, her students, and countless others made me realize that pole dance is so much more than what I had initially thought. It’s an art form and a fitness trend that deserves recognition and respect. These projects were deeply meaningful to me because it not only opened my eyes to a new world but also allowed me to become an advocate for something truly special.

Jeff , 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 journey into the film and TV industry has been diverse and deeply rooted in a passion for creative endeavors and a love of visual storytelling. After graduating from Cal State Northridge with a degree in film production, I started by working in various roles on small productions, gaining hands-on experience in different aspects of filmmaking. I then spent a couple of years at a movie trailer and graphic design company, where I got an insight into film marketing before eventually moving into scripted TV. As with virtually every TV show, eventually the one you’re working on gets cancelled. I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to leap into reality / documentary TV for the next several years. This path allowed me to develop a broad and versatile skill set, covering everything from pre-production to post-production.

When a show I was working on with my girlfriend ended, we saw an opportunity to take our skills in a new direction. We decided to start our own video production company, focusing on creating content that helps people and businesses tell their stories. We offer a range of services, from promotional videos to personal documentaries, providing clients with tailored content that resonates with their audience. Our work is about more than just producing a video; it’s about capturing the essence of what makes each client unique and delivering that message in a powerful way.

What sets us apart is our deep understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of production, combined with a genuine passion for the stories we tell. We’ve had the privilege of working on projects that go beyond traditional expectations, such as filming pole dance projects and helping to shift perceptions of this emerging fitness and dance trend. This kind of work reflects our commitment to exploring new ideas and challenging stereotypes.

I’m particularly proud of the way we’ve been able to build a business that not only supports us but also makes a positive impact on others. Whether we’re helping a small business create a promotional video or crafting a personal documentary that captures someone’s life story, our goal is always to produce content that is meaningful and effective.

For potential clients, followers, or fans, the main thing I want them to know is that we are dedicated to excellence in every project we undertake. We bring our full creative energy to each job, ensuring that the final product is something we’re all proud of. Our work is about more than just video production—it’s about storytelling, connection, and making a difference through the power of visual media.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

When it comes to resources that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking, YouTube stands out as an invaluable tool. When my partner and I started our video production business, I was not a camera person by trade. I had a solid understanding of the basics—exposure, composition, lighting—but my expertise was primarily in pre-production and post-production. During my time in production, I was always fortunate to work with professional camera operators and lighting techs, so I didn’t need to focus on the camera work myself.

However, starting our own business changed that. Suddenly, I was in a position where I needed to handle camera operations, and I had to get up to speed quickly. YouTube became my go-to resource for learning everything I needed to know about camera work. Whether it was understanding the nuances of different camera models, mastering advanced techniques, or troubleshooting issues on the fly, YouTube provided a wealth of knowledge that I could access anytime.

This experience not only broadened my skill set but also shaped my approach to learning and problem-solving as an entrepreneur. It taught me the value of self-education and the importance of adaptability—being able to learn new skills quickly and effectively is crucial in any entrepreneurial venture. YouTube’s vast library of tutorials and expert advice made it possible for me to step into a role I hadn’t originally anticipated, and it’s a resource I continue to rely on almost every day.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in several key moments throughout the creative process. One of the things I love most is that ideas can spark from anywhere at any time. While not every idea is a winner, that’s just part of the journey—it’s all about sifting through those sparks to find the ones that truly resonate.

Whether I’m working on a project for a client or diving into a passion project of my own, there’s an incredible feeling of satisfaction when the creative puzzle starts to come together. It’s that moment when the pieces align, and you begin to see the entire story unfold from beginning to end. It’s like everything suddenly clicks, and you can step back and appreciate how each element contributes to the bigger picture.

Even with something as straightforward as a video promoting a landscaping business, there’s still a story to be told. You’re not just capturing images; you’re showing a transformation, highlighting the care and detail that go into the work, and ultimately telling a story that resonates with the audience. It’s that sense of bringing a narrative to life, no matter how big or small, that makes the creative process so rewarding for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercvillex/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercvilleproductions
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mercvilleproductions