We were lucky to catch up with Jeff Poindexter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jeff, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I’ve spent roughly 7 years working in and around the independent film scene in Sacramento, primarily as a production assistant. This essentially acted as my film school; learning set lingo, the craft behind the various aspects of production (lighting, cinematography, sound, etc). While often paid in “experience”, this allowed me to work directly with some of the most talented artists I’ve ever had the honor of working with.

After a while though, I felt more confident in myself as an artist and decided to take the leap forward in starting my own production company with the ultimate goal of total creative independence.

I founded Midnight Boardwalk Productions late 2021, releasing my first short film that following January called “Abduction”, stylistically inspired by M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Signs’. This was followed up with “Vengeance”, a crime thiller released in the middle of 2022, shortly followed up with “Burnouts”, the most creatively ambitious project I ever attempted.

The initial concept was written by one of my oldest friends, Ben Snedecor, where I was a co-writer, editor, co-lead and director. I learned so much about myself throughout this process, the main being that I must embrace the collaborative process. The vision can be laid out, but when you’re working directly with people who are creative for a living, be open to their suggestions, even if you decide against it in the end. Sometimes, it can result in an even better final product.
It all fell on me to creative a positive environment, where everyone was welcomed and felt they contributed and were happy to be there, which was a great lesson in leadership development.

That was the moment I knew I was making the right decision for this avenue of life. I love what I’m creating, I love the people I’m creating this with and to hear the audience reaction for our 2023 premiere was an absolute privilege and hope to showcase on a greater scale when we have a wider release (2024).

I strive to push myself creatively with an emphasis on telling a good story at the end of the day. Playing my part in contributing to the artform I hold so closely, I hope generations can look back on and be inspired to take a leap in life themselves and believe in their vision, whether its for their art, or life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I knew from a young age that movies were my life’s calling.

From Friday night visits to Blockbuster or Hollywood Video being just as exciting as going to Disneyland, watching making-of documentaries anytime I could, my appreciation for the craft only ballooned as the years passed on.

However I knew these dream would never just fall on my lap.
The hours would be long and thankless. The levels of surrounding discouragement would be greater than I could anticipate. I will have to make countless mistakes along the way and at the end of the day, be alright with those mistakes. Especially if I was trying to make my own films.

With very few resources, you essentially become your own crew. Learning cinematography, sound design, editing, cameras, lenses, continuity, lighting, which may sound like such a daunting task. But I can assure you, if film is what you love, having that fundamental understanding on how all the moving pieces operate will only enhance your appreciation.

I was most proud shooting a scene in my 2023 short film “Burnouts”.
It was a party scene where we had 15 extras show up to participate. The scene was centered around my character, so I had to focus on my performance setting up lighting, coordinating the extras, stay organized with our shot lists as well as ensuring everyone was taken care of. There was no second day of shooting this moment. All within 2 hours of filming, we got it done, thanks to the amazing team, but if I decided to show how stressed I truly was, everyone would have walked.
When people are showing up, unpaid, to be in your near zero budget movie, you cannot undervalue to level of gratitude they’re deserving of.

Learning the craft is only half the battle, since you also need to learn how to operate a business.

I operate on a “best of both worlds” mentality with my clients. A balance between creative enjoyment/actually moving my brand towards a positive direction.
I love shooting commercials and music videos for example, as both I find to be unique forms of storytelling, the ladder especially.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

“A Movie-Making Nerd” by James Rolfe is one of the most inspiring books I’ve read. James was a tremendous inspiration to me as a teenager and really opened my eyes to the world of independent filmmaking, operating outside of Hollywood. I believe anyone who feels that creative urge by struggles to express it should read this book. I highly recommend his documentary ‘Cinemassacre 200’ on Youtube as well.

“Tough Shit” written by Kevin Smith I believe any film fan should read.

In regards to business management/entrepreneurship, “Man Up” written by Bedros Keuilian is a phenomenal read that I would recommend to anyone. It really has helped me obtain mental clarity in various aspects of life/managing this business that I always perceived as unstoppable roadblocks.

“The Pursuit of Tone”, a documentary about Blink-182’s Tom Delonge is one I recommend to any aspiring artist, which can be found on Youtube, showcased how its okay to reinvent yourself, never settling if you’re unfulfilled and how to embrace the challenges life throws at you.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My main collaborator has been one of my closest friends for nearly 20 years.

Ben Snedecor and I grew up the street from one another. He was on his path, I was on mine.
He didn’t initially express an interest in film, at least to the extent I was continually expressing.

We kind of parted ways after high school, however we began reconnecting around 2018.
Late 2021, Ben was really pushing his T-shirt brand ‘Anywhere Shirts’ and I wanted to help. My go-to cinematographer Dylan Peshek and I drove down to San Francisco where Ben was living, and we spent the day shooting a crazy commercial and we all loved the process.

Shortly after, I brought Ben on board to act as the antagonist for my second short film “Vengeance” and did great for a first-time actor.
Right after shooting, Dylan shot some footage of Ben and I reading the script for “Burnouts”, and we all became extremely excited to make this thing. No matter how hectic the process was going to be. But, if you have a rock solid team beside you, you’re indestructible.

Ben really grew into himself as an actor/creative collaborator. With my growing desire to try a new city, Ben and I both made our ways to Austin, TX in 2023, where we’re hard at work for the next few projects while connecting with the amazing artists the city of Austin has to offer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.midnightboardwalkproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffpoindexterphotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-poindexter-805655168/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtpybb53mx39qP1jZZqvH_A

Image Credits
Dylan Peshek