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

Hi Jen, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it wasn’t an overnight success. My journey started in the world of production, working for big names like E! Entertainment and Rachael Ray. While I was passionate about storytelling and had a strong background in producing and directing, the technical side of shooting video was intimidating at first. However, I reached a point where I needed more control over my creative vision, and that’s when I decided to dive into learning videography.

In the beginning, it was challenging. I had to teach myself everything from scratch—how to shoot, edit, and color-grade footage. This was a slow process, but persistence paid off. One of the most significant milestones in my journey was when I started working on my own projects, which allowed me to put everything I’d learned into practice. I took on various gigs—big and small—across different genres, from lifestyle to corporate videos.

As I honed my skills, I realized the importance of continuous learning and networking. I sought opportunities to work as an assistant or second shooter for more experienced videographers, which not only provided me with a steady income but also allowed me to learn on the job. Building a reputation and client base took time, but gradually, I moved from working for others to running my own business.

Reflecting on my journey, I believe that if I had known the value of investing in the right gear earlier, or if I had been more confident in my abilities from the start, I might have been able to speed up the process. However, each step taught me valuable lessons that I apply to my work today. Now, I have the freedom to direct, produce, shoot, and edit my own projects full-time, traveling across the country and creating content that I’m passionate about.

For anyone starting out, my advice would be to embrace the learning curve, practice relentlessly, and don’t be afraid to take on different types of projects to build your skills and experience.

Jen, 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?

For those who may be new to my work, I’m Jen Sawyer, a versatile talent in the film and television industry with a deep passion for storytelling. My journey began in the world of production, where I worked as a Producer and Director on notable shows like E! Entertainment, Rachael Ray, and Cupcake Wars. My experience in these roles has shaped my approach to every project, bringing a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to the table.

My entry into shooting and editing video started during my freelance work for various companies in LA and NY. Driven by a love for capturing compelling narratives and moments, I often found myself borrowing the Director of Photography’s camera to experiment with my own shots. This led me to a pivotal decision: to master the technical side of video production myself. I embarked on a self-taught journey, dedicating countless hours to learning through online resources and hands-on practice. This commitment allowed me to bring my creative ideas to life with precision and authenticity.

Today, I wear multiple hats—Producer, Director, Director of Photography (DP), and Editor. This multifaceted skill set enables me to deliver cohesive and visually stunning projects that truly resonate with audiences. Whether I’m conceptualizing a project, directing a shoot, capturing the perfect shot, or meticulously editing the final piece, my goal is to ensure that each project reflects my dedication and expertise.

What sets me apart is my ability to integrate these roles seamlessly, allowing me to maintain a high level of control over every aspect of production. This holistic approach ensures that my projects are not only visually captivating but also narratively compelling.

I’m most proud of my journey from a curious observer to a seasoned professional, capable of managing all facets of video production. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is characterized by a deep commitment to storytelling and an unwavering dedication to quality. My aim is to create content that not only meets but exceeds expectations, bringing ideas to life in a way that is both authentic and impactful.

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

In my journey as a videographer, one story that truly illustrates my resilience revolves around the extensive process of pre-production. I once had a shoot that took weeks to plan, involving multiple locations and a large team. The key to success was ensuring that every detail was meticulously organized prior to the shoot day.

I coordinated with the client and everyone involved, making sure that the timelines aligned, the locations were locked in, and all the gear was prepped and ready to go. I spent countless hours verifying addresses, confirming availability, and ensuring that everyone was on the same page. This level of organization is essential because, on shoot day, there’s no room for error.

Despite all the planning, unforeseen challenges arose—a location fell through at the last minute, and one of our key pieces of equipment malfunctioned. But because I had anticipated potential issues, I had not just one, but several backup plans ready to be executed. We quickly pivoted to an alternate location and used spare equipment I had on hand, which allowed the shoot to continue seamlessly.

This experience reinforced the importance of resilience in my work. It’s about being prepared for anything and having the flexibility to adapt when things don’t go as planned. My commitment to thorough pre-production ensures that even in the face of challenges, I can deliver a successful shoot.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

One of my favorite marketing or sales stories comes from a time when I took a leap of faith that changed the course of my career. I was working as a production coordinator when I received an unexpected call from CBS This Morning. They were looking for a Field Producer, and I honestly thought they had the wrong number.

Curious, I called them back, ready to clear up what I assumed was a mix-up. To my surprise, they explained that someone had pitched my name for the role, knowing that I was interested in field production—even though I had never done it before. At that moment, I felt a mix of excitement and sheer panic. I explained that I’d never been a field producer, but I was willing to give it a shot. Their response was simple: “Oh, you’ll be fine. Here’s what we need you to do.”

That moment was pivotal for me. I took a risk by stepping into a role that was completely new, but it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s a story I love sharing with people who are just starting out because it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them, and being open to taking risks can lead to incredible growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jensawyervideo.com
• Instagram: @jensawyervideocreator
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/jensawyervideocreator
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-sawyer-a28b945b/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/JenSawyer?sub_confirmation=1
• Other: stan.store/jensawyervideo

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