Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Karum. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jennifer, appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
As someone with autism and being on the spectrum, my condition is often overlooked or not immediately apparent due to my higher functioning. This can lead to misunderstandings, as I may not pick up on specific non-verbal communications and possess an energy that not everyone knows how to respond to. There are times when people do not communicate with me directly, and often through 3rd parties, and as a result, I make a concerted effort to address situations once they are brought to my attention.
My tenacity and dedication are evident in my work ethic, as I strive to ensure positive experiences for those who work with me. I am highly organized and have gained considerable knowledge and skills, transitioning from an actress to a producer, bolstered by my experience in sales which has taught me the importance of direct communication. However, I recognize that sometimes my directness can be perceived as too blunt.
I have learned a lot in communication and following through with commitment and I stand by who I am, as it’s allowed me to overcome many obstacles set before me beating the odds that the doctors originally said about if I would ever be successful.
Jennifer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
From a young age, I was deeply passionate about performing, regularly acting in plays and shows. This creative outlet was a significant part of my childhood, nurturing my love for the arts and a place to channel my energy as an overactive and high energetic individual with autism. However, as I grew older, I was encouraged to pursue a more traditional and financially secure career path, leading me to sales. I earned a bachelor’s degree and focused on my education and higher-paying jobs, but over time, I realized that sales did not fulfill me.
Determined to find a career that aligned with my passions, I transitioned into the entertainment industry, leveraging my sales experience to move from acting to producing. This shift allowed me to blend my creative talents with my organizational and direct communication skills. As a producer, I create and manage a variety of projects, ensuring they run smoothly from inception to completion and through distribution. My services include project management, SAG, talent coordination, Hiring of crew, paperwork, working with legal, setting locations up, creative implementation, and overall production oversight, solving logistical and creative challenges for my clients.
What sets me apart is my unique combination of creative flair and business acumen, honed through years of experience in both the arts and sales. With autism, I have a knack for over-communicating, ensuring clarity and precision in all my interactions. I am not afraid to ask for the yes, raise funds, and get things done. This determination has led to remarkable achievements, including producing a feature film, raising nearly a million dollars, and securing global distribution. I am particularly proud of co-founding Lakefront Pictures, a company dedicated to elevating unheard voices and challenging narrow perspectives through our stories.
At Lakefront Pictures, we specialize in providing services to filmmakers about the business of filmmaking and creating custom actor reels to help actors grow in their craft, all filmed with high-quality production cinema cameras. I write, produce, and act, continuously making projects and helping other filmmakers grow. We even offer an internship program through local colleges in the area, helping young filmmakers with experience and growing their craft, equipping them for larger scale roles and future opportunities.
It’s crazy to think my business partner, Ryan who is our cinematographer, initially cast me in his short film in 2016, and since then, we have expanded his ideas, bringing in celebrity talent and establishing ourselves as a strong indie film company in Chicago making tv pilots, pitch decks, features, over 100 shorts and reels including corporate video and partnerships with Autism Speaks, Glenview Chamber and more
I am known for my tenacity, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to creating positive experiences for everyone involved in my projects. I strive to make each collaboration a success, ensuring that all participants feel valued and heard.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience has been a cornerstone of my journey. Since an early age, I have faced and overcome numerous hurdles, consistently getting back up and trying again. I dealt with a kindgarten teacher who didn’t understand my differences, physically and emotionally hurt me. I had peers not understand my outbursts and need for validation and acceptance. It was a struggle because I did not interact like most kids do. I had to learn skills most acquire. My determination saw me through highschool, then college, and my first few jobs, but it was challenging. And through four years of film school while simultaneously making a TV pilot—a challenging feat that tested my perseverance. It wasn’t easy, and I burned bridges in my effort to grow, learning invaluable lessons from those experiences. Despite times when I felt like quitting, I pushed forward, learning and growing from each setback.
As you grow, you inevitably encounter more challenges, including jealousy and negativity from others. It’s essential to remember who you are, stay focused on your goals, and not let detractors bring you down. This mindset has been crucial in my ability to bounce back and continue striving for success.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Finishing something I start, being on set, building relationships, and doing what I love. It makes all the struggles worth everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jenniferagoodman.com and www.lakefrontpictures.com
- Instagram: jenniferashleygoodman and lakefrontpictures
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jenniferagoodman
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkarum
- Twitter: jengoodman
Image Credits
Jennifer A Goodman and Lakefront Pictures