We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeremie Cander a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeremie, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Thanks for having me! I started taking filmmaking seriously during my junior year of college and deep down and had always dreamed about going to film school but due to the astronomical cost I had to create my own film school but DIY style. I’d spend hours on Youtube and Vimeo watching short films to study different directing and cinematography styles. I would then take to my notes app or whatever notebook I could find laying around and write out story ideas that I wanted to execute. I’m also a big fan of podcasts so I would constantly listen to film related podcasts where the creative process is humanized from successes to the crippling self-doubt that is experienced along the way. For writing, I would search the internet for scripts from my favorite shows so that I learn how to be a better screenwriter. Given all of that. I’m not sure if I would’ve done anything differently to speed up my learning process. Mainly because it would’ve created this false sense of having to know everything RIGHT NOW instead of enjoying the journey as I go. Since starting this journey I’ve learned that the my interpersonal skills are truly essential to my success. Writing, directing, and producing are truly a collaborative process so being able to communicate with people and effectively work together really sets the tone for the project. The only obstacles that stood in the way of me learning more was honestly being burnt out from my full time jobs which can be very demanding and a huge balancing act.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Yes! My name is Jeremie Cander and I’m a writer, director, and producer based in the DMV area. My passion and desire to tell stories started with a composition book that my mom gave me when I was younger. I was quite the busy body so this was one of the only ways that she was able to keep me preoccupied.I mainly would fill the pages with little doodles, but over time it eventually turned into cohesive stories that even my own family couldn’t believe that I wrote. As I grew older I started to pay closer attention to my favorite shows/movies from the way that they were shot to how the characters helped humanize experiences that I went through. I didn’t realize that pursuing filmmaking was a thing I could actually do until I was a sophomore in high school and watched Awkward Black Girl for the first time. Seeing someone who looked like me starring in, directing, and producing a web series was the confirmation and boost that I needed. Since then I’ve been on a mission to tell stories that are not only rooted in comedy, but have an element of candor that allows me to understand myself and the world a little better. Stories that highlight the strength of vulnerability and the courage that comes with it. I recently just wrapped a short film that I wrote and directed called RSVP, which is a love letter to the complexity of friendship and brunch culture in the DC area. I’m super excited to take it through the festival circuit and because it offers a fresh and hilarious view of the DMV. In my spare time, I can be found producing stories for other filmmakers and working at notable festivals like the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, and the Tribeca Film Festival.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is building a strong team and getting the final product where you’re just in awe of what you created. I recently experienced that while crowdfunding, directing, producing, and acting in my own short film. It definitely took a toll on me mentally and physically but receiving the final cut of the film made me realize that it was all worth it. It’s kind of like a form of dopamine to the point where I’ve noticed that I’m only truly happy and feel my most authentic self when I am creating.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

It wasn’t until recently that I’ve started to be intentional about surrounding myself around more creatives. When you’re a creative, you look at life through a different lens and because of that sometimes our loved ones who fully support us may not understand our intense passion.. Every experience and conversation is inspiration for your next project. I remember when loved ones would see me frustrated or discouraged about a project and would suggest that I just go get a simple job working for the government. I instantly would get upset because they didn’t understand that what I was feeling is just part of the process and it doesn’t mean that I just give up and go for the “safer” route. Creating literally breathes life into us and without it we feel incomplete.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jeremiecander.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/beautifulbrwngirl?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jeremie-davisb13

Image Credits
Cameron Elysia