Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jerry White. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jerry, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I have been very fortunate to make my living working in a creative field for the past 15 years. When I started this path, I knew very few people so I spent my first year in Los Angeles meeting and working with other artists. As I learned more about how the business operated I realized that I needed to be selective with collaborators as the film industry tends to take advantage of those that are unaware of its realities. I made choices along the way, including turning down predatory rates, which led to meeting incredible people who had also made their way to a more fruitful side of the industry. I worked 10 years on set as a gaffer and director, being fortunate enough to direct three feature films. Knowing what I know now I wouldn’t have sped up the process, as I don’t believe you can skip steps. Moving faster I wouldn’t have learned that I wanted to teach, which I have now been doing full-time since 2020.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a film artist and educator. In 2020 I transitioned from working full-time on set as a gaffer and director to teaching film and media to high schoolers in Los Angeles. I wanted to empower the next generation to share unique stories and be inquisitive about the world around them. My educational philosophy focuses on storytelling and personal expression over technical, as the tools used to create change so quickly. When I’m not teaching high schoolers you can find me leading workshops at 818 Community Darkroom where I teach analog film developing and printing workshops. I believe artists should share their work and this is why I have my first three feature films available to watch for free at https://www.youtube.com/@bronsoncreative
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I would have known how lonely a creative life can be. When I discuss filmmaking with students I always tell them a story about my time as a director. I let them know that I spent over 7 years making three feature films, and only 35 of those days were actually on set making the film. Most of the time I was working on paperwork, developing scripts, sitting alone in my office storyboarding, and shot listing. I don’t think many artists talk about the mental health struggles of making a living as a creative. This is why I and a long-time collaborator, Kenny Keeler, have started the @TheCelluloidCollective on Instagram, along with a new podcast “Art Provoked” where we discuss the realities of a full-time creative life with other artists.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
As an artist, we are always looking for the reason or why for what we do. As I have gotten older, I realized that my mission is to empower humans to create. I got into being a filmmaker because I loved watching films and learning how other humans lived in the world. I believe that film and photography are powerful tools, not only for expression but also for empathy. If we can see ourselves in someone else’s art then maybe we can begin to see that we are all connected.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bronsoncreative.us
- Instagram: @bronsoncreative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjw39540/
- Youtube: youtube.com/@bronsoncreative
- Other: https://bronsoncreative.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thecelluloidcollective
Image Credits
Copyright Jerry J White III Bronson Creative