Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jose. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jose, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
The best thing my dad ever did to fuel my creativity was to give me access to any books I wanted at any time.
I grew in Puerto Rico, which in the 80s didn’t have a great public library system, but my dad understood the value of books — of loving and appreciating books and of the impact literature can have on a young mind. When I was in my early teens, my mom would often drop me at the mall — usually to watch a movie. There was a small bookstore at this mall, and my dad talked to the owner, gave him a credit card to keep on file, and told me anytime I was at the mall I could stop by the bookstore and buy any book I wanted. So instead of hanging out at the food court or shopping around, I would go to the bookstore and browse. I ended up discovering dozens of authors and genres that would shape my life and ultimately my career.
Jose, 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?
I’m a television writer/producer with over 25 experience years in writers’ rooms, sets, post production suites, and every facet of making a tv show. One of the things that sets me apart is my love for many different genres of entertainment. Although I tend to specialize in what’s commonly known as “genre fiction” — sci-fi, horror, fantasy, comics, etc. — I’ve also written for cop/lawyer shows, animation, romantic comedies, and straight comedy. So one of the things I’m proudest of is my range.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I was an assistant, I had to do a lot of menial tasks. But one of the lowest points of my assistant days was when my boss handed me a plastic bag and told me to take it to the medical lab across town. I made the mistake of looking in the bag, only to discover it contained urine and fecal samples. So part of my job was literally carrying piss and shit. I considered quitting my job at that point, but I’d spent years at that job and felt like my next step up — an actual writing job — wasn’t far away… if I stuck it out. Which I did. And sure enough, within a year I had my first professional job as a full-time television writers.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Writing for the screen is something that is seldom talked about — and very often unappreciated. Everyone knows actors and directors and they think they’re the true visionaries that create the works that they enjoy. But the truth is that every great movie or show starts on the page. Without the script, there is nothing on the screen. I wish we as a culture focused less on “celebrity” culture and recognized all the work that goes on before anyone sets foot on a set.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @josemolinatv
- Other: [email protected]
