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

Alright, Tara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’ve been privileged to work on quite a few projects that I have found truly meaningful. Of course, that isn’t always the case; but, I have gotten to work on a pretty high percentage of films that I care deeply about, either story wise or because of the crew. The most meaningful project I have worked on to date combines both– a story and a group of people that both mean an incredible amount to me.

I met my writing partner Ryder Dunagan four years ago while I was in my MFA program at USC. I was producing a film that he was starring in and we hit it off. I have always loved to write, but for a while writing took a back seat to pursuing cinematography. We decided to try writing together, and Day Bi Day was born. Our web series has seen many iterations over the last four years, but we finally were able to take it into production in early 2023. The series follows two bisexual roommates who share a mattress platonically as they struggle to find success in their careers in the film industry and in their love lives.

Ryder and I wrote the series to star in, and it was a wonderful return to my first artistic passion– acting. We are both very dedicated to telling positive queer stories and Day Bi Day allowed us to share personal stories and stories from our community in a comedic light. We were able to bring together a beautiful, highly gay crew to help bring the series to light and across the board it has been the most rewarding experience both in front of and behind the camera.

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

My path to cinematography has been circuitous. I started my MFA program at USC believing I wanted to write and direct, as most of my cohort also believed. I never thought that a technical field in film was for me. That all changed when I had to rotate and try all the positions on set as part of the USC curriculum. I fell in love immediately with the camera. It drew me in the same way that acting and writing had previously in my life– I love the minutiae of a craft. I’d rather be first violin than the conductor.

I was able to find amazing mentors at USC who helped me find my way. I graduated with a job as a staff writer at American Cinematographer magazine and I have been working there while freelancing on set ever since. I am passionate about promoting diversity in the camera department and creating room for people who haven’t always been given a chance behind the camera.

In June of 2023 I am shooting my first feature film.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We as a society love art. We consume it daily– for entertainment, for relaxation, for catharsis. I think the best way to perpetuate a thriving creative ecosystem is to support artists on the small scale, not only the large scale. Whether that means commissioning a portrait from an Instagram mutual or supporting a short film monetarily that resonates with you, I think it’s important to remember that there is art of value at all levels and that support is necessary if you want to see more creativity across the board. It’s great to support theaters by going to see films in person, but I don’t think that supporting film ends there.

I feel immensely lucky because I have felt the support of my community when I have short films in local festivals, when I have crowdfunded, and when I am finally able to share the final results of my work online. I think this support is imperative to fostering a diverse and healthy creative industry. It can be really hard to self promote– it’s not something I am very comfortable with myself. For better or worse, that is how artists on a smaller scale can let the world know about their work. I try and respond to others’ self promotion with the interest and kindness that I would like to receive. If I like something– I try and support it. Uplifting the creativity we want to see is the best thing we can do to foster more of it.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when I can tell I’ve made a space for other people to feel less alone. That’s what drew me to art– both as someone consuming and creating it. If something I have been a part of creating can make people laugh, gasp, draw together, even for a moment, then I feel like I’ve succeeded. That’s why I get so stressed going to screenings of my work– how people react is everything. I don’t need to make work that everyone loves. I do think there is a value outside of public reaction. But the essence of the creation for me is that I want to make work that people connect with. I’d like to say it doesn’t matter if it’s only one person that laughs, that’s enough. My ego probably has something else to say to that. But in its purest form, that is what I am striving towards.    

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jenkinstara.com
• Instagram: @tarajenkinsfilmsthings