We were lucky to catch up with Nicholas Jandora recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicholas, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I think I really found my purpose in life by continuing to do what I have loved since I was a kid. I always enjoyed movies and creating stories, and I was fortunate enough to be able to turn that into a career. I always looked up to certain directors and creators when I was starting out and they inspired me to pursue my passion in film. So being able to reach the level they have and become one of their peers really solidified that anything is possible. And now getting messages from people who say that I have inspired them to pursue a path in film really brings it full circle. Being able to leave a legacy no matter how small , is really the thing that drives me to continue doing what I do and bring a huge sense of purpose to my life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am music video and commercial director/writer originally from a small town in West Virginia. I moved out to LA in 2017 to pursue a career in filmmaking. The first few months were pretty tough, having to sleep on friends couches and my car occasionally. Since then I have worked with some of the top artist in the music scene and racked nearly 1 Billion views on my videos combined. I feel truly blessed everyday being able to do what I love for a living. Recently I have been trying to switch my focus into getting into movies and tv, whether that be writing or directing. I have always wanted to direct a movie since I was a kid so I am really doing everything I can to achieve that next milestone. Overall I am just happy to be hear, coming from a small town I never really thought what I have achieved would have been possible, so I am truly thankful for the position I am in.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The number one quality in my field I think would be the ability to take rejection. I cant count the amount of times I have put my all into a treatment just for it to not get picked up. You have to have tough skin and go through this industry with a smile no matter how down bad you are. Skillset wise , it’s good to have a vast knowledge of camera, editing programs, and film making techniques, whether those be professional DIY. The last skillset or quality I would say is necessary is the ability to think on your feet. There are a million things that can go wrong on a film set and the ability to shift and critically think on solutions is 100% necessary to the process.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was support me. They never really questioned what I wanted to do with my life, and pretty much let me just figure it out on my own.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholasjandora
Image Credits
James Baxter and PeggyShootsFilm
