Meet Jesse McAnally

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

Hi Jesse, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Overcoming creativity blocks, particularly procrastination and writer’s block, has been a personal challenge that I have struggled with for years. One of the most effective methods I found for addressing this strain on creativity is leveraging the power of social obligations. Recognizing my tendency to procrastinate without a sense of urgency, I discovered that nothing lights a fire under me more than a commitment to others.

A notable example of this is my experience with my upcoming feature film, “The Daughters of the Domino.” In December of 2018, facing an empty page and lacking a single written word for the screenplay, I made a bold commitment to a select group of close friends and collaborators. I declared that, by the end of the month, I would present a completed draft for a reading and notes session. This self-imposed social obligation became a powerful catalyst for my creativity.

Within a tight timeframe of less than 30 days, I churned out over 100 pages, producing a rough but complete script for the scheduled reading. This approach proved instrumental in breaking through the initial stagnation and creating inertia to start the project. To maintain momentum and ensure continued progress, I adopted a similar strategy for subsequent drafts.

For each iteration of the screenplay, I committed to organizing a reading within a month and creating a stringent deadline that I couldn’t easily dismiss. The fact that others had adjusted their schedules to accommodate these readings added an extra layer of accountability. This external commitment became a driving force, pushing me to consistently deliver new drafts on time.

This approach has proven invaluable in my creative process, serving as a reliable method to overcome blocks and maintain a steady, productive workflow. I highly recommend this strategy to others grappling with similar challenges, as it has consistently yielded positive results for me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an independent film director, producer, and screenwriter with a passion for narrative films. What excites me the most about my work is the celebration of entertainment for entertainment’s sake. Where some filmmakers prefer their art to delve into inner demons or societal critiques, I find joy in creating an escape. Offering people a chance to be enthralled and transported into a different world is a kindness, especially in these challenging times.

I have a deep appreciation for genre films as they provide filmmakers with creative freedom to explore novel concepts and construct unique worlds. My goal is to be a versatile filmmaker capable of seamlessly blending diverse genres in surprising and inventive ways. Through genre films, I aim to leave a lasting impression on viewers and spark meaningful dialogues.

In my view, a filmmaker’s role is to be bold, confident, and to create something they themselves would want to see. At the inception of each project, I make a list of unexplored ideas and imagine ways to bring them to life. This approach led to the conceptualization of my upcoming feature film, “The Daughters of the Domino.” Frustrated with emotionally detached detectives in mystery noir films, I envisioned a narrative where every element had a personal stake for the protagonist. Alongside my co-writer Nathan Keelan, I worked on this premise for three years, culminating in the film.

“The Daughters of the Domino” is a modern noir revolving around a mother reuniting with her estranged detective sister to locate her missing teenage daughter. The film became a reality through a successful Kickstarter Campaign in October 2023, made possible by the incredible kindness and generosity of friends, family, and peers.

The filming process, which began in April 2023, spanned 20 days, experiencing both frigid cold and blistering heat, typical of Michigan weather. I had the privilege of working with exceptional actors like Miranda Moffat, Lucie Gillespie, Ashley Poulin, and Asia Hicks. Collaborating with dedicated professionals, particularly my cinematographer Sean Snider, was an enriching experience. While filmmaking is often seen as a director/producer game, I firmly believe that no single person creates art. It’s a collective effort—a family, a community, a commune—that breathes life into art. True leadership in the arts involves respect and collaboration, not pulling rank on fellow artists or collaborators.

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?
Reflecting on my filmmaking journey, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful. Firstly, the ability to be reflexive and adaptable has proven critical. In the dynamic environment of a film set, things change rapidly, and having contingency plans or alternatives ready is essential to ensure the project stays on track. Adaptability is the most vital skill in navigating the unpredictable nature of filmmaking.

The next significant quality is the balance between kindness and firmness in leadership. In a field where authority is often associated with cruelty, I’ve found that leading with kindness yields the best results from a team. While some might believe in assertiveness and pulling rank, I firmly believe that a light but firm approach to leadership and mentorship fosters a more positive and productive working environment. It’s about creating a space where people feel motivated rather than intimidated.

The final quality that has been instrumental is humility. Confidence is important, but acknowledging that there’s always more to learn is equally important. Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered filmmakers who think they know it all, and I’ve been there myself. Setting higher goals and continually striving for improvement while remaining open to learning from others is key. Seeking advice from those you respect and admire in the industry can provide valuable insights and mentorship.

For those starting their filmmaking journey, my advice would be to overcome the initial imposter syndrome and have confidence in your abilities, even if you’re uncertain about how to piece it all together. Given that filmmaking is highly collaborative, carefully choosing collaborators and partners who align with your values and vision is crucial. Film sets involve long, intense days with tight deadlines, so having team members with a positive attitude that treat others kindly is as important as their technical skills. While opportunities may seem scarce, it’s essential to prioritize both the quality of work and the quality of character in your collaborators, as both contribute significantly to the success of a project.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is a constant challenge for me. While shooting the feature, I encountered an unprecedented level of anxiety that disrupted my peace even during sleep, leading to regular anxiety attacks. It was a distressing period, and finding effective methods to center and ground myself became imperative.

As the shoot progressed, I discovered valuable exercises and meditation techniques that transformed my stress and anxiety into a more constructive and calming force. Additionally, implementing a practical strategy such as turning off phone notifications proved to be a game-changer as it allowed me to be present in the moment. This intentional disconnection from constant digital stimuli provided me with the space to focus on self-care and regain control over my mental well-being.

The most valuable lesson for those grappling with anxiety and overwhelm is acknowledging that these feelings are normal and universal. No one has life completely figured out, and uncertainty is a shared human experience. Embracing this reality and adopting a lighthearted perspective, even in challenging times, can be a powerful coping mechanism. So, throw on a smile, pretend you’re navigating life just like everyone else, and remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers.

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Image Credits
SAM NORK MEDIA

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