Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jason Cicci

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jason Cicci. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Jason, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A few recent events in my professional life have made me feel particularly proud.

My company, Make Your Show, hosted its inaugural film festival at the prestigious Walter Reade Theatre at Lincoln Center in New York City. The festival featured the short films and series my partner John Cramer and I have helped to write, produce and direct for some of our actor clients who were looking for more on-camera experience. To be able to see these projects on the big screen, and in such a renowned venue, was a definitive moment of pride and accomplishment – not only for the projects themselves, but for the work we do with our clients so that they come to understand storytelling from a producer’s perspective. Knowing that they’ve gained skills during our time together, and seeing them win awards and recognition is very special.

In early September, MovieMaker, the film program I created that takes place at the historic SHU Community Theatre in Downtown Fairfield, CT, received its screening of this past summer’s films. I had the pleasure and privilege of working with 24 young filmmakers this season, helping guide their ideas into scripts and then into fully-produced films. Amongst an audience of family, friends and supporters, our filmmakers got to experience watching all 20 films on the big screen. To be in a position where I can hopefully inspire young storytellers to learn more about the craft of filmmaking is something I do not take for granted.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been the entertainment industry for decades. I graduated from Syracuse University with my degree in acting and music and eventually transitioned into a writer/producer/teaching artist. I’m grateful to be able to use my talent to inspire aspiring storytellers, whether they’re actors or filmmakers. To be able to encourage storytellers and actors while creating films and series is something I never anticipated I’d be doing and I find it very rewarding.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I began acting at a very young age, went on to get my degree, moved to New York City and auditioned thousands of times. I had thought that my career was going to be that of a performer, probably a stage actor. I would think that most of my friends and colleagues thought of me the same way. It wasn’t until I took the initiative to write and produce that the tide started to turn toward other parts of the industry. One of the people I met while creating a project was Bob Giraldi – director, original Mad Man and Chair of the Masters in Directing Department at the School of Visual Arts. I knew that he directed many of the music videos I loved as a kid so it was surreal when I became friends with him and his wonderful wife, Patti. One night at dinner, he offered me the position of his Teaching Assistant at SVA. I had never thought of myself as someone who could guide and teach writers. It was just something I instinctively understood, probably due to my acting training. Bob’s belief in me as someone who could inspire storytellers was something I didn’t see in myself until I began working with him. I am forever grateful and try to be a mentor to those who are looking for opportunities in the entertainment industry. When you get, you want to give.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Years ago, there was a time I almost gave up on my goals to make a living in the entertainment industry. Primarily an actor then, I decided that I had to give it one last, meaningful try before possibly finding something else to do in my professional career – although I really didn’t have anything else in mind. I was as tired and frustrated as many other aspiring actors I knew and saw repeatedly at auditions. I would be cast in small film roles or a leading stage role once in a while but nothing that was materializing into something formidable enough to leave my day job. It was a turning point in my life as it was then that I decided that I needed to do something more proactive. Having already written and produced for the stage, I started a new journey of creating an indie series for the internet – something I had never done before. That project became “He’s With Me”. I remember being incredibly nervous before it debuted. Perhaps because it was “new” or perhaps if it didn’t yield any results, I would have to go back to the professional drawing board. I’m glad I didn’t give up. In the arts, you have to take some risks. It is the best way to know what you have to offer as an artist.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
This is such an interesting question. These days, when the world seems to be watching you all the time, it takes care and diligence to maintain and control your public image to align with your authentic self. Basically a private person, I mostly only share information about my professional life on social media. I offer insight, advice or inspiration via posts and videos. I also make public speeches in front of crowds at film festivals and run workshops at schools, colleges, universities and for Make Your Show. I would say that my professional persona is not far from who I am with my family and friends – it is just more focused on the goal of helping someone achieve something or presenting a body of work. The principals I live by aren’t blurred in my work or in public. As I look at the work I do as philanthropic, I always ask my students or clients if our time was helpful and if there’s anything else they feel they need from me. I would ask the same of anyone in my personal life: do you need anything? Can I make anything easier for you? Do you need any help? The professional me doesn’t take for granted that I’m in a position to use my talent and experience to help people. Being kind, empathetic and helpful is the goal in all parts of my life, public or private.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
When I wrote and produced my first indie series, “He’s With Me”, I created it with the goal of being the leading actor in a sitcom, one of my favorite forms of storytelling. Having been the culmination of many years of work, I naturally thought that I would enjoy being the protagonist in an on-camera story. However, once we were in production on the show’s first season, I discovered that the acting part wasn’t my favorite of the many hats I was wearing on the project. It turned out that I much preferred the creating/writing/producing aspect of the show. And, as our lives were more and more shared online, I also preferred more anonymity. Now, almost 15 years later, I can honestly say that the industry welcomes me much more as a writer and producer than an actor. It was a surprising discovery that allowed me to transition into another part of my career. It was also an important life lesson – sometimes your goals and passions change. And that’s OK.

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Image Credits
Joseph Gray
Emili Weintraub

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