We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anthony Jensen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anthony below.
Anthony , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I’d say I get my work ethic from my parents. My mother was a single mom for many years and times were tough for her and us. She would work 2 and 3 jobs at a time to keep food on the table and the bills paid. More than once she served dinner to my brothers and myself and she didn’t eat. I didn’t notice it at the time, but can remember it now. My father was resourceful and diligent. He was steady and consistent and I think I got that from him. He used to tell me a story about having to clear out a large amount of brinks from a particular area. So many bricks that it seemed overwhelming. He got through it by removing “one brick at a time” until the job was done. That’s always stuck with me when the task at hand seemed too overwhelming. Lastly, my grandmother was a loving but stern woman. She insisted on doing a job well and completely.
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 came to Los Angeles to be an actor. I studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts starting in 1986. Great experience and it laid the foundation for my craft. I acted through the 90’s and early 2000’s until I transitioned over to producing/production. My first gig was on The Apprentice in 2003, of all shows. It’s a rare thing when your first production gig is a massive hit. I spent 7 seasons on that show. Once you’re on a hit show you don’t really need to look for work. The work looks for you. I spent the next 13 or years producing but steadily missed acting. When I landed the Co-Executive Producer job for Lucha Underground (MGM/El Rey/Robert Rodriquez) I was in a position to be written into the show and become one of the steady characters. I played Dr. Richard Johnson. Psychiatrist to Vampiro. The killer of fun. The audience hated me and I LOVED it. When that show ended in 2018 I decided to focus solely on acting. I guess I was tired of having money because the business sure had changed. Since then I’ve acted in many film and tv roles and have gone back to producing as well. Now I do both and love the balance!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think the most important skill is calm communication. I spent 10 years with Starbucks developing and training management and the one take away I have from that is this; I can teach anyone nearly anything. It’s up to me to adjust my style to match the person I”m training. I also realize I can’t train a good personality or even temperament. That can be a real deal breaker in a lot of situations. Being proactive, methodical, and organized is the other key. Keep lists. Anticipate needs. And finally, get up everyday and keep moving forward. Even when you can’t, make a small amount of progress. Eventually you’ll get where you need to be.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The book that had the biggest impact on my was and is “The Grapes of Wrath”. It’s about not giving up. It’s about following a path to a better life. It’s about family and community and helping others, even if you don’t have enough for yourself. It’s about sacrifice and love. That book sits in my head rent free and I often think about the lessons of not giving up in that book.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emeraldcityfilmsllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyjensen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064192231896
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-jensen-b156098/
