Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandon Tanczak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brandon, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
When it comes to trying to keep creativity well and alive, I usually reflect. If I am feeling stagnant or having a hard time coming up with some form of idea I will do two things:
1. I look back at the things that influenced me over the years to remind me why I do what I do or maybe look back at something that I created and remember what made that project worth persuing
2. I will step completely out of my comfort zone and tackle something 100% out of wheelhouse and see if it lands for me to try and do my take on the subject.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My wife Jill and I run JERKS Productions, a Philadelphia-based art collective and horror film production team. Over the last 10+ years, we have hosted various art shows in and around the Philadelphia area giving artists safe places to show and sell their work as well as network with fellow working artists.
When we aren’t curating shows we are on set shooting either short films, music videos for local bands, or various events.
JERKS started as a group of friends in 2008 filming stunts, pranks, and skateboard videos similar to what you would see in the cky videos or Jackass. After watching the films Haggard (directed by Bam Margera) and Evil Dead 2 ( directed by Sam Raimi) I was inspired to take filming to the next level and start making scripted skits and short films and have grown with it since then.
The art shows, most notably our longest-running show Fused Underground at Tattooed Mom in South Philadelphia, came about from my wife and partner Jill. Her mindset was to make art shows more affordable, more accessible, and more catered to the artists themselves. And for the last 10+ years, Fused Underground has been going strong.
A lot of what we offer as a company is all the filming needs anyone would need. Such as music videos for bands, promos/commercials for small businesses, and event coverage. What sets us apart from other companies is that we are very hands on and collaborative. We will make sure that the video you need is what you want it to be.
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?
1. Learning your limits
– Don’t push yourself too hard, your mind and body need time to rest. It doesn’t make you any less of an artist if you are tired.
2. Asking questions
– Don’t always think you can figure everything out on your own. In every field, someone will know a little bit more than you and sometimes to get the best result you need to ask questions. Again, it doesn’t make you less of an artist or person.
3. Staying ahead of an issue.
– This will take time and you must allow it to take time. As time goes on and projects come and go you learn the best way to prep ahead of time
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I think it is best to be well-rounded. Personally, I love being able to jump around and help in all areas to ensure the project keeps moving. There is nothing wrong with mastering one craft, but for how my brain works, well-rounded suits me best.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jerksproductions
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/JerksProductions
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jerksproduction
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jerksproductions
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
