We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeff Celentano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jeff, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I have always been a positve love life kind of person. I choose to wake up everyday and be thankful I am healthy and alive and lead the life I do. As an actor I never was thrown by not getting jobs because I knew that every time I went on an auditon that was the first time a Director would meet me and if one didn’t hire me others were out there. More fish in the sea as it were. I always loved movies and TV and always wanted to be in that business. So I just applied myself as an actor at first and I did work but one day I was tired of not having any control and so I decided to make a short film and the rest is history. The short won a bunch of awards a big agency signed me and I had a career. One that I love everyday and feel God put me on the planet to make films and tell stories. I feel much more connected to fimmaking than acting. So I found my purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a film director I make films. The Hill is my passion project it took 17 years to get made and is now in over 1800 theaters and audiences rate it a 97% audience rating. I absolutely love making films its how I express myself with my taste, storytelling, talent and ability and art.
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?
Patience above all and I always had a keen eye for art and artistic expression and that just transferred into making films. For anyone going into this business I have a few things to say. 1- There are no rules. 2- You have to love it. 3- You have to be able to ask for money and talk a good talk and not be afraid to ask for funds to make the project you are passionate about. 4- Never give up. 5- develop amazing patience,
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My wife is always positive and lifting me up and is a supporting force in my life. #2 Gerald Greenberg the editor (scarface, kramer vs. kramer, the taking of pelham 1, 2, 3 Gerry was my mentor (we all need one) he was majorly responsible in validating my talent and ability because once he loved my work I felt able to continue and believe in myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: directorjeffcelentano also -thehillmov.com
Image Credits
Jeff Celentano
