We recently connected with Jenny He and have shared our conversation below.
Jenny , 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.
Creativity is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. So, I think the best way to keep creativity alive is to actively practice and strengthen that muscle every day, even when you feel not inspired. By establishing a daily creative routine, creativity becomes a natural part of my life and certainly has helped me become more creative over time.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Jenny He. I was born and raised in China and Germany. I am a music video and commercial director based in New York. I’ve directed music videos for artists such as The Voice winner Sawyer Fredericks, Rachael Sage, Grammy Award Winner Dan + Shay, and Larry Campbell. I frequently collaborate with BBC Storyworks, directing branded documentaries for BBC’s commercial department. My work has been screened at numerous film festivals around the world and has been featured in The New York Times and Rolling Stone.
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?
In the creative field, I believe it’s crucial to establish a personal brand. Therefore, putting yourself out there is essential. Understand that initial rejection is part of the process, so don’t be discouraged. As long as you remain consistent and work towards honing your craft, over time, people will begin to appreciate your work.
The film industry is a highly collaborative environment. While your experience and expertise are important, being a pleasant and cooperative team member can greatly benefit your career. It’s a balance between technical skill and interpersonal skills that can make a significant difference.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
We all experience overwhelming moments, especially when working in the film industry. That’s why it’s crucial to trust your team and delegate tasks, especially on set, where there are significant financial and time pressures. Attempting to handle everything on your own is not only impossible during a film shoot but also degrades the quality of the work. It’s important to rely on the people you’ve hired and trust in their experience and expertise.
Additionally, I’ve found that creating a highly detailed checklist before a shoot is incredibly helpful. It helps you stay organized and facilitates more efficient communication on set. The more prepared you are before the shoot the less there is to think of on the day and the smoother the set runs. You can cut down the amount of decisions you’ll have to make on the day by preparing in advance. You can never be too prepared for a shoot!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jennydakotahe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennydakotahe/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-he-35890114b/
Image Credits
Haley Bowland
