Meet Jason Cicci

We recently connected with Jason Cicci and have shared our conversation below.

Jason, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

The notion of imposter syndrome has certainly crept into my mind, especially when writing or planning a curriculum in my work as a teaching artist.

The entertainment business presents a seemingly infinite amount of awards. To see so many professionals receive praise in an endless rotation can certainly cause you to judge yourself harshly. Likewise, the legion of teachers and influencers on social media who gain hundreds of followers and dollars a month can create a voice in your head that says you’re not good enough or experienced enough or talented enough to espouse information or to charge for your time and expertise.

To overcome imposter syndrome, I limit the amount of time I spend on various platforms and remind myself of my own valid and expansive creative journey and the people I have helped. I also try to see the bigger picture in terms of my career. Have my stories entertained or educated? Have my students been inspired? Am I proud of the things I’ve accomplished? The answers are always yes, and that is good enough for me. I do not answer to any perceived competitor, nor any awards show. I am only in competition with myself. I continue to cultivate my artistic taste as I get better with each project and know that I approach my teaching work with philanthropy and good intentions. If anyone has a negative criticism of my work, they are entitled to it but I know where I’m coming from and I know I’m good enough.

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?

When I was just starting out, I didn’t think of myself as a storyteller. I was a trained actor looking for a gig. That uphill climb can limit the way you think about yourself and your goals. Once I started initiating my own projects, my approach to my profession changed. I realized that whether I’m acting, writing or producing, I am a storyteller. All of these disciplines are in service to a story. Stories can educate. Stories can entertain. And, for me, creating producible on-camera stories has become the cornerstone of my “brand” and the hallmark characteristic of my career. It also set me on a mission to help other artists, too.

My company Make Your Show, which I run with my partner John Cramer, assists other aspiring entertainment professionals to discover their potential. In addition to acting, all of our clients become Executive Producers of their projects. Our recent short film, “Bad for Good” (which can be seen on our YouTube Channel) recently had its online premiere. It is so gratifying to see our client Michael Paladine take more ownership of his talents, offering him the chance to develop new skills that will bring him more opportunities.

Make Your Show is not only the name of my business, it’s my mantra. Whether your “show” is an indie series, short film or any kind of profession, it’s also a state of mind. Create your career path. Make the idea of your professional life a reality. Take control.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

There are three qualities that have served me well in terms of my professional journey.

Knowing how I learn has been essential in terms of my career. I’ve never been the type to pore over textbooks, attend seminars or listen to podcasts (even though I host one – Make Your Show: The Creators). I began producing as a teenager when there was no internet where I could ask all of my questions. My own common sense and my personal taste guided me as to what I needed to do. That approach still serves me well; uncomplicated, yet detail-oriented.

Finding out what I do best has also been an important asset. In filmmaking, there is an endless list of tasks that need to be done, but I let those that are proficient in their disciplines take the lead as I don’t do everything as well as they do. I know when to step aside.

Finally, collaboration has become one of the most important qualities I’ve developed. Even if I’ve written a script, there are bound to be wonderful ideas that come from actors and directors that make the story better. Pushing aside your ego and letting the bigger picture lead you is a vulnerable but powerful place to come from.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The professional part of my life would not be possible without the unwavering support of my mom and dad. When a young person says they want to be in the arts, I’m sure it causes some stress for parents. Mine offered me acting and music lessons from a very young age. They also helped to subsidize the summer theatre productions that I mounted in my teens, where I learned how to be a producer. I still use that knowledge today.

My parents also encouraged me to attend college and get my degree on their dime. This was probably the most impactful thing they did for me. The things I learned, the network of people I met (many of whom I’m still close with and have worked with) and the discipline it instilled in me are invaluable assets that I’m forever grateful for. And I didn’t incur any debt.

We all need champions. I am fortunate to have had constant cheerleaders, helping me to develop my talent and bolster my confidence. As Director of MovieMaker and in my work as a teaching artist, I have many full-circle moments, as I witness parents offering their creative kids a chance to develop their particular talents. In those moments, I always think of my mom and dad and how much harder my professional life would’ve been without their help and support.

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