We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jill Bennett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jill below.
Hi Jill , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Without getting into therapy-speak, I’m guessing it’s from my childhood. I came from a broken home with multiple divorces, and parents that were generally unhappy people who felt very much focused on their own issues. Like many Gen X’ers, I was often left to my own devices – to take care of myself, cook, clean, and amuse myself. I had to figure out how to do things on my own from an early age – that gives one a sense of confidence that carries into later life. I was lucky enough to be blessed with an amazing stepmother in my teens who was very much the nurturing and caring parent that I so desperately needed.
One must have resilience to attempt a career in Hollywood; the statistics for success are dismal. If you don’t absolutely believe that you have something unique to offer, you won’t make it here.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a filmmaker and artist dedicated to creating impactful stories for the Queer community. What excites me most is the opportunity to bring diverse perspectives and underrepresented voices to the forefront through my work. My brand is built on a passion for storytelling, inclusivity, financial sustainability, and creative collaboration.
Currently, I’m working on various projects that showcase my commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and exploring thought-provoking themes. I recently finished a full-length Queer Thriller, Under the Influencer, which was invited to present at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this month. We are gearing up for a limited festival run, and I’m working to find a home for my other projects through Fair Play Films.
The current distribution model for independent filmmakers is unsustainable and in need of change. To address this, Fair Play Films is proposing a new approach: in addition to set and transparent day rates, all cast and crew members will participate in profit sharing. Our ultimate goal is to disrupt traditional distribution channels and establish a filmmaker-owned streaming platform, following an initial distribution plan that includes film festivals runs, and limited art-house releases in major cities
By taking control of our own distribution, we can create a more sustainable future for indie filmmakers.
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. One must be self-aware: who are you, what do you have to offer that’s different, and what are your weaknesses? Spend some time thinking about these things, because they’re all going to impact your working and personal life.
2. Keep a good work/life balance. You can’t be an artist without life experience, and time flies when you’re an adult. Travel, have fun, spend time with friends and family, because while work is important, relationships are MORE important.
3. Volunteer. Get outside of yourself and your needs and focus on someone else. Nothing but positivity will come your way as a result, and giving to others always gives back.
My advice for those early in their journey would be to live life intentionally. Make a decision one way or another and then follow that path. You can always pivot, but wandering aimlessly waiting for something to happen will never materialize in happiness. You must make it happen.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always open to collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations who share my passion for storytelling and social impact. I’m looking to partner with writers, directors, producers, and creatives from diverse backgrounds who are committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and exploring thought-provoking themes in commercially-minded content.
If you’re a reader looking to collaborate, I’d love to connect with you! Please feel free to reach out to me through my websites, www.jillbennett.com or www.fairplayfilms.com, or connect with me on social media platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fairplayfilms.com, www.jillbennett.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mzjillbennett
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairplayfilms
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbennett1/
- Twitter: https://x.com/mzjillbennett
Image Credits
Cameron Rice
