Conversations with Jon Fischer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Fischer

Hi Jon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had a passion for photography and home design. My journey began when my dad bought me my first camera at the age of seven, and I’ve had a camera in my hands ever since. I started getting paid for my photography when my dad, who was doing PR at the time, asked me to take a few shots at one of his clients’ restaurants when I was thirteen. This opened the door to numerous restaurant and hotel shoots, with many of my photos accompanying stories and advertisements for those establishments. By the age of fifteen, I received a press pass from Club and Sports Magazine. In high school, I served as the photo editor for both the school paper and the yearbook.

During high school, my journalism instructor submitted my name for a specialized course at KLCS-TV. Approximately 200 students applied for just eight openings in the class, which required passing entrance tests and oral examinations. I was fortunate to be accepted and studied motion picture filmmaking for television. Our class produced a student-run newscast each week that aired on Channel 58. After high school, I started working at KTTV-TV as an assistant broadcast director. The following year, I was offered a job at KTLA-TV, where a short time later, I was assigned my dream job on a news crew covering Los Angeles and major stories around the world. Over the years, I worked my way up to Chief Cameraman and later became Supervisor of News Technical Operations, earning numerous awards along the way, including Emmys, Golden Mikes, AP, and UPI awards, and recognition from the Los Angeles Press Club.

Eventually, I moved into management, first as an Assistant News Director at KCOP-TV, where I was responsible for building their new news facility and studio. Then, ABC News reached out, and I accepted a role as their Technical Manager for their Western News Bureaus, allowing me to travel extensively across the country and internationally for months at a time. I later returned to KTLA as their Assistant News Director and Interim Executive Producer for the KTLA Morning News. A few years later, I was recruited by Clear Channel Television to become the first News Director at WFTC-TV in Minneapolis. When Clear Channel sold the station to FOX Television about a year later, I moved to KTVX-TV in Salt Lake City. After Clear Channel sold off its entire TV group, I returned to Southern California to serve as the News Director at KMIR-TV and, ultimately, at XETV-TV in San Diego.

After my time in TV news, I decided to return to my photography roots. I’ve always had a love for architecture, particularly residential homes. I designed my parent’s kitchen layout when they remodeled their home while I was still in Junior High, and I have remodeled several of my own homes over the years, including designing many news facilities and broadcast studios. I decided to combine these two passions and started Waterman Multimedia, a real estate media firm. As a multi-award-winning cinematographer and journalist, I believe I am uniquely qualified to tell the stories of every home.

In addition to my work in TV news and photography, I have been teaching journalism students at UCLA Extension. I was asked to create and teach an Electronic News Gathering workshop in the 1990s and now teach TV Reporting and Production, as well as Media Law and Ethics. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work in fields that allow me to follow my passions; life is good!

Here’s a fun fact: Broadcasting runs in my veins. My father, George Fisher, was a broadcast pioneer with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As CBS News’s first Entertainment Editor, Dad worked alongside legendary broadcasters such as Walter Winchell, Mike Wallace, and Edward R. Murrow. He interviewed and befriended numerous Hollywood stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, including Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Errol Flynn, Bob Hope, Gene Autry, and many more. He also appeared in 40 motion pictures portraying himself, including “A Star Is Born” with Judy Garland and James Mason, “Champagne for Caesar” with Ronald Colman, and “The Jackie Robinson Story.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, but amidst the challenges, I have been fortunate to experience a remarkable blend of unforgettable moments. My passion for history has allowed me to witness significant events that have shaped our world. However, the COVID-19 pandemic rippled through many businesses, including Waterman Multimedia. With people confined to their homes, the real estate market saw a sharp decline in transactions, leaving lasting scars on the industry and on our financial stability.

On top of that, the photography landscape has undergone a seismic shift. With advancements in technology, photography equipment has become not only more affordable but also increasingly automatic. Consequently, the market has filled with amateur photographers who merely point the camera and let it do all automatically limiting the creative process that can make a home stand out.

A troubling trend has also emerged among many real estate agents: the pursuit of cost-cutting often takes precedence over providing exceptional quality. In their quest to save a few dollars, some agents resort to snapping photos with their iPhones, inadvertently compromising the very essence of what quality photography can offer. Yet, they overlook a crucial truth — captivating imagery is one of the most formidable tools for sealing a real estate deal. As visual beings, we are drawn in by dazzling visuals, and the more effectively a property is showcased across websites and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the higher the probability of generating inquiries.

Consider this: a staggering 85% of customers now turn to the Internet to find local services, including real estate agents and firms. Your potential homebuyers are likely navigating Google in search of their dream properties, making digital marketing an invaluable asset for attracting first-time clients. Your website often serves as the digital storefront — a first impression that can either captivate or turn away prospective clients. 

For real estate agents, platforms like Redfin, Zillow, Homefinder, Trulia, and others are the portals through which homebuyers gain their first glimpse of a property. Those online photos serve as the initial handshake; first impressions are critical. If the images are low-quality or lack professionalism, buyers may be quick to look elsewhere, dismissing listings that could have been their future homes.

Conversely, high-quality photographs have the enchanting ability to transform every property into a spectacular showcase. They highlight every nuance and detail, allowing potential buyers to explore every room and feature without ever setting foot inside. When you present your listings with breathtaking images, you not only elevate the property but also emphasize your commitment to excellence. This investment in quality photography fosters trust and connection with homebuyers, making them more likely to choose you as their trusted guide on their journey to find their perfect home.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a passionate photographer and videographer, skilled in the art of visual storytelling. My journey began as a photojournalist, trained rigorously with manual film equipment during a time when every shot required a deep understanding of the craft. Back then, photography was not just about pressing a button; it was a meticulous process of mastering exposure, selecting the right aperture, film, and ISO levels, and choosing the ideal shutter speed and lens to bring each vision to life.

To me, photography is a beautiful blend of artistry and technique. It’s not enough to just point a camera; a true professional crafts images that resonate and tell compelling stories. Over the years, I’ve been honored to capture moments that have been broadcast live to millions around the globe, sharing in the historic events that shape our world. My work has earned me multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Mics, Associated Press Awards, and others as a testament to my commitment to storytelling through the lens. For me, every click of the shutter is a chance to convey a narrative and evoke emotions.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
My dad used to share his insights on what it takes to run a successful restaurant, and I think the same principles apply to any service-oriented business. He believed that having an amazing chef who crafts mouthwatering dishes is just the beginning. Great food alone isn’t enough; if the service is lacking, the restaurant is likely to fail. On the flip side, if the service shines but the food doesn’t cut it, that establishment is doomed as well.

Interestingly, a restaurant can survive with average food as long as the service is exceptional. But if you truly want to thrive, it’s essential to combine quality food with outstanding service. This philosophy resonates deeply with me in my work. I pride myself on knowing my craft and delivering high-quality results. However, what sets me apart is my commitment to customer service. During every shoot, I immerse myself as a member of the realtor’s team, working alongside them because their success is my own. That’s my secret to delivering not just a product, but a memorable experience for the realtor and the homeowner! So that the homeowner looks forward to using or recommending that realtor in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.WatermanMultimedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watermanmultimedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WatermanMultimedia