Jen Sall shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jen, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Doing my best to steer clear of my phone and computer in the mornings! Lately, my routine includes lemon water, some light stretching or a quick walk, and a cup of (caffeinated!) tea.
This past summer, I wanted to try a new creative practice—something different from The Artist’s Way. I came across The Guided Sketchbook from the amazing nonprofit, Art Life Practice, and I’m hooked. Some mornings I sketch for just 5–10 minutes; other times I get into the zone, and before I know it, 30 minutes have flown by.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jen Sall. I’m a writer, director, and producer who loves creating stories that are thought-provoking and spark conversation—whether in film, television, or digital media. I started my career at Rogers & Cowan, working as a publicist on Sundance premieres like Gregg Araki’s White Bird in a Blizzard, before stepping into directing and producing my own work.
I’m drawn to fresh voices and unusual approaches to storytelling, and much of my perspective comes from time spent living abroad in Rio de Janeiro and Rome. During that period I learned five languages—and even had the unique experience of working as an interpreter at a David Bowie concert.
Over the past year, I’ve directed, co-written, and raised financing for several films. My short, This Could Have Been an Email, screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals including Cleveland and Cinequest, along with festivals around the world. Another short I directed will premiere next month. I’ve also developed the feature version of This Could Have Been an Email, titled SuperNormal, which is a screenplay finalist at the Cordillera Film Festival.
I’m proud to be a member of BAFTA, PGA, and the Television Academy.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I participated in a study abroad program during the summer of my junior year in high school, living with a host family in Rio de Janeiro. The experience opened my eyes to both the differences and shared values among cultures, and it sparked a deep appreciation for the beauty of travel. Members of my host family visited us in the US. The following year I returned to visit my host family.
Later, I lived abroad again during college, and these formative experiences continue to shape my perspective and approach as a director and producer.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Say yes more often!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working full time so I could travel more, one can dream
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thejensall.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejensall/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejensall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.sall
