Check Out Alberto Jaen’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alberto Jaen.

Albert, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I’m originally from Madrid but have been living in the USA for the past 14 years, residing in Miami, New York, and currently in Los Angeles. With over 15 years of experience in advertising as a writer, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the best in the industry, earning more than 30 international awards. I honed my skills in conceptualizing and producing campaigns. While this experience has been immensely rewarding, a passion for storytelling has always burned within me. I’ve discovered a profound love for storytelling that extends beyond the confines of the advertising industry. 

In recent years, I’ve directed this passion towards writing movies and series, successfully managing various projects. I recently took on the role of Associate Producer in the feature film ‘VERA,’ a co-production between Miami and LA. Additionally, I wrote and produced the short film ‘LIGHTS UP’ (currently in post-production), set to be launched in March. The script alone has garnered over a dozen mentions in national screenwriting festivals, so I hope the final film won’t disappoint. 

To me, the most significant lesson learned is understanding that knowing what you want and pursuing what you love involves taking what I regard as a beautiful risk, where you just have to leap… and somehow, things fall into place for everything to unfold as they should. 

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?
It hasn’t been an easy journey. In fact, at times, it has been very challenging. I’ve had to get up close with anxiety and stress in many moments of life. In my case, everything started to shake around the age of 40. That’s when I questioned if I liked what I was doing and if I was truly happy. And at that moment, if the answer is no, the house of cards starts to fall. 

But when I changed professions, everything fell into place. Not without effort, of course. I think the hardest part is always leaving the comfort zone and starting a new life without knowing if you’ll reach a good place, without knowing if you’ll ever be happy, or if it’s just a whim of dissatisfaction. Doubts become strong in the mind when you don’t listen to your heart, so this is always a good indication that a change is needed. 

Funnily enough, sometimes, doubts and fears are very loud. In contrast, dreams don’t come into your life shouting; they are a whisper telling you, “This way.” And you start climbing a staircase where you never see the next step. But you climb it because deep down in your heart, you know it’s the way. 

It all comes down to knowing yourself and learning to listen to yourself, spending time alone. Discovering your path is crucial, no matter the cost – without judging the path, maybe it’s not the most common or logical path for others. But it’s yours. You know it’s tough, difficult, uncertain, and it seems like madness for many close people close to you who care about you. And besides, you don’t know how or when you’ll reach the destination, but in your heart, it’s clear that only this way you can be true to yourself. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been able to dedicate myself to what I have always loved since I was a child—writing and shaping ideas. I remember coming back from a boxing match my father had been invited to, sitting at the computer, and writing a chronicle of the event. I was only nine years old. Gradually, I found different ways to write—articles, short stories, and advertisements. Perhaps for some, I am better known for advertising campaigns and some of my Cannes Festival Awards. 

Today, I focus all my energy on telling stories that move me, that touch my emotions, and leave me anything but indifferent, whether in the form of a movie, a short film, a series, or a documentary series. 

Writing is an act of honesty; the more honest and genuine you are, the better it will work. I have never considered myself the smartest, fastest, or most handsome in the class. I’ve never been the most talented, but I am good at persisting. And to write, you have to learn patience—you have to be patient for as long as it takes until the script is just right. 

I think I quickly realized what I’m not good at and what I am good at. I try to let those who know do the things I know nothing about while I focus on what I do know. I feel comfortable with long-term goals. 

I once read that the secret of life is to be impatient but patient. I am also very proud of the people who have surrounded and supported me, of the talent I’ve had around me, my mentors, and friends. I believe it’s the best thing I have. These people bring out the best in you and help you develop the best version of yourself.

Oh, and yes, I am an eternal optimist. I know everything happens for a reason, even if sometimes I make a mistake and have no idea where I am going… Like my friend Darryl Wilson says, “I’m joking, but I’m not.” 

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
As long as they leave their ego and negativity at home, I can work with almost anyone. But I always seek out people who inspire me, who have something to say, who have a different perspective. I want to work with creative individuals who still believe that things can be changed through stories and emotions. 

The secret to this profession is knowing how to handle frustration. Sometimes, maintaining enthusiasm is the most challenging, but it’s rewarding. When you’re a screenwriter, it’s easy to give up, to feel that everything is slow, and depends on just too many factors to be made. You encounter many people who come and go quickly. That’s why I prefer to surround myself with dreamers who take their dreams very seriously. 

Contact Info:

• • Website:  www.albertojaen.com
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albertojaenla

 

Image Credits
Santiago Betancur