Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Jiménez
Hi Melissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I fell in love with storytelling from a young age. I was chronically sick, so plays, books, movies, and TV became my safe haven. I got involved in the performing arts as a teenager, and my storytelling passions eventually led me to film. I wanted to do it all—produce, write, direct, act, and even shoot and edit my own projects. I attended Tribeca Flashpoint, a media arts school back in Chicago. My way into the TV world was not linear; I started in corporate documentary and commercial work before diving into independent feature films. From there, it was a series of volunteering on short films and passion projects before I made it onto big sets like Transformers, Chicago PD, and The Chi.
I worked my way up from a Set PA to an Office PA, taking on odd jobs as a 2nd AD and Coordinator until I was given the opportunity to assist a Producing Director, the late David Rodriguez. My acting took a back seat, and the dream of becoming a director and TV writer drove me out to LA. From being a Producing Director’s Assistant on John Wells’ Animal Kingdom to making it into my first writer’s room as a Writer’s PA on Shameless, I ultimately landed my first writer’s credit on the Netflix spy-fi show, In From The Cold.
Since then, I have been developing my own stories, highlighting the underrepresented voices of women, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ individuals. From a young age, I struggled to find my place in the world because I had tailored myself to others’ preferences for most of my life, that is why my stories celebrate authenticity and vulnerability. I write about the things that inspire me, that make the seemingly impossible possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s often said that taking the difficult road is more fulfilling than taking the easy one. In my experience, that’s proved to be true. As a writer, everything you go through—every difficulty and roadblock—makes you stronger. There is no such thing as a compelling storyline without adversity. Personally, one of my biggest struggles in this industry has been my dyslexia. Imagine that: a dyslexic writer. Let me just say, it’s not impossible, but it does require a lot of hard work. What the average person reads over once or twice, I read over five to ten times. I still find it difficult to share this because, in a competitive industry that’s all about time, it is often considered a disadvantage. But storytelling is the call of my life, and I can’t ignore it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am most known for my writing on In From The Cold. I am in love with sci-fi and was honored to feature a queer couple in the series. I am also pretty proud of my comedic LGBTQ+ media series, Pick Up; this series was the project that propelled me into LA. I produced it during a time when all my friends were going through breakups, and no one my age was really talking about queer online dating. It was special because it reached a lot of people in my community and goes to show that no matter your resources, you can always create your own work. In fact, I believe that is the best thing you can do for your career as a filmmaker and artist.
More recently, I returned to my acting roots and jumped back into theater. My ultimate goal is to become a showrunner and produce projects that challenge the mind, inspire the soul, and open up the door for healing. I don’t want to write or act simply for the shock and awe we often find in Hollywood. I want to tell stories that I believe in, that instill hope, and make this world a little better. How do you achieve something like that? With tenacity, creativity, and collaborative spirit.
What are your plans for the future?
What’s next? Creating the change I want to see. I have a few projects I am developing, one of which focuses on humanity, nature, and the power of how it connects us all. Another is a dramedy that confronts the notion of belonging. And for now, a feature based on the worst man-made disaster in U.S. history. We all have power and magic within us, whether or not we choose to use it; my stories are about what we can do with it.
And, of course, I have to tell you about Latinas Acting Up. I am so honored to be a part of it. We all met during the strike and didn’t know what was ahead, but Diana Maria Riva and Lisa Vidal brought us all together and inspired us to make some noise about it—it was life-changing. This group of extraordinary Latinas has been such a source of support, empowerment, and comunidad. As a creative, I can’t tell you how important it is to surround yourself with other artists. They have taught me so much about myself, and many of them have become my home away from home—all actors, writers, producers, and directors. The best part of it all is that we get to create together. Keep an eye out, great things are coming!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meldjimenez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mel.d.writes/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6172317/?ref_=nm_mv_close
