Conversations with Camille Cruz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Cruz.

Hi Camille, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always had a feeling I would be working in entertainment somehow. I was the kid who loved watching all the MTV and BET shows and wanted to work on them so bad. I studied broadcast journalism and dance at Hofstra University in Long Island New York, and it was there I got my start working at the school’s radio and television studios and eventually interned for the local radio station.

After graduating, I spent about two years permalancing for digital publications, such as Sirius XM, The People’s Choice and Essence, covering entertainment news, trends and culture. However, I was not getting the experience needed to land the bigger types of roles I wanted. So, with the help of an associate, we researched the local television station and figured out how to get a show on public access TV. Here, we developed our own talk show that aired on public access tv in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. Being able to develop something on my own, from the ground up was challenging but gave me tons of experience in development, producing and deliverables. I was very proud of the work we created and I would often post my work on social media. It caught the eye of a production company owner in New York City and I was offered a full-time role as a digital producer. Here I was able to create digital content and campaigns that garnered over thousands of views, sparked tons of conversation, and increased brand visibility. After demonstrating success in digital production, I was promoted to the television production department, where I worked on scripted and unscripted projects from development to delivery. One of my proudest moments was having two of our shows picked up and airing on cable television.

However, one of my lowest moments came the following year when one of our shows did not get picked up for a second season. The lack of air time eventually leads to lack of green heading towards my pockets. So, I was forced to network and see what else was out there. One of my mentors eventually got back to me with a gig, but it was all the way across the country. I had three days to decide if I was going to trade in my big apple for the city of angels. And I did it! Turned out to be one of best moves of my life. Since then, I have been working a dream job, producing for The Bachelor Franchise, changing people’s lives and traveling the world. I have also expanded on my live event production, producing for The People’s Choice Awards, The BET Awards and more. When I am not producing television, I produce stage shows and dance videos for choreographers. As a producer, whether center screen or center stage, I enjoy creating moments and experiences that I can share with the world. I am happy I am in a career where I can do that to my fullest capabilities. It’s only getting bigger and better from here!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not always been smooth! Especially as a freelancer, you don’t always know where the next check is coming from or when it’s coming. Learning how to navigate the freelance world was key for me; learning the schedule of television and when certain jobs would be in season. Also, researching and networking were a huge part of it. I had to learn to be confident in myself and my work and not be afraid to pitch myself to others. I knew I could walk the walk and provide good work. I am always a hard worker, but it was important that others knew that too. So I had to make sure I was putting myself out there and talking the talk. Once I got the dream role, now the next thing I had to battle was respect in the workplace. Being one of the few women of color in a production company and the only in my department, I brought up points or ideas that were never considered before. It’s no secret that The Bachelor Franchise catered to a less diverse cast and audience, but I made it my priority to pitch diverse ideas and make sure everyone could be represented and comfortable.

I was a field producer for the franchise so when creating ideas, planning shoots, and working with cast, I am making sure storylines are culturally sound, conversations are had and people are comfortable sharing their lives with us. Sometimes that meant pitching an alternate storyline, asking if the set barber can do all types of hair, or making sure that all skin tones are lit well for a scene. One time, I even stayed up until 3am helping a cast member with her hair since the HMU team could not style her hair. With the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement, this last year has opened up the eyes and hearts of many, including television execs who now see the importance of representation on screen. So this last year has been my honor working with the franchise on two historically diverse seasons; one that has seen its first Mexican/Black Bachelorette and the other with the first Black Bachelor. Being able to be a part of the team that has brought this diversity to tv screens around the world has been worth all of the rough patches and honestly a pleasure to witness.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As producer and creative director, I truly enjoy creating experiences and sharing stories that take you on a journey. Whether that journey is to find the love of their life, or if it’s recapping the hottest songs of the year, I enjoy planning and creating the experience. I work in developing the right ambiance, conversation, look and actions that all come together for a moment we can enjoy on stage or on screen. With my background in dance and choreography, I have always had a passion for sharing stories on stage. Through dance, you have to learn to tell a story using things other than words, and I think that sets me apart from other producers.

I am able to think about all the factors that play into how we can tell this story. My work in radio, television and stage production has all worked together to make me the well-rounded and innovative producer that I am. I am not afraid to think outside of the box and use my uniqueness as a superpower. Being able to share my visions with the world has been the icing on the cake and I only hope to continue to do so. I specialize in story development, event/live production and wish to continue working with brands, shows, and artists, bringing their visions and stories to audiences eventually leading to brand visibility and revenue dollars. It is my dream to share meaningful stories and experiences with a brand/company who truly cares about its people.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
This Covid Crisis has taught me the importance of being able to pivot. Being a producer means putting out fires and adjusting to whatever is being thrown your way. This Covid crisis was a huge curveball but it forced us to be creative, innovative and open to new ideas. It has allowed me to network more, research more and learn more ways to continue to work and make production magic. With these newfound ideas and relationships, I am working on some new projects that I am excited to share soon.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://camillejcruz.wordpress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillejay_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camille.j.cruz.9