Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jenni Gold.
Hi Jenni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been passionate about motion pictures and Hollywood. Films possess a unique ability to impact our lives. Two films, in particular, deeply influenced my desire to become a filmmaker: Jaws and Rocky II. I vividly recall the electrifying reactions of audiences to these films – each evoking distinct emotions and captivating viewers in their own way.
I first learned about production at a young age when I was in front of the camera on the JERRY LEWIS Muscular Dystrophy Telethons. As I grew, my fascination with storytelling evolved from still photography to creating 8 mm short films. Then, my high school had a television production class, and I started my own magazine-format show that aired on the morning broadcast. My passion for filmmaking led me to pursue studies at the University of Central Florida, where I graduated summa cum laude with two BA degrees, one in motion picture technology and the other in radio and television production. In Film School, I wrote and directed award-winning shorts, including one that earned a student Emmy!
That success led to directing my first feature film, becoming a DGA Director member, and moving to Los Angeles. My first feature film was a low-budget action film titled Ready, Willing, and Able. The Variety review said: ‘Gold can get bang for her buck…’ Then, in 2000, my husband and I launched our production company, Gold Pictures, Inc. Gold Pictures focuses on feature films but has expanded to offer services including screenwriting, editing, and post-supervision. We also have a corporate division for commercials and web content.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Early in my career, I had the privilege of shadowing Jerry Lewis during the production of a TV show he was directing. While he is widely celebrated as a comedic genius and humanitarian, he was also a masterful producer and director and even invented the revolutionary video assist! His encouragement and support of my career meant the world to me. So, I was deeply honored when he remarked, ‘Jenni is a marvelous talent. She’s chosen one of the toughest jobs anyone can aspire to—film directing—but she has the artistry, the discipline, and the drive to make a true success of it.’
Directing is indeed a formidable undertaking, not solely due to its demands but primarily because of the hurdles in securing employment opportunities or financing independent projects. The scarcity of female directors compounds these challenges. Additionally, misconceptions often arise about my abilities as a director due to my reliance on a power wheelchair. People often assume that my having Muscular Dystrophy is a disadvantage to my capabilities as a director. However, growing up with a disability has, in fact, enriched my directing. I think it has fueled my imagination and honed my communication skills.
That said, of course, using a wheelchair doesn’t encourage employers to have me helm their pictures. Unfortunately, they only see a wheelchair when they should see a director’s chair! I have often faced obstacles that I have overcome. Each production has its own set of challenges, but nothing is impossible when you take a creative approach and have the vision to see it through.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I draw on my background as a screenwriter and an editor to enrich my directing. My editing expertise allows me to foresee how scenes will come together and determine the necessary coverage, resulting in a low shooting ratio—an invaluable asset when working on independent films with constrained budgets. I primarily make narrative films and enjoy various genres, including action, thriller, family, and romcom.
One notable deviation from my narrative endeavors was my producing and directing the acclaimed documentary ‘CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion.’ Featuring a star-studded cast including Jane Seymour, Jamie Foxx, Ben Affleck, Geena Davis, and Marlee Matlin, among others. The documentary showcasing the influence film has on society premiered on TCM. Its selection by the U.S. State Department to travel the world representing America in the “American Film Showcase” speaks to its universal acclaim—it remains a resounding success with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Surprisingly, I found that I really enjoyed documentaries, and in fact, I have just agreed to direct two more compelling projects in this genre.
In addition, Gold Pictures is spearheading an array of narrative ventures. These include a romantic comedy starring the talented comedian Josh Blue and a heartwarming family film entitled ‘Lucky,’ from a screenplay I co-wrote, and we are excited to bring the award-winning novel ‘Ella Minnow Pea’ to the big screen. Yet, perhaps most thrilling is the anticipation surrounding my project, ‘Aaah Roach!’—a campy horror film depicting a terrifying infestation of flesh-eating cockroaches on a college campus.
Featuring a fantastic cast, including Casper Van Dien, Grace Van Dien, Barry Bostwick, and Jason Mewes, the film has weathered several unavoidable setbacks, including a pandemic and a strike. However, we are in the final stages of post-production and will soon have 3-D roaches flying off theater screens, causing audiences to scream… ‘Aaah Roach!’
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
A deep-seated passion for filmmaking and storytelling is indispensable in this dynamic industry.
The film business is not easy; certainly, one has to be confident and resilient to follow one’s dreams. It helps to be stubborn, which I certainly am. Giving up is just not an option for me. When the answer is no, I’m not discouraged; instead, it fuels my determination to find a better way. Thankfully, my parents instilled in me the belief that the word ‘can’t’ doesn’t exist.
Regardless of the obstacles I encounter, I remain steadfast in my conviction that I can find the solution. With this mindset, I approach every challenge as an opportunity to prove that with unwavering determination and God’s help, anything is possible. It’s important to believe that no matter what the obstacle is meant to be, you can find a way to be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.goldpictures.com
- Instagram: @jenni_goldpix
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenni.gold.1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenni-gold-1088976/
- Twitter: @Directorgold
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goldpictures
- Other: imdb.me/jennigold
Image Credits
Gold Pictures
