Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Tesler.
AJ, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always loved making things, bringing people together and solving problems. What I didn’t know is that made me a producer, even before I knew what that job was. So when some friends had independently produced their own television pilot in 2005, I started a festival called the Independent Television Festival (now Catalyst Festival) to screen their project and others. From there, I met hundreds of incredible creators and industry executives who I continue to work with to this day. I had the opportunity to help run one of YouTube’s early original channels, followed by a run at Jash, Sarah Silverman and Michael Cera’s digital studio. When I left there, it was to make movies, tv and online content under a new production company, Peak Curiosity. Under that banner, I’ve run shows for Microsoft and Lionsgate, as well as produced comedy specials for Netflix and Comedy Central.
But none of that is as important as the philanthropy work we do under the name Magnolia’s Hope. My daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease called Rett Syndrome in 2013, and since then I have dedicated myself to doing everything I can to find a cure. That has taken me around the country to speak at events, help run fundraisers, making videos and PSAs about the process along the way. It all culminated this past year when we made a feature-length documentary about it called Magnolia’s Hope.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t always been smooth. Many of the big chances I took didn’t pan out. I had launched a branded content production company that had very limited success, and have done more failed pilots and shows canceled midseason than I care to admit. Beyond the work, dealing with a kid with special needs is very difficult and finding the time to tend to the important things that keep our child safe has not always been the easiest in the midst of a busy work schedule. That’s why I’m most excited about using my work skills to help impact change in my daughter’s life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Magnolia’s Hope – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
At Peak Curiosity, I’m proud of how much we focus on underrepresented voices. I’m proud of our experience. I’m proud of our philanthropic efforts in helping find a cure for Rett Syndrome and we have made a number of videos, including a documentary called Magnolia’s Hope to that end. My daughter has Rett Syndrome, which is a rare neurological disease, and having a sick kid puts all of your business decisions into perspective and has taught me how to differentiate between the hard decisions that matter and the other decisions that don’t. That’s why we come at this industry with a consideration for collaboration and respect that I think is one of our strongest assets. Working in the early days of digital media afforded me the opportunity to become an expert at broadcast quality at internet rates, which is still what people come to us for. Since those early days of webseries and online content, many people have figured out the formula, but my relationships with so many incredibly talented people from all my stops along the way set us apart.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We have a narrative feature coming out in 2021 that I’m hoping shows the breadth of experience and creativity we bring to all of our projects. And the documentary, Magnolia’s Hope, will be available to watch sometime in 2021.
Contact Info:
- Website: peakcuriosity.us
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: magnoliashope
- Facebook: Magnoliashope
- Twitter: magnoliashope
Image Credit:
Personal photo – Katherine Leon, Red shirt Photo – Ramsey Mellette
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