Meet Jennifer Klide

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Klide.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennifer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My career in filmmaking literally started with a sign on a street lamp. While living in San Francisco in the mid- 1990s, I owned and operated a small clothing and fabric-centric miscellany business. On a random trip for fabrics, I spotted a wanted sign for a costume designer, which sounded interesting although I had no idea what being a costume designer meant.

One thing led to another, and not only did I helm the department on that film, but continued learning-by-doing for the next few years. (Not always the best way to advance in any career, but as I had the general skillset to persevere and blossom in the world of production, it soon became a viable career for me.) I quickly branched out to the Art Department and spent many years honing my skills in different mediums… from commercials to photography to more feature films.

By this time, I’d moved to Ohio, where I’m originally from, and eventually got back in the saddle after giving teaching (my college degree) a go. Who knew Ohio had so much production throughout the state, I certainly did not. Settling in Cleveland, I lucked out with some very good independent film projects, and even though I grew to dislike working on commercials, there were a number of fantastic years working with LeBron James and the world-class crews his projects brought to the city. LA may call him the home-town hero these days, but those of us who watched him grow up in those early days know where his heart lies: Northeast Ohio. Akron to be exact.

These days, I am focused solely on production designing films, and am currently in LA on a fantastic comedy feature entitled QUEENPINS. For those who have no idea what a production designer does, I am tasked with bringing the script to life, collaborating with the director and cinematographer (and other creatives, from producers to costume designers to whomevers’ talents the script demands) to create the visual story that not only considers each character’s psychology, but the spaces they touch.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Working below-the-line in the world of filmmaking is very hard and has the propensity to take over your life. And for a department such as Art, because it’s such a catch-all, problem-solving, heavily leaned-upon department, success requires huge sacrifices of time and energy to succeed. So yes I’ve struggled. With myself and with others. I’ve been fired, I’ve been verbally belittled, I’ve had my crew disrespected, I’ve worked endless hours without the proper compensation. But through it all, and directly because of it, I’ve become rather unflappable, very quick on my feet, and always ready to problem solve. I don’t take people’s nonsense anymore. And being my own boss, if a situation is toxic, I know I have choices. At the end of the day, small minds will continue to be small-minded. Who cares! It’s the connections with like-minded colleagues that have helped me grow and transform. Film family is real, and my wide-ranging film family has supported and cheered me on through the years. And I them. That is love.. and love and respect are really the only things that matter to me.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As a production designer, I am most proud of the authenticity I bring to the projects I helm. Also, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention I am proud of myself for carving out a career from a tertiary market in the Midwest. Because of my film choices, I have fantastic agency representation, and as a key department head, I’m able to live wherever I want, and pick and choose my projects.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There have been people who’ve supported me immensely throughout my career. Esmerelda Kent was a costume designer who took me under her wing in SF and taught me the ropes when I was just starting out in the business. She’s a wise soul and continues to inspire me. Bob Ruggeri has been The Best advocate and cheerleader since we met in Cleveland so many years ago, leading me to some of my best film work. Carmen Navis was the most talented partner a designer could ask for, her own design ethos so strong, even from our early days together. And Kendall Embrescia-Hridel has continuously blessed me with her open mind and heart, inherent confidence, and stellar vibes.

Contact Info:

• Website: jenniferklide.com
• Instagram: jaklidoniaris

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