Meet Jodi Ferguson of Manhattan Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Ferguson.

Hi Jodi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi! Originally from England, I moved to the USA at 18 years old. I attended an acting conservatory in NYC and after graduating decided to try my hand at Hollywood. I ended up getting a part time job at a horse ranch, right under the Hollywood sign, where I’d take care of the horses and lead guests out on rides through the hills. It was truly a magical time.

I made friends at the ranch and through them, landed my first job in TV production. I was the assistant to a wonderful actress called Mary McDonnell. She went above and beyond for me, making sure I was able to attend private director rehearsals and showing me the ropes to this new world. I learned so much.

I went on to work on many TV shows around the US; LA, Hawaii, and NYC, where I worked on The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. It was during my time in TV that I really discovered my love of directing. I knew that this was to be my life’s path. Getting to stand alongside Amy Sherman Palladino and Dan Palladino as they directed was such an amazing education, and has inspired my own style as well.

I became fast friends with a lot of the cast and crew on Maisel, it was such a lovely and welcoming team. Whilst working on the show I planned to direct my first short film.

With the help of the wonderful MMM crew and some amazing friends and family we pulled off a fantastic three-day shoot in upstate New York at my friend’s horse barn. A modern day western, starring Mackenzie Rosman (Seventh Heaven) who I had become friends with whilst working at the ranch. My other great friend Marquette King (former punter for the Raiders) also flew out to take part. It was magical, and it was a huge investment in my career.

Since completing the short, I moved back to Manhattan Beach – a south bay gem. I had lived here on and off and always knew this would be home again.

I have directed a lot of short films, which have won awards such as Best Director, and Best Short Film at many festivals. I recently directed an indie pilot and I am in development for my first feature “Desert Heat”, set in the beautiful California Desert.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Entertainment is rarely a smooth road, except for the few lucky ones. I still consider myself lucky regardless, but there have been times where it felt like I’d never work again, times when I didn’t trust myself or my work, and times when everything feels so overwhelming or out of reach. But it’s what I love, and I’ve worked hard at it my whole life. I’ve been in theatre school since I was 6 years old, and ever since I discovered this world I knew that is what I would spend my life doing. My hope is that I can use film to tell important stories, make a positive impact, even if it’s just a small one

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a film director! I’ve directed shorts, music videos, documentaries, pilots and I’m working towards directing feature films. I’d also really love to direct episodic TV. I love that feeling of coming into a TV show family and being a part of that for a few weeks.

I’d say I’m known for being a Hollywood horse girl. A lot of my projects have equestrian themes. I love learning about human psychology and relationships and I find quite often that the two can be tied together more than you might imagine! There’s a reason equine healing therapy exists…they can be very therapeutic animals.

I’m about to release a documentary I filmed about two years ago, and I’d say that is something I’m really proud of. It was a volunteer project that I spearheaded. We filmed for two and a half weeks in Rwanda. The documentary focuses on girls education in Rwanda and the goal is to use the documentary to help raise awareness and also to fundraise, so more girls can apply for scholarships and continue their education.

I’m also really proud of this feature I’m about to make “Desert Heat”. Inspired lightly by one of my favorite films Desert Hearts. I actually met the director and have a signed copy of the DVD.

When it comes to my directing style, I’m really enjoying exploring camera. I love oners – long continuous takes like in shows such as Maisel, Adolescence or The Studio. But I’m also planning to utilize horses in my upcoming western. I’d like to have certain shots operated from horseback. Maybe the shot can be crafted similarly from a vehicle or other piece of equipment, but for me it’s about the authenticity. I think that audiences can feel that through the screen

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Oof…right now we are having a hard time in this industry. A lot of people, colleagues and friends, really talented people are out of work. The industry is changing and none of us know exactly where it’s heading. All I know is that people need film. And I’m working as hard as I can to be successful and find like-minded people who are doing the same. Creating our own work and supporting each other

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jodiferguson

Image Credits
Gregory Kasunich
Philippe Antonello