Professional Filmmaking | An Interview with Jenny Alice

Leo White: Hi Jenny! Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us today! So, there are a few areas I’d like to cover with you today. 

With the surge in short-form social media video content such as TikTok; from your perspective, how has the industry changed to reflect these trends? 

Jenny Alice: You will see a lot of brands and content creators making short snappy videos with bursts of information. It allows viewers to get the gist of things quickly without having to sit through a full-length video. Trends also allow you to create video content that can be shared and seen by more people, therefore increasing your engagement.

LW: Have you had to change or tailor your style to cater to these new trends?

JA: Shooting/ framing vertical video is obviously a new and exciting challenge. Videography used to be all about 16:9 or 2:3.1 for cinematic vibes, but now, TikTok and reels have flipped that - people want cinematic in a theoretically non-cinematic aspect ratio.

LW: Where do you see the future of the industry? From a commercial perspective, do you see it leaning more towards that short-form style of content?

JA: People's attention spans are going down, and algorithms are catering to that - so right, now shorter is better! But that could change again as soon as the next app comes out.

Plus, TikTok etc. might be looking into 16:9 content, so it'll be interesting to see if that takes off.

LW: Okay, looking at the creative side of things - how much creative freedom do you have on a shoot? Is it important to put your stamp on the projects you’ve been asked to shoot?

JA: It depends on the projects I work on. If I am a DoP, I have creative control over the equipment, the lighting and the whole vibe of the video. 

In other jobs - more corporate content, for example - sometimes will have strict briefs to keep it a certain way and that's fine. It really depends on the job and the client. I would say that most clients will hire you dependent on your showreel or previous work, which will have a certain style to it. 

LW: You have a huge portfolio that covers a wide range of subjects e.g. models, products and food. What is your favourite type of shoot?

JA: One of the things I love about my job is it so varied and that's what makes it more interesting. But if I had to choose, I’d say fashion or music videos. I feel like with both you can be really creative.

LW: As a freelancer, you’ve mentioned in the past about wanting to inspire and educate others through your work. Do you have any advice for aspiring videographers? Are there any tips that you wish you had heard when starting out?

JA: If I had to give a tip to someone starting out I would say - just start. Everyone I meet has amazing ideas, but it's actually starting that I find is the hardest part. Then, once you have started, I would say to be patient, be consistent and learn to embrace failure. 

One no is closer to a yes. We are all humans. We are going to make mistakes. But it is just important that we learn from them. 

Some of my biggest mistakes have allowed me to grow not only as a professional but as a person. I am thankful for that. I also say that, if you aren't making mistakes, you probably aren't going out of your comfort zone enough. 

Lastly, say yes to opportunities - even if you think I can't do them. You are probably just doubting yourself, and what’s more, the high you feel after completing something you thought wasn't possible is palpable and one step closer to growing your career to new heights. 

LW: Now, as I am sure you’ll be aware, we are self-confessed gear nerds at Wex. I am okay with this! So, I’d love to know what your go-to kit bag is.

JA: My equipment will always change depending on the client's needs and budget. However, my standard kit in my bag at the moment consists of the following:

Make sure to follow Jenny's social channels Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube and take a look at her website too!