Throughout the world many people make it a daily habit to catch up
on their favorite television shows, films, or even watch the news.
Each viewer gets to see the end product, but they never get to see
all the time and work that goes on behind the scenes in order to make
the show come alive.
Jarred McGriff is currently a student at Full Sail University in
Florida and is studying in film. This summer he will be graduating
with his Bachelor's degree in Science.
During his high school years in Franklin High School, he started
to take a major interest in film and he worked on promotional videos
for his school. In addition to educational videos, he began his own
film directing business called JDM Filmz.
His company is continuing to expand and he even makes
collaborations with other film directing businesses. On top of all
that, McGriff also has skills in the area of photography.
While interviewing McGriff he expressed his passion and journey
into the film industry. He also explained how he trains employees in
his business, tips on how to make a succesful film, and advice to
anyone interested in film directing.
“ My company is JDM Filmz. I started it back in 2008 while I was
still in high school,” said McGriff.
“ When I was in middle school I began developing a passion for
photography, [.] I started taking photos as a hobby and really began
to develop an eye,” said McGriff.
“During high school I began taking a class called aspects of
video, taught by Michael Pinnix, which gave me the tools to a step
beyond photography and enter the world of video,” said McGriff.
McGriff also explained the difficulties with starting your own
business. He mentioned what some of the difficulties are and what it
does to your business in the long run.
“Having your own business presents bunch of challenges. It
really causes you to step outside of your comfort zone. Financials
can cause a lot of stress, no one likes to struggle but it does
encourage growth, and I've really enjoyed growing my business,”
said McGriff.
McGriff explained the main characteristic that makes a great film.
McGriff stresses that the story is the major piece that will pull
everything together.
“A lot of people, especially early film makers, focus on the
equipment. Though in higher end production that can be a big part,
but what it really comes down to is the story,” said McGriff.
“With a good story you can make a successful film with an
iphone, it all comes down to your imagination, and making the best of
your resources,” said McGriff.
McGriff described the process of hiring people to work for his
company. He went into detail about what skills he teaches his workers
when it comes to directing.
“When training new interns or employees I tend to focus on the
basics, [.] Composing a good image, checking focus, and proper
lighting. Once we have those basics down then we can mix it up a
bit,” said McGriff.
While having his own business, McGriff has done many
collaborations with other film directing companies. Two of these
companies are Trinity Media LLC and Reach Records.
“ I love collaborating with other businesses and filmmakers, its
an important part of the craft. Interacting with others is an
important part of the creative process,” said McGriff.
McGriff is definitely well rounded when it comes to working in the
film and photography industry. In order to keep him moving, as well
as other people that are interested in either directing, being a
photograher, and starting business for themselves, McGriff passes on
a message he learned a few years ago.
“The biggest piece of advice I can give to someone who wants to
start filming is the same that was given to me...GO OUT AND DO IT!!!
Failure is part of growth... so go out there and fail a couple of
times, because each one gets you a step closer to success,”-McGriff.
To read and learn more about MCGriff and JDM Filmz go to
http://jdmfilmz.com/about-jdm/
