Film and Video Production: Alumni Stories
James "Tre" Jackson III - '14
James "Tre" Jackson III
Videographer/Production Assistant
Atlanta
Where did you end up after graduating?
I took a good little short break, but soon jumped into working on
whatever project I could find as I was in a somewhat new city. After a
few months skills, knowledge and abilities began to build as I worked
on reality tv shows back to back along with commercials. Also acquired
my own camera and equipment overtime to produce videos for clients
through 2015. Here I am still doing just that, however since early to
mid 2016 I've been learning, experimenting, and growing through
business ventures as I set out generate alternative streams of income
and wealth creation systems as a cushion/funding. Still building and
strategizing and juggling even more balls along with my film career.
Ready to make 2017 revolutionary.
What are you working on now?
Reality TV, Documentaries, Commercials, Music Videos, Events.
What joys have you found in your current work?
I like the variety. Locations, crews, sets, type of productions
it's all always shifting so it keeps things interesting. Oh, and
traveling to places you wouldn't otherwise go has a special excitement
about it.
For students that are interested in moving out to the big
cities to work after graduation, what advice can you give?
Do a little probing, research and talk to more than your Uncle
Larry. Realize different people have different experiences and
perspectives. Reach out to whoever you can, get out whenever you can
in the beginning, and just be active. You won't expand your career
much, make real connections or grow if you stay home and keep to yourself.
Do free work in the beginning if you feel you could use the
experience to get something. It may really open some doors. Nothing's
wrong if you do, but don't do it for long because you will get abused.
Set limits. If you don't value yourself and time, why sure other people?
Staff Me Up is quite saturated but don't give up hope. Craigslist
is hit or miss. Be careful. Use the internet, there's a lot out there.
It's huge.
Treat others the way you'd want to be treated.
What is one of the most useful things that you have learned in
your work?
You are your brand, if you have good attitude and do your best in
your work people will definitely refer you or hire you. They have your back.
Also, that if you know where you want to go, let people know. As long as you have the right attitude and work ethic you are sure to get there. No matter what.
Lastly, what advice do you have for current students?
Experiment! Take FULL advantage of your peers, the EQUIPMENT and
the TIME you have and just try out any position you're curious about.
If you want to be director, don't shy away from it because everybody
wants to. We live in an abundant universe. Seriously just go mess up
and mess it up again. You'll only learn from it. Nothing like student
films and college.
College is a great time to create a sense of community, encourage and hold each other accountable. Build together, enjoy each other, be inclusive, you don't really know who you'll continue to work with after college in the industry. Have fun though, if you're not enjoying yourself what are you doing?
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