Meet Jennasis Savage | Business Owner, Film-Producer, Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennasis Savage and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennasis, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I’d say one thing about my industry that outsiders tend to overlook or not understand is the amount of actual brain power, drive, passion and commitment to yourself and your dream that it takes to “make it” in this career path. Many people ask “what does a producer do?”, and going beyond that, many people have no idea what anyone really does on a film set. They think they understand what it takes to be a director, what it takes to be a cinematographer or an actress, but most people have no idea the history behind this craft. A large majority of people who like to speak on the craft have never actually participated in it. I often feel like people are so blinded by the “glitz” and “glam” of how this world is portrayed, which makes it difficult for them to understand the trials and tribulations that many people in this industry go through, especially on a financial level. It’s not easy to live gig to gig or to freelance full time, and this is an aspect that I feel is often dismissed by the way we promote ourselves on social media and otherwise. You’ll see us posting videos of working on set, or photos of us living our dream, but many assume we’re getting paid to do so. All the wins, big or small, are always WINS when it comes to having the opportunity to spend time and energy on the things you love, but “paying your dues” is still a part of the game. I took unpaid gigs for years before starting my business, and still sometimes do, because I still believe in the power of opportunities as well as the power of passion. Many outsiders and even some “insiders” refuse to understand that it’s almost required for you to build up your reputation before you can actually be recognized for that reputation. You have to put in the work. It isn’t easy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I do a lot honestly. I’m definitely what some would call a busy body. I am a script reader/coverage writer, freelance producer, business owner, screenwriter, actress, virtual assistant, sales associate, server and I still edit here and there. I don’t say all that to hype myself up or be braggadocious, I say all that to show that my career doesn’t have one set label right now, and I don’t think it needs to. I know where I am now versus what my long term goals are, and where I want to land. I’ve learned to be selective in accepting gigs that can cater to me making it there in one way or another. At the moment I’m open to any and all opportunities that will help me get to my end goal. After all, I’ve gotten to where I am now by leaving myself open to experiences where I can learn something and take something away from it, whether that be a skill, a trade, or a friendship! You never know where you’ll meet someone, or have an experience that can alter the entire progression of your life.

It hasn’t been easy. Being a freelance-anything comes with some intense trials and tribulations, and it can be taxing on the mind. I’m just now getting to a point where I can balance the responsibilities of my career with my mental health and social life. I’ve been months late on bills, I’ve spent my rent money on a production and lost my apartment, I’ve put my account and mind in the negative trying to maintain this lifestyle. This career requires a lot of sacrifice and relentlessness if you really want it. I’m proud of how hard I’ve fought for my dream. Some may think it to be naive in this day and age, some think it’s childish to not settle down and get a “real job”. That’s okay, it’s not for everyone, but I didn’t give myself a back up plan. I promised myself I would turn my dreams into my reality, and so far, I’ve been doing pretty okay with the conversion.

However, It’s taken a lot for me to overcome the mental battles. I had been in therapy consistently from the age of twelve until recently. I’ve gone through a major spiritual shift in the last two years, and I started to realize that there wasn’t much left therapy could do for me. Over the years, I’ve learned what my triggers are, what I struggle most with, I’ve been diagnosed with disorder after disorder and become incredibly self-aware. So, when therapy stopped working for me, I leaned into my faith, a lot. For most of my life, I purposefully strayed from religion, I never appreciated the hypo-criticism that comes with the modern christian way of life. I struggled for years to figure out how I could get back to having a relationship with the God I once knew. It wasn’t until I stopped trying to fit into the mold for what was considered a “good person”, usually defined by people who are no more or less human than I, that I started to just be myself and remind myself of the core beliefs. I was created in the eye of the Lord, therefore, I am for Him, and that could mean anything I wanted it to. I started praying again, I started releasing my stresses and anxieties to my faith, because I know He can handle it much better than I could on my own. When I started doing this, and started truly believing in the idea that some things (most things) were simply just far beyond my control, things started to fall into place for me. My faith has gotten me through things I couldn’t have imagined I would ever have to go through. I don’t condemn anyone’s faith because of how I choose to trust my own. The beautiful thing about believing in anything is actually believing! People love to argue that God isn’t real, but the truth is, the people who believe, are what brings Him to life, what makes Him real. If someone believes in mermaids or unicorns, they are real to them. I had to let go of the idea that faith has to be concrete, and start believing in a way that helped me in the ways I craved. I needed peace of mind, comfort and grace, my faith in God gives me those things and so much more every day.

I’ve grown quite a bit in my journey thus far. I’ve learned so much about life. From setting boundaries, both professional and personal, to learning to trust my instincts. I’ve learned to speak up for myself, and I’ve also learned to respectfully and effectively navigate in moments where I have to address uncomfortable situations. These are things a younger version of me never understood or nurtured, and these skills have been responsible for propelling me so much further in my career.

In reference to what I want the world to know about myself and my company – it’s important to me that people understand that I want to uplift. Not only do I want to uplift myself as a creative professional, but I genuinely care about supporting the goals of others. I’ll support a stranger on the side of the road who’s trying to get their first business up and running by selling a product. I’ll meet someone day-of, and happily be at their performance supporting them later that evening. Community is so important for people like us, but also just for people in general. I think as a society, we’ve become so focused on ourselves and preserving our individuality, which isn’t a bad thing, but we’ve forgotten how important it is to have support. I know how rare it is for people to actually see their dreams through. It can be much easier to accept a “normal” lifestyle, especially in the society we live in. So, a major personal goal for me, and a prominent goal for The NewJennasis Network, is to support this next generation of creatives however I can. We are important and our voices are so distinct. I believe in making people feel seen and heard.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooh, this is a fun one. So, I’d have to take them to the Atlanta Beltline, Ponce City Market, Little Five Points, Piedmont Park, ya know, all the touristy spots. Beyond that, I’d want to take them to one of my favorite little cafes out in Smyrna, “Cafe Lucia” for breakfast. I love going there to get work done and just vibe for a few hours. I’d take them on a hike on one of my favorite trails out at the West Palisades near Cumberland. For brunch, we’d have to either go to Snooze, Breakfast at Barney’s in Decatur or Toast on Lenox in Buckhead. Anywhere in Buckhead or Midtown is usually a vibe honestly.

When it comes to showing people the lifestyle here in Atlanta, I like to go with the flow because typically, that’s the vibe here. You never know where the day will take you or can predict exactly how your day will go because Atlanta will always surprise you. I’d ask them what their vibe is every day when we wake up, and then build the day on that energy. Of course, I’d have to take them for a night out at some point though. I love a solid night out at the infamous MJQ. It’s the perfect spot to let loose and genuinely have a good time dancing with friends. We could spend an entire day in the East Atlanta Village district, I’d have to take them to Atlanta underground for either a night out, an art show, or literally whatever program/show Underground is putting on that week. We’d have to make it to the High Museum at some point, The Jackson Street Bridge (for the views of course). We’d have to go to the winery, there’s just so many things. One thing I’ve learned about Atlanta culture while living here the last three, almost four, years though, is to just be ready. Be ready for whatever turn the day takes and ride it out. It’s Atlanta…just, vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh wow, honestly there are so many people I would want to thank. There are many people who have really believed in me, and the goals I set for myself. I had a very rough time when I first moved out to Atlanta, there is no set path for a career like this, despite what many people may believe. So many have supported me in ways they may not even realize on both the professional level and personally.

I’d definitely have to give a major shoutout to my high school, Toledo School for the Arts and every single teacher or advisor I had while I was there. That school definitely molded my concept of what it means to be a creative professional. In many instances, things I learned during that period of my life have either set me apart, or put me ahead in this industry. Coming out of high school I knew how to communicate on a professional level, I knew what a resume was and how to build one, I knew how live performances were run, and I had both performed in them and worked backstage. There were so many experiences I got to have because of that place, I’m forever grateful.

That leads me to thanking my dad, who is a creative professional himself. Not only did I witness my dad create his career from the ground up off of nothing but his personality, ambition and a college degree, but he’s also the one who decided to enroll me at TSA! Shoutout to him. My mom also deserves a shout out because, while I am creative, I’ve prospered on the side of my profession that requires organization, determination and follow through and I learned a lot of those traits from her! My parents are both major inspirations for me and have always supported me.

Maria Gigante, my college professor for my first production-management course. I was a part of Cleveland State University’s Film and Media Arts program from 2018-2021, during its developmental years. My class were guinea pigs for many things, so sometimes the experience could be a bit chaotic, but I’m so thankful to have had Maria as one of my professors. I had no familiarity with the logistical aspects of filmmaking before taking that class, and it truly opened my eyes. I was able to utilize organizational and clerical skills that I had in a way that directly supported my creative side as well.

Now, if we really want to get into the nitty gritty, I have to shout out Tyrone Dangerfield. Ty and I met at an open interview for an independent studio here in Atlanta back in August of 2022. I brought one of my production binders with me and a resume, just hoping that someone would give me a shot and say “yea, I want to work with her as a producer or production manager.” Ty saw my potential and what I was capable of. I’m forever grateful to him for all of the opportunities he has passed on to me. Thanks to Ty, I landed my first gig as a production coordinator on a major feature film for BET “What Lies Under The Tree”.

Several others that I could thank who I’ve had the opportunity to work with, learn from and who have always been so gracious in providing me with advice, insight and support – Phaedra and Leland Benford, Lensa Jeudy, Ashley James, Tiana Roland, and Lexy Pazul. Also, a special thank you, especially, to my first real “students”, of sorts, Sofia Palmero and Imani Vaughn-Jones. Working with them, I was in a position where I understood the production process in a different way than they did at the time, and they both helped me realize that I have so much to offer this world through the act of simply sharing knowledge. Working with them both was a huge gift to me.

My restaurant family here in Atlanta at Seasons52 have been a major support system as well. My managers have always been supportive of my efforts, mostly when I need to call out of work to take a last minute gig. Of course, a shout out to my best friends Carleigh, Dayvion and Aniyah, who have supported me in all my ventures. They have become my backbone throughout this journey, and I can’t imagine how different my life would’ve been at this point if I’d never befriended them. I learn from them constantly, and have always been given the grace to grow and be myself with them.

Lastly, sorry for being so long-winded, but I’ve got a lot of gratitude to give. I have to give a major shout out to my partner, best friend, colleague and biggest supporter, Morgan. Morgan has played a major role in the renaissance of my career and honestly, my motivation and mindset in regards to being creative. Morgan is an independent musician and audio engineer. Witnessing him pursue his dreams so successfully was inspiring to me. It made my dreams feel accessible again, and he started sharing resources with me that helped me advance my career to an entirely different level than anywhere I’d been prior. I’m grateful to have someone in my life that can so effectively inspire and motivate me to stay on my game.

There’s a ton of others, but they know who they are. I’ll end it here! If you’ve ever helped me, advised me, trusted or encouraged me in any way, THANK YOU!

Website: https://njnetwork.squarespace.com/about

Instagram: @queenofquirkyy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennasis-savage-380a62172

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@quirkyynjnetwork

Image Credits
All Flawless Shots LLC
Anthony Floyd