Meet Jennifer Plotzke | Actress & Producer

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

Hi Jennifer, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.” I first heard this quote from Basil King in the movie Almost Famous and it instantly struck a chord. Now I use it regularly for inspiration every time I find myself in the position of having to do something scary. Whether it’s hitting send on an email, walking into an audition or having a difficult conversation, I say this to myself and it instantly gives me the courage I need to do the thing. It works every single time without fail. My second favorite quote that works in the same capacity is from Benjamin Mee, author of We Bought A Zoo. “Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage…and I promise you, something great will come of it.” This also has a 100% success rate for inspiring me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Acting has been my lifelong goal and passion. But growing up starry eyed with aspirations of being an artist is very different from actually living it. Once it becomes your career choice, you quickly realize how much work it is and how at least half of the work is business, not art. It can be a difficult balance and takes a lot of discipline and hustle. It’s not for everyone. Fortunately for me, I love both sides of it and while I love acting and creating, I also really love the hustle, promotion, marketing and strategy of it all. It is an industry that is filled with challenges and navigating that has taught me a great deal about myself and about how and when to ignore all the noise and just trust your instincts. Despite the challenges, it is still a dream to get to do what you love and I think recognizing your true north and staying the course even during the times that feel futile are the keys to succeeding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the greatest things about New York City is the history and so much of that is still present today. There are so many hidden historic gems all over the island and I love to go for long walks and find them. There are spots along the way that may be considered touristy, but are well worth the visit. Visit the Tenement Museum and grab a bite on the Lower East Side. Go to Grand Central Terminal. There is a Whispering Stone hidden down in the back hallways of the station and the terminal also houses two New York Institutions, the Grand Central Oyster Bar and the Campbell Bar. Head downtown and get lost wandering around Wall Street, Pearl Street and Water Street. At almost every turn, there are historic landmarks and amazing places to eat and drink. While there, stop by South Street Seaport, visit Bowne & Co. Stationers and stroll under the Brooklyn Bridge. And of course, never leave New York without walking through Central Park. It is absolutely magical in every season. There are truly too many places to list and New York City could be explored over the course of a lifetime. It’s a magnificent, iconic city and I absolutely love it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give a huge, heartfelt shoutout to my manager, Maryann Raposo and the team at Dream Maker Talent. Maryann took a chance and signed me when I had very few film and television credits on my acting resume. I was so grateful to her because once I had signed, suddenly I found myself getting into rooms that previously I could only have imagined. However, it took a long time for me to book my first television role, long enough that I was convinced it would never happen and moreover, that my contract with Dream Maker would not be renewed. But Maryann had so much faith in me and stuck with it, continuing to send me out regularly for incredible jobs. When I would speak with her, she would reassure me that I was doing so well and that she always loved watching the work I would submit. She said it was only a matter of time until other people caught on. Finally, after almost three years, I booked my first network tv role and I was absolutely over the moon. I have been incredibly fortunate that the work has continued steadily since then and Maryann and the Dream Maker team continue to be stalwart champions of me and my work. They are literally Dream Makers.

Website: www.jenniferplotzke.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennplotzke

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jennplotzke

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenniferplotzke

Image Credits
Lea Pfandler Photography