Meet Jenni Gold | DGA Director, writer and producer

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

Hi Jenni, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Back in Film School, I received recognition for my award-winning short films, even winning a student Emmy and I thought job offers would roll in, but reality hit hard. Transitioning into the professional biz as a female Director with a visible disability, I quickly learned that I needed to create my own opportunities. My husband produced and I directed our first feature film, “Ready Willing and Able” an independent action film that earned me the title of DGA Director – a major career milestone. In January 2001, we founded Gold Pictures Inc., a development and production company. Later on, we expanded into having a post-production division, leveraging my film editing skills and my husband’s post-producing expertise. It just felt like the natural next step for our growing company.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
People often assume that my use of a power wheelchair due to Muscular Dystrophy is a disadvantage to my ability as a Director. However, growing up with a disability has, in fact, enriched my directing. I think it has fueled my imagination and honed my abilities as a communicator. For instance, if there’s something I can’t physically do, I’ve learned to effectively “direct” others to achieve the desired outcome. That said, of course, using a wheelchair doesn’t encourage employers to have me helm their pictures. It’s unfortunate for them that they only see a wheelchair when they should see a director’s chair that goes 12 miles an hour! I recently made the award-winning documentary “CinemAbility: the Art of Inclusion” which stars Jamie Foxx, Ben Affleck, Jane Seymour, Geena Davis, Marlee Matlin and many more. It premiered on TCM in October 2019 and was chosen by the US State Department to travel the world representing America in the American Film Showcase. I primarily make narrative films and enjoy various genres including: action, thriller, comedy, family and romcom. My background as an editor proves invaluable in my directing, as it enables me to anticipate how a scene will cut together and determine necessary coverage. Recently, I directed a campy horror film titled “Aaah Roach!” It’s about flesh eating cockroaches that attack a college campus and it stars wonderful actors such as Casper Van Dien, Grace Van Dien, Barry Bostwick, and Jason Mewes. We had several unavoidable delays, including a pandemic and a strike, but we are now working on the VFX, and will soon have 3-D roaches flying off theater screens and causing audiences to scream…“Aaah Roach!”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So many incredible places to explore! I would begin with Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame and after marveling at the iconic hand/footprints catch a movie at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. I just love the old Hollywood history. The El Capitan and Egyptian theaters also offer a cool cinematic experience. Can’t miss the Getty, the Academy Museum, and the amazing Hollywood Bowl. For dining, my favorite is Ernie’s Mexican restaurant near Universal Studios, I am addicted to their flautas… or is it the margaritas? 🙂 Another favorite in the valley is the Red Maple Café in Toluca Lake. A day’s adventure could include Point Dume in Malibu and a visit to the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe. And of course, visitors must try In-N-Out Burgers’ secret menu. Oh, and I can’t forget, taking in a Dodgers game! I’m constantly finding new fun things to do in LA. Which, I guess, is partly why I love LA!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big shoutout is due to my incredible family, friends, and mentors that God has blessed me with. Thankfully, my parents instilled in me the invaluable trait of never giving up—which is essential in this tough business. I’m grateful to the many cast and crew members who have joined me on my filmmaking adventures. Along the way, I have had various mentors and collaborators who taught me the art and the craft of this business, and I am eternally grateful. But, if there’s one person who deserves the utmost credit, it’s my brilliant producer and husband, Jeff Maynard. He was crazy enough to join me in the move to California to pursue my filmmaking dreams. He’s been a major force in turning those early dreams into reality!

Website: Www.goldpictures.com

Instagram: jenni_goldpix

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenni-gold-1088976/

Twitter: @Directorgold

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenni.gold.1

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

Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0325004?ref_=nm_nv_usr_profile

Image Credits
Gold Pictures, Inc.