Meet Jack Vento

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

Hi Jack, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’ve worked in the video/film production sphere for about five years now. Work-life balance is at the forefront of my mind when I’m looking for work and thinking about my long-term career trajectory. While living in the Midwest, I started in commercial studios working 9-5, moved into local news working second shift weekdays and weekends, and now in LA, I’m working on gig/project-based television production that is very seasonal and sees me working 12-14 hour days throughout the year. All that to say, for the last few years, my work-life balance has been anything but consistent.

Currently, I have little to no balance between my work and the rest of my life. The scale is either completely weighed down by work, or there is no work to balance out my personal life. It’s one or the other. I have found this dynamic to be extremely difficult to maintain, and it has taken quite a toll on my mental health. I am continuing to grow into this gig lifestyle. It’s certainly not for everyone, and I often find myself wondering, “Who is it for?”

I’ve used this time to learn more about myself and my priorities. Your work-life balance does not always have to be perfect. Mine hasn’t been for a while now. That being said, if it isn’t perfect, try to get in touch with why it doesn’t work for you. What do you really want? I know that I value family above all, and the ideal work-life setup is going to be one that allows me to be present in the lives of those I love, and someday, hopefully, allow me to start a family of my own. During this stage of my life, my mid-20s, it’s okay for me to get out and explore. Discover different balances. See what works, and what doesn’t. Allow yourself that flexibility, I’d say. Don’t jump ship at the first sign of conflict, and don’t be afraid of starting over. Starting over with a new job, a new location, a new living space… you catch my drift.

How do I think about work-life balance? Right now, I am trying to find it. Trying to find the balance that works for me. Maybe this production sphere isn’t where I need to be. Maybe this work-life balance isn’t going to set me up for the life I want. That’s okay, don’t panic. As creatives, there are a lot of different avenues we can take with work, and they all have different work-life dynamics. Take the time to feel it out. You won’t know if you don’t give it a fair chance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Professionally, I work as a Production Assistant on a suite of unscripted television productions, as well as on various award shows held throughout the year around Los Angeles. Outside of working as a freelance PA for the last two years, I enjoy working on independent film productions with my peers.

The education I got in film school gave me a comprehensive understanding of film and video production, and I came out of college feeling very comfortable operating in just about any position you might find on a set. Additionally, making movies has always been a team sport, the way I operate. In high school, that looked like getting more and more friends involved in front of and behind the camera on our massive, feature-length projects. In college, I participated in production clubs that fostered larger-scale productions, where we focused on building connections and collaboration across a structured, departmentalized crew.

The most important skill I’ve developed is the ability to be a great team player. In school, my professional work, my creative work, in family—everything is better when we’re together. You catch my drift? The people around me have been so important to my journey and achievements that I couldn’t have done any of it without them all. I gave a shoutout to my Ma and Pa because that was the easiest answer. The shoutout list honestly goes on forever. Do you ever wish you could go back into your past and thank everyone you never got to thank? Just for being a good friend, or for being a good teacher. For being a part of this experience or that experience. You know what I’m saying?

I wouldn’t say it’s been easy, but it’s been easier than it could have been thanks to so many wonderful people in my life. Honestly, the greatest lesson I’m continually being taught is how to get along with, and work with, others. With people that think and work differently than I do. Many people in my life have been great examples of this for me to learn from. So, if there’s anything you could learn from my story, I would have it be that. Be excellent to each other. It’s gotten me very far, and, hopefully, it will take me much farther.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, first things first, we’re heading out early to spend most of the day at Amoeba Music in Hollywood. If you’re a physical media defender like I am, this place is going to be right up your alley. I walk right past the CDs and vinyl and head straight back to the Blu-ray section of the store. Heck yeah. Their catalog of movies is mind-blowing. Stuff you never knew had a Blu-ray release is everywhere. It’s a little overwhelming, to be honest.

For the beach scene, we’re heading to Malibu. Anywhere will do (that rhymed). Food? Well, I almost never eat out, and if I do, it’s In-N-Out. Thank God for In-N-Out. I didn’t understand before I moved here, but now I do. Otherwise, we’ll probably get some seafood once (Reel Inn, Malibu) and Mexican another night (La Fogata, Sherman Oaks).

OH YEAH, if we had it my way, we’re gonna spend all week at the movies. I’m at the theater 1-2 times a week, so if you come to visit, you’re coming with me. The American Cinematheque has changed my life. Shout out American Cinematheque. So, for theaters, we are going to TCL Chinese Theatre, Aero Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, The New Beverly Cinema, The Bay Theatre, AMC Burbank 16, to name a few. Yeah, we got a lot of good cinemas out here. We are very blessed.

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?
Yeah, shoutout to mom and dad. You guys rock!

My folks have always encouraged me to try new things and to pursue what I love. When I tried out tackle football in 8th grade and wanted to quit after 2 weeks, they didn’t give up on me. If they didn’t give up on me then, I know they won’t give up on me anytime soon. I carry that assurance with me everywhere I go. They supported my decision to go to film school and to make the move out to LA. Since my filmmaking journey started way back in 2011, they have been there to watch every stupid piece of video I have ever recorded. And they’ve done it in good spirits.

They were my first audience! My parents are always the first set of eyes I imagine my work being watched by. So, thank you, mom and dad, for always being there to love me. Also, shoutout to Cosmo, my dog. Good boy.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jvento16/

Other: Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/m9nj