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

Hi Jasten, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I come from the Madonna school of ambition, where you just put one foot in front of the other and go for what you want. That said, you also got to be open to troubleshooting and reworking ideas, sometimes on the spot. When pitching new film or video ideas, I really like to just go for the biggest idea possible, not afraid to include exactly who I want to be part of it, even if I don’t know them, it doesn’t matter. Cause after that, it’s simply a matter of asking. The best advice I ever got and could ever give anyone: just ask! Sometimes people think they don’t have enough money or connections to make their projects happen, but really it’s just a matter of simply dropping an email, sliding into the DMs, or walk right up to what you want and ask. I figure it, I already have a “no” if I don’t ask, so doesn’t hurt to at least TRY for the actor, crew, location – whatever I had in mind when I started the idea. Then, it may get tailored down a bit along the way, but at least we’re still doing it!

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.
I’m a film producer and photographer working self-employed now for about 4 years. I’ve been doing editing since high school, but always had to have a day job as well to pay the bills. I just got to a point that I realized I need to step up my skills and invest in some equipment for myself, so I could fully be a one-stop shop for production. It’s the oldest saying in the book, “one door closes and another opens” and it absolutely worked for me. Taking the risk of quitting the day job and solely depending on my art for a living was scary, but everything just feel into place and I had more time than ever to do the work. Luckily, one job seems to just leads to another job . so I’ve been able to maintain a regular workflow. Even in a pandemic, thanks to iPhones, green screens and Dropbox, I’m still keeping busy!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my regular spots I always send people to when visiting, has to start with Casita del Campo. The Mexican restaurant in Silverlake that also hosts the best LGBT & drag theater in the basement, The Cavern Club. If you’re in DTLA, stop in to Precinct (rock n roll gay bar) for a shot or pop over to Clifton’s (historic cafeteria) for a cocktail. If you’re head through Hollywood and need some vegan options, grub it up at My Vegan, Doomies or Gracias Madre. And while you’re over in WeHo, let’s dance it up at Revolver or go rock out at Fubar when they are able to open their doors again!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to Jay & Michel Kymis in Los Angeles! The owners of Fubar, Padre and Mezcalaro… they’ve been making it work through this rough year by being so creative and supportive of their staff. They’ve worked so hard to reinvent their business during this times, I’m happy to see they’re doing so well! Everyone go order some tapas and margaritas!

Website: http://www.charliemovie.net/jasten-king-production
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jastenking
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasten-k-60a17944/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JastenKing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasten.king
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jastking
Other: My last article I was gearing up for the “Charlie!” musical, and now it’s available to watch for free at http://www.charliemovie.net !

Image Credits
All photos and screengrabs : Jasten King

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