Meet Jeff Bower | Writer & Voice Over Actor

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

Hi Jeff, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
The wonderful aspect of being in the creative field is you never know where inspiration is going to come from. I’ve seen a dance video on YouTube and it sparked the idea for a one act play. I witnessed an automobile accident and it spurred me on to write a sci-fi television pilot. I’ve listened to music just moments before a take on set to get me into the perfect emotional state for the scene. It’s not always these big “Ah-ha” moments, your shown or told about. Artists and creatives can find inspiration in the mundane and simple moments of life.

Currently, music has been a big influence on my writing. I’ll create entire playlists to set the mood/tone for my storytelling. I’ll crank up the volume and disappear into my work. And the playlists change with each and every project. I’ve discovered musical artists I never would have found on my own were it not for my current work in progress.

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.
My writing has gone through several metamorphosis over the years. When I was young my main focus was short stories. I loved the format and ability to tell a compelling narrative that can be read in one sitting. I still think it’s one of my favorite genres of writing.

As I went through college, my focus was on Mathematics and Theatre (the weirdest possible combo, I know). So, I became obsessed with the format of writing plays. I wrote, directed, and starred in dozens of my plays. From ten minute scripts, to one acts, to full lengths, I really solidified my voice as a playwright, culminating in Samuel French (now Concord Theatricals) publishing my adaptation of Pericles, by William Shakespeare. The show has received productions all of the country, and also was performed by an English learning program in Japan. It’s truly been amazing to see the various productions over the year.

When I moved to Los Angeles my focus was on comedy. I wrote TV pilots and sketches. I won several contests and had my sketches filmed at YouTube Studios. I placed highly in several contests. One of my pilots earned me a general meeting at Amazon Studios based solely on the writing. I was a main stage improviser and sketch performer in LA for over four years.

But, then one day I was inspired to write an hour long drama pilot, and my career took off. It placed and won major competitions. I had agents and managers reaching out to me to read my work and sign me. So,I pursued that for a while, culminating in my hour long sci-fi FIX, being in development at Kennedy Marshall.

These days, my main focus is on writing features. Mostly grounded sci-fi or dark dramas. I also returned to playwriting and my full length play, THE IMPOSSIBLE TASK OF TODAY, will receive a world premiere next spring in Florida.

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?
I used to live right in the heart of Los Feliz, a few blocks away from House of Pies. I still absolutely love that neighborhood. There are so many great restaurants and coffee shops to check out. And, of course, there is The Clubhouse, an independently run theatre for improvisers. It’s a fantastic place to see up and coming comedians trying out new material.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I don’t think I would have ever thought about working in the creative field if it weren’t for Jim Henson. His energy, work ethic, and the way he approaches the arts through the lens of a child was a major impact on my development as an artist. And how prolific he was. Always creating, always working on something new.

I have found a lot of inspiration from my current writer’s group. It’s an extremely talented, hard working group of professionals. You really have to step up your game to match the skill and creativity of the rest of the members. They are all amazing at breaking down story not only from a creative standpoint, but from an executive mindset. A lot of writer’s groups come and go, but we’ve been together for five years now, and I’ve felt my abilities as a writer skyrocket from being a part of this amazing crew of artists.

And lastly, everything I accomplish is directly linked to my unbelievable best friend, partner, and wife, Ivelyn. I wouldn’t be able to do any of the amazing creative endeavors I do without her guidance and support.

Instagram: jeffrobowa

Twitter: jeffbowerLA

Image Credits
Theatre Lab at FAU.
Jeff Bower