Meet Jeff Hersh | Writer, Producer, Podcaster, & Educator

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

Hi Jeff, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve been inspired by many creatives and artists who don’t wait for traditional systems to open their doors; instead, they set out to make their art independently. A perfect example is the founders of Emo Nite, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary. I was at the first parties they threw, and I was so inspired seeing how they just decided to follow their passions and make a thing, not realizing how far it could go. Early in my writing and filmmaking career, and lasting longer than I’d like to admit, I was too hyper-focused on how the process should work rather than finally embracing the reality that nothing is stopping you from creating, just your own self-imposed obstacles. So, atomize those internal obstacles and put your art into the world in any way possible. It took a lot of learning and observing artists of all varieties who influenced me to get to the point where I was ready to start my own company Goth Brunch Productions.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a writer, and that takes on all sorts of forms. I always write from a place of wanting to see something that I know I would love. I’ve always been inspired by artists of all types when it comes to the stories. I tell. Painters, illustrators, musicians, filmmakers, I pull something from everywhere. I never thought it was easy, but I tried different paths. I made short films, I went to film school, I taught high school English, and I kept writing throughout my journey. What I’ve learned along the way is patience and persistence are key. I used to worry I’d never get there, but now, when I’m talking to prospective screenwriters and filmmakers, I remind them that every step is a part of their career and their pool of inspiration. It all counts. That mindset helped me gain the confidence that the work is always worth my time and effort. There were plenty of nights when I felt like I wasn’t a writer, even though I was writing. Before I broke into television, I wrote scripts for a short animated content series for Tastemade. It wasn’t until I was deep into my time writing on the Flash for CW and then a comic for DC Comics, that it clicked that all of those gigs and opportunities along the way were part of the journey of being a professional writer.

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.
When people visit me, I take them to all of my favorite haunts and spots. We’re definitely hitting up Walt’s in Eagle Rock for a drink and some pinball. The Broad is my go-to art museum for out-of-towners. I’m a. big diner fan, so I’m always making time to hit my favorites. Millie’s in Silver Lake and Pasadena has the highest-quality diner-style food. And it’s got a huge so extra vegan power points! I always keep tabs on what bands and artists are playing, and I am excited to bring friends to my favorite venues, such as the Echoplex in Echo Park, the Lodge Room in Highland Park, and the Fonda in Hollywood. Most of my visitors are cinephiles, so they must join me for a double feature at New Bev or a fun screening at Vidiots. This past year, I’ve really grown to love Frogtown, from the brewery, to the flea crawl, to Justine’s for their Wednesday night’s drink and draw. Speaking of drawing, another can’t-miss event I’ll bring visitors to is Sketch Party. Hanging with friends, enjoying a beer, and drawing? It’s the sickest!

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?
My Shoutout is to my high school film teacher Ms. Smith. I was incredibly lucky that, of all the high schools on Long Island, where I grew up, Ms. Smith had developed a film and video department. It wasn’t just a place to learn technique and craft, though there was plently of that. What made it so special was how it was a place were teens were welcome to come anytime they wanted, whether they had class or not. It was a space for everyone to be 100% themselves, feed their passions, and forge their identities. It was a place to feel safe nand to feel seen, no matter who you were. Plus, it didn’t hurt that instead of desks there were a bunch of couches and movie posters lining the walls. There’s a bunch of us who started our creative paths in that special unicorn of a classroom and whenever we meet up, we reflect on how lucky we were. So, no matter what I do with my career, the first Shoutout always goes to Ms. Smith.

Instagram: thejeffhersh

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hersh-5a458128b/