Meet Jeffrey Reddick | Screenwriter, Producer & Director

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

Hi Jeffrey, how do you think about risk?

Risk means making choices where the rewards can be high, but the outcome is far from certain. My career is in the entertainment industry, which is one of the riskiest career paths. But despite all of the people who warned me I was making a big mistake; I took the risk because it was my life’s passion. It was definitely difficult. The competition is fierce, the industry is constantly evolving and there are no guarantees.

Taking risks in the entertainment industry first and foremost means learning to not give up. Too many people have a fantasy of what the entertainment world is like. They think it’s easy. That if you make one project, you’re rich and set for life. And, they take rejection personally. Too many often give up after a few years. For me, the biggest risk has been believing in myself and learning to manage and adapt to the ever-evolving business.

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 am known for making horror films, so I’d like people to know I’m very non-murderery in really life. Seriously though, I think the thing that sets me apart from many others in my profession is I started working at a studio at the age of 19. So, I saw how decisions were made and it often had less to do with the quality of a script and more about what star was attached. It allowed me to separate my ego from my writing. I learned it takes a village to make a movie and I’ve learned that collaboration and listening to people who know more than you is a way to grow personally and professionally. That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned. It’s not about my ego…it’s about making the best project possible.

The biggest challenge I’ve faced over my three decades in the business is sifting through the people who are “real.” There are a lot of people who will misrepresent what they can do. Offer false promises or take advantage of people they know are desperate. So, I’ve learned to be ‘guardedly optimistic” about people and their promises. And I keep the people I trust close.

I think the biggest thing people should take from my story is to be persistent…and always be willing to grow. I meet too many newcomers who think they’re already at the top of their game and once you think you can’t grow any more….you stay stuck.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Being a writer, means I’m a homebody. But, when I have friends come in to visit, I like to take them to the Hollywood staples. The Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Sign. Disneyland. The Griffith Observatory. Mulholland Drive. A tour of The Warner Brothers lot.

And for fun, I’ll take them to The Abbey, which is a fun gay bar in West Hollywood. We’ll check out a movie on a real IMAX screen. And I’ll have a friend take us to The Soho House, which is an exclusive club in LA. My friends usually want to hit up Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, which I warn them is a little underwhelming. And, if possible, if I have a friend shooting a project, I’ll take my friends to visit the set. They’re usually surprised by how boring it can be after a few hours. I don’t think people outside the industry realize how much time people are just sitting around on set while all the lights, cameras and props are being set up for one shot.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My career and success would not have been possible without the help of others. First, my mother, who supported me. My English teachers in school were also crucial to building my confidence. But the biggest thing that changed my life was Robert Shaye, the President of New Line Cinema and his assistant, Joy Mann. I grew in Eastern Kentucky. I was 14 and knew nothing of the entertainment industry. But I had an idea, that I mailed to him in New York. He could have brushed me off, but he encouraged me. We stayed in touch via calls and mail. When I went to college, my professors got me into a special program that allowed me to attend The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York for the summer. Robert Shaye gave me an internship at New Line over the summer and I ended up working there for 11 years. They produced my first feature film, “Final Destination.” So, I have massive respect for teachers. I also know taking a risk, like writing Bob Shaye with no ulterior motive, I just wanted to tell my story, planted a seed that paid off years later. Also, at New Line, a colleague, Mark Kaufman, encouraged me to pursue the idea for “Final Destination” as a feature. Growing up in Kentucky, I was raised to treat everyone with respect. Often people are interested in other’s social status or if they can “do something for them.” That’s never mattered to me.  And this attitude has allowed me to maintain great relationships with all the professionals I’ve worked with. Many are now dear friends. So, aside from supporting each other personally, we also keep each other in mind for professional opportunities.  

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-reddick-moviemaker/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffreyAReddick

Image Credits
Albert L. Ortega