Meet Jennifer Hawkins | Student, aspiring Editor, future Post-Production Coordinator

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

Hi Jennifer, how do you think about risk?
As contradictory as it sounds I would say I’m a very apprehensive risk taker. I love putting myself out there and trying new things, but I’m also a perfectionist and hate making mistakes, so when faced with a big risk I try to think it through, even if just briefly, to make sure I’m not going to regret it. The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was moving to the US. I’m originally from the UK and I moved to California by myself when I was freshly 20. It was a huge undertaking, I knew I’d always wanted to live in Los Angeles, and had researched as much as possible, but I really had no way of knowing what I was really in for until I got here. It was by far the best decision I could have ever made. My hometown in the UK really offered no job prospects for me in terms of my career in film, and while I could have moved to London or Manchester, I’m not one to do things by halves so I figured why not move to the other side of the world. Life in LA is obviously very fast paced, stressful and can be overwhelming, but living here has brought me so much joy and fulfillment and opportunity, so it was definitely a risk worth taking.

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.
It definitely hasn’t been easy to get where I am today, and I know I still have so far to go. Right now I’m a student, which presents its own set of challenges – paying tuition, scheduling projects around classes, etc. but I love learning and my education is so important to me so I’ll work through all these challenges to get to the grades I know I can achieve. I love editing, and I’m super excited for when I get my foot in the door and can finally start working on bigger, more challenging projects. The project I’m proudest of right now is the short film I made called New Around Here, which focuses on highlighting the stories of other international students at my college. I made it on a budget of literally $0 and coordinating interviews with other students around our different class schedules was it’s own challenge, but it turned out really well, I got a lot of great feedback on it and it is an Official Selection at LA Student Film Festival this year so I’m so excited to see it on the big screen!

I woulds say what sets me apart is my tenacity. When I’m passionate about something I really will stop at nothing to see it come to fruition, and I think that drive and dedication is noticeable. My friends/peers tell me all the time how inspired they are by my work ethic and my dedication and that means the world to me as I’m so glad they can see how much I care about my craft and pursuing my career. Hearing praise from people who have decades long careers in the industry means so much and I’m so grateful to my mentors and people I’ve worked with for recognizing and helping to foster my potential

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I could have given you a rundown of LA before I even moved here! I’ve always been obsessed with LA, I have a binder of everything I want to do in the US and my California list is 13 pages long! First stop would be the Venice canals, for some natural beauty and peace, followed by the boardwalk for some more energy and sightseeing. Definitely have to spend a day exploring Melrose, it’s my favourite place to shop, there’s so many unique creations and art around there. For a chill day I would go on a walk around The Flats, less hustle and bustle than Rodeo Drive and you get to see the gorgeous architecture of LA houses. For a night out I would grab big group of friends and go bar hopping in Hollywood, always fun (and safer!) with a bigger crowd. Perfect night out would be Scum and Villany cause I’m a huge nerd at heart, hit Madame Siam for some dancing, and then end the night chilling at the Bourbon Room, which I love because it’s English themed and I’m very biased. Best way to end the trip would be drive up to Mulholland on their last night in town, and look out at the sunset and the lights over the city. Really feels like you’re in a movie and captures the magic of LA so well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friends! It sounds so cheesy but my childhood friends have always been so amazing and supportive of my dreams and encouraged me to move out to LA. I was worried when I moved out here that I would struggle to find friends as incredible as my ones from back home, but luckily I have an amazing, ever growing network of friends who make me feel less far-from-home and are equally as supportive as we help each other navigate life in this crazy city!

Website: jenniferjhawkins.com

Instagram: jenjenbingbong

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hawkins-210a622bb/