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

Hi Jessie, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Something that outsiders may be unaware of when it comes to directing music videos (and films as well) is how important the little details are, and how much thought goes into everything you’re seeing on screen. Well thought out Production design, from the location to the props, is a huge part of what makes a video appealing. Before directing a music video I create a detailed treatment that outlines the story, production & costume design, and what talent is needed. I basically lay out the entire video in story order before we are even on set. That way I am prepared from the beginning, and even if surprises happen (as they often do) I can see the plan laid out in front of me, so I can easily track the story points I need to hit, even if I have to make an improvised change.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Director and a Screenwriter. Currently, I primarily direct music videos, although I have written and directed three short films, and recently a short horror script I wrote titled “Brizo” won Best Horror Script at the Hollywood Just4Shorts August competition. The screenplays I write are female led and diversity driven, and no matter the overriding genre, I tend to add in a splash of fantasy and comedy. Primarily, my music videos are rap videos, but I deeply enjoyed the indie songstress videos I have worked on as well, like the song “Ghost” By Leila Sunier, which was shot entirely on Super8mm. I like taking risks with my shots, production design and casting, while still putting the audience first, my most important job is to entertain, in the end. But it is important to me to do that while telling a meaningful story, and showing people on screen that we don’t see as often.
Getting to this point in my career was not easy, and I am still in the process of creating the life I want in the entertainment business. For me, education is a huge part of my journey. I earnedmy BA in screenwriting from a school in my hometown, St. Louis, MO. I was having a hard time finding any jobs int he industry still living there though, but the degree did give me the tools and confidence to apply to UCLA to get my MFA in production- specifically in writing and directing. It was a long and difficult program, but I came out of it with so much knowledge and a new fire lit to my creativity. I have so many tools, and such a great network of filmmakers that I only have because of my time at UCLA.
Making it to Los Angeles was also a game changer. Being able to network in this city is a huge factor in my success. Outside of work, I truly believe it is important to have a balanced social life. It is through going outside of my UCLA circle and meeting new people, that I met the first few musicians whose music videos I directed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend coming to visit me for a week we would have a lot of ground to cover! First, I would take them to Alfred for some coffee, it’s the best and strongest coffee to bring them back to life after a long flight! Personally, I get a latte with oat milk. I would want to take them to three beaches over their stay- Venice and Long Beach for the boardwalks and Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey to go Kayaking. I also think Marina Del Rey’s beach has the best sunsets. If we have time, I might squeeze in a bon fire one night at Doc Wyler. If they were down for a longer hike I would have to take them to Temescal Canyon, but if they wanted something shorter the Culver City Stairs is also great. For a treat, we would either go to Yamashiro, the restaurant with the most beautiful views of LA, or Catch LA, the restaurant with the best food. Some other food must haves would be the San Pedro Fish Market, Cha Cha Chicken and Sushi Enya. The Getty, an Escape Room and MonDeRays, with DeRay Davis at the Hollywood Improv are great places to take people coming in town as well!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to thank the school of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA , and my follow cohort members, for shaping me into the filmmaker I am! Becky Smith, Mark Rosman, Nancy Richardson and George Gary are just a few of the professors who helped shape my skills and embraced my talents. Thank you!

Website: https://www.JessieKlearman.com

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/DirectorJessie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-klearman-73403946

Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NetNDAYw-Uw

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