Jim Aleski, Interviewed By Kyle Mimnaugh

Jim Aleski is an Assistant Director based out of South Amboy, New Jersey.

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?

My current job situation is a bit complicated, but generally speaking, I’m a producer/executive producer who makes promos and commercials and other short form media productions for mostly “boutique” style production/post production shops. What does that mean exactly? I work for companies who are all-in-one places – creative development, production, post production, graphic design. As I said, mostly making TV network promos. As an “executive producer,” it is my job to help a director/creative director, work with a network’s creative staff to help flush out an idea about a particular project. I then have to take that idea and turn it into a budget/schedule. Typically speaking, I then have to continue to work with the creative folks to get their ideas to fit within whatever the clients budget/time constraints are. If the job is awarded to whomever I’m working for, I then go into “producer” mode and oversee all aspects of the production and post production process. I don’t necessarily touch any equipment other than a phone and a computer, but I work with everyone that does touch the equipment. Also, I continue to work closely with the director and other creative folks to make sure that we’re maximizing what they want to do creatively with what we can do practically money and time wise.

2. How did you get started in the business?

I was lucky enough to go to a high school in NJ that had a TV studio, so my formal education in the film/tv world started early (sophomore in high school). I worked part-time at my local cable access channel as a senior in high school, then went off to Emerson College where I obviously furthered my education as well as worked on a variety of internships and production assistant jobs.

3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you cannot accomplish an assigned task?

I’d typically ask them for help first. Tell them you can’t figure something out or that you’re struggling with something. Obviously ask other people around you for help first before bothering the boss. Also, you’d be amazed what you can figure out by using google/watching others/calling your peers/etc. But yes, at some point, its ok to say “boss, I/we can’t do this” because sometimes, well, you just can’t and you need to come up with a better way.

4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?

Well, my general advice for the big picture would be to write as much as you can, and work on (including your own) as many films as you can. If you want to work in film, then that doesn't mean working in TV studios or stations or stuff like that...you need to be working single-camera type stuff. Work on every type production you can while at school. Volunteer to help everyone who might need it. Also, make your own stuff. A lot of it. Get a cheap video camera and shoot. Master it. Get video editing software and edit. A lot.

Also, where are you thinking of going/doing right out of school? Although not 100% absolutely necessary, it is obviously slightly easier to do things if you are in Los Angeles, as opposed to anywhere else.