Jeneen Robinson was born and raised in Chatham, Virginia. She is the daughter of a social worker (mom), and a prison warden (father). “I have a brother 9 months older than me. He was always overtly comical, while I was coy and timid,” said Jeneen Robinson. She was very reserved, but observant. So many personalities seemed to outshine her. Being in the shadows, observing, makes for a great director though.
Jeneen says, “My mom would always put me in pageants, and I won most of them, so that got me on stage, and pulled me into the art of performance at an early age.” By the time Jeneen got to high school, she was a dancer, cheerleader, French student, and actress. “All of which I was gaining recognition, and winning awards statewide. Who knew the little town of Chatham would produce a Hollywood director?, says Jeneen Robinson. However, great people have come out of Chatham though, Jeneen Robinson is not the first.
“I attended James Madison University and Howard University. There, I began doing student films and acting in community theatre. It was pretty remarkable, I would audition and book the parts. Even those parts were very competitive”, says Jeneen. “So I’m grateful for the opportunities I was afforded”, concludes Jeneen. After Washington, DC, Jeneen decided to make the great migration to LA, and bank on Hollywood. “I quickly discovered you have to make Hollywood your own, and it’s only through self-discovery that you really make your mark in this world as an artist”, says Jeneen. Hollywood is a non-local idea really. You are Hollywood if you choose to become Hollywood. So, she became Hollywood. She became a writer, a director, and an actress, professionally.
indieactivity: How would you describe your work as a director?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): As a director, I stylize comedy and dramedy in movement. I’m very big on choreography and storytelling. I honed that creative expression as a theatrical actress and dancer. My former cheerleading coach’s voice rings in my ear too.
How did you get into directing?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): I became a director by accident. Or maybe it was Kairos. I believe the latter. I am first and foremost a writer. Then an actress. I couldn’t find anyone to direct the pieces I wrote, so I started directing them myself. As I did more projects, there were times when I would hire a director and that person would quit before curtain or call time so I would still end up directing. I had no choice. Over time, I learned a lot and got good at it, and now expect that I will end up directing by default. I actually really enjoy it now.
How do you choose a project to direct?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): Time and money. I budget out both. Then, I weigh the value of the project against that. Value meaning the overall meaning or moral code the story is seeking to convey.
What uniqueness can female directors bring to film/tv/cinema?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): Unicorns and rainbows! Women bring a whole different perspective to the upside down, because we see the world through a different lens of lived experiences. We don’t choose it, it chooses us. Society, history, and our vast and varied backgrounds give us a perspective different from the dominant patriarchy, so our expression is a beautiful array of unicorns and rainbows woven into the fabric of storytelling and our shared experiences in the world.
Do you often take courses to increase your craft?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): YES! I always say, if you’re not studying, you’re stagnant. So, I discipline myself to always be in a posture of learning. I study acting at Ivana Chubbuck Studios. I study singing at The World Stage. I study film at No Film School on YouTube. Modest, but it fits my budget since I invest so much in my films.
What books do you read?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): I love biographies and autobiographies. I love books on spirituality and social commentary. To name a few, Malcolm Gladwell, Don Miguel Ruiz, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, bell hooks, and Howard Thurman. Oh, and The Bible.
Why would you choose an actor, writer or producer? What do you look for?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): I look for a well-developed story, a well-rounded character that draws me into their world and inspires me to action. A compelling character and story will make you want to champion their cause.
When you are offered a project, what things do you put in place to deliver a good job?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): A storyboard. Old tech, but it works. A budget, if they don’t have one already. If they do, I usually end up tweaking it. And a schedule. Most people, even industry folks, have no clue how to realistically assess a production timeline. So, I like to have some say in that as well. (Some, lol.)
The Official Trailer for Maybe Someday
Briefly explain your latest work.
Jeneen Robinson (JR): My latest project is a 5-episode workplace comedy called “The Clinic on Western Avenue.” It chronicles the struggles of clinic manager, LaShawnda, to keep open a failing clinic in the hood with inept staff and pressures from the community and government to close. I wrote the project and did a lot of directing, with my co-director Andre Coleman. I also play LaShawnda.
Explain key challenges on your last film?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): Shit! I had to get a lawyer! I had never had to do that before. Shit got really real, real quick. I had to not only hire a lawyer but also study and understand the law for myself, my business, my craft, and the entertainment industry as a whole. It was crazy. This was supposed to be fun! It’s a business, just like anything else. That was a strain on my already stressed budget. I’m telling the real, most people won’t speak on it, but this shit is no joke.
I lost my location, after filming only 1 episode, even though they committed to several seasons of filming. That’s 8 days of work! They completely reneged on the contract. So, I had to find a new location and weigh the costs story-wise, and moneywise if we reshoot the whole first episode. I decided to do a teaser story about why we had to move.
I had to re-shoot scenes just because people weren’t paying attention. That was more money. I had to stop rolling to teach acting because the talent was unprepared for the shoot. Time is money, so much money, I never padded in “on-set rehearsals” in my shoot days. Once I had rehearsed talent on rehearsal days, I thought talent would show up prepared but they didn’t. Well, some did, some didn’t. So, I realized, some people will take your shitshow for granted. And they don’t mind wasting your time and money if you let them.
Oh, and post-prod. I’ve done it before but this was way different this time. I thought I was super prepared for post-production. But this editor, Theo Hyppolite, has an insatiable appetite for more. So, I had to go back and shoot even more B-roll! I love his creativity and ability to see more than what I see. So, timewise, there was a delay but you can never rush perfection. It has to be right. So, we take our time.
All of these things caused me to be overtime, over budget, and overwhelmed sometimes. But it was worth it, you’ll see.
What ‘thing/situation’ helps you during production?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): The first “thing,” I think of is my son. He helps me a lot! He has a great eye for lighting and a keen sense of camera, etc. He will make a hell of a director and I had some great mentors in my youth who demanded excellence, namely my cheerleading coach—Barbara Brown. She taught me the art of performance and connecting with audiences. Lastly, I’m old school—quiet on set. I don’t like talking except for the scene. Silence is golden, helps me think.
Explain a creative choice you took on the set of a recent production.
Jeneen Robinson (JR): We did a continuous shot. What the heck, gotta try it! We’re already there (at the location), so why not? In episode 5, there was this whole thing to do about the mail. So, I decided to do a continuous shot just on the mail and how it circulated through the office. I don’t know if it made the cut or not yet. I knew it would delay the day because it wasn’t on my shot list but it was worth it. I’m always so envious of those beautiful shots! Like in “Malcolm and Marie.” The startup had a great one, almost 4 minutes, on Edi Gathegi. They go 1, 2, 3, 4 sometimes 9 minutes long and longer, while moving! As a director, it blows my mind!
How do you advise directors to find projects?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): Directors can look on various platforms for projects but it’s a gamble. But the best way, I think, is through networking and sharing. Networking through groups like Women in Film. Or through sharing. Say you have friends in the biz who also have projects. Why not form a compact where you line up all of your projects and crew each other up, sharing the work? You direct a friend’s project and when it’s your turn, they’ll direct yours. Over time, you’ll get known and people will come to you.
How can filmmakers finance their projects?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): Filmmakers can find private donors, look for grants, or use their own money to finance projects. Of course, there’s still the studio deal. That would be ideal but you usually have to start on your own nowadays by self-funding.
What do you want from an actor during production?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): Everything. I want every ounce of having studied, wrestled with, and become the character you are portraying in mind, body, and spirit. I want every nuance of the character, their ticks, habits, tricks, their past, present, future, their psychosis, everything. I expect a lot and the work is never over. While the camera is rolling, there may yet still be more discovery.
How do you prefer to work with a producer during production?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): I’d rather not at all. To me, the best producer will keep me out of the knowledge of producing so I can focus on directing or just acting if that’s what I’m doing. My best experience of this was with Arielle Noel from “Insecure” and “Black Monday.” She produced and directed “I’m 13 YO!,” the series. I was given so much space and freedom to focus on my character that I had never had before as an indie filmmaker. It was a luxury!
What do you think a female director can do to get in the film industry?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): First, study your craft. Don’t just do it. So many people, out of passion, just launch out but you have to know what you’re doing first. Next, work on other projects as a PA or crew and watch other directors. Then, you should produce and direct your own project or short. Finally, join groups with other female directors for support and networking.
Who is your favorite director?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): Wow! No one person. I love Paris Barclay, Antoine Fuqua, Michelle Ehlen, and even Hakim Khalfani—boy, did I get under his skin. I also annoyed the heck out of Brandon Broussard. I can’t forget the first female theatrical director who gave me my lead role, Joyce. I love and respect them all.
Why?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): Oh, why? LOL! Ok, well Paris brings the depth and breath of character to the most seemingly mundane vie quotidien. Antoine directs the hell out of his actors and camera person. Boy, does he bring Denzel to life and the action around all of that is so vibrant, you get caught up. I also love M. Night Shyamalan. Did I mention him? Anyway, Michelle is so real and raw and heart-pounding emotional that as an actor you have to face your vulnerabilities and confront your fears. You should do that in your work anyways but as a director, she really demands it of your work. Oh, and Anthony Hemmingway—did I mention him? Anyways, he masters tonality like no one else for me. I love his smell too! (Inside joke.) Hakim will curse you out on set but if you curse back, he respects you if he can get what he wants out of you. I like that he controls his set, he doesn’t let anything interfere with the process. Gangster, but it works. Brandon is more of a screenwriter but knows what he wants in the way of directing and I’ll stop there because there’s a whole story behind the Brandon and me episode.
What advice would you give male/female directors around the world?
Jeneen Robinson (JR): Read. I know you’re showing a vision so others don’t have to read, but read first, lots of things. Be an avid reader. It only enhances the storytelling.
Briefly write about your career.
Jeneen Robinson (JR): I’m a writer first then an actress. I think this helped form insight and a certain relationship with the text that can be remiss if you don’t start with that background. I’m also a spiritualist. I grew up in church, writing songs, poems, skits, and plays based on biblical principles. Being in tune with Spirit also opens your perception and insight so you convey messages better as a director when you’re open. I was groomed in dance and cheerleading, and as a pageant queen, this honed the art of performance and movement for me. So, I have a keen eye for what I want to see when I look at the monitor.
After going to college, I craved the stage. So, I did community theatre and picked up acting jobs like that. My day job was teaching. I taught 3rd grade and began writing stage plays for my students and all of the students in the whole school. Of course, I had to direct them also. When those plays were showcased, the audiences would tell me that my work should be on a bigger stage, on a larger scale. I just kept writing and directing for schools and churches until someone prophesied to me, in a restaurant, and told me to put my work on film. I didn’t know anything about film or screenwriting but I researched and found out how to do it. It was messy at first. I wasn’t really good at it but the more I did it and the more I studied it, I got better. Then I started winning awards for my work. So for “The Buppets,” I was a finalist in the Huntington Beach Cultural Cinema Awards. For
“I’m 13 YO!,” I got Best Woman Filmmaker from the LA Independent Film Festival.
Then I formed a production company, Saponi Star Productions because I wanted to carve out my unique voice and brand in filmmaking. The more I wrote and directed, the more comedic my tone, and with the choreography and movement, people started likening me to Lucille Ball. My work is sort of neo-Lucillish but I haven’t heard anyone yet pitch the pilot, “I Love Jeneen.” Coming soon
Tell us what you think of the interview with Jeneen Robinson. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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