Claire Jantzen

1) How did you get into directing?
My passion and drive for directing evolved from my love for photography. I first fell in love with the ability to express myself through still images, and soon discovered that I could portray the way I saw the world and tell stories through moving images as well.

2) What is your most recent project?
I just finished a spot for HASBRO Nerf Rebelle. All about girl empowerment. I cast a group of 10 very athletic girls, many of whom were archers, gymnasts and very sports driven. There is something I love so much about working with young athletes. Of course it helps that they are close to my age and easier to relate to because I am also an athlete (have played soccer for many years) but I truly feel that they radiate a certain energy and innocence on screen that cannot be brought by others. 

3) What is the best part of being a director?
I love working on a project that is my original vision, while a whole team of creative people are helping bring it to life. There is something so intriguing about watching your own original thoughts and ideas become reality by collaborating with others.

Also, I never stop learning. Every single project offers me new, unique experience and knowledge while also offering new inspiration, which is a great combination.

4) What is the worst part of being a director?
The waiting. I am not very patient, but I am getting better at it.

5) What is your current career focus: commercials & branded content, TV, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre—comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?
Under Adolescent I am currently working on branded commercials in order to expand my knowledge and grow as a director. But, my heart is completely set on film, and I am definitely working towards also having a career in that industry.

6) Have you a mentor and if so, who is that person (or persons) and what has been the lesson learned from that mentoring which resonates with you?
My mentor is Ramaa Mosley. I have learned so much from her in such a short amount of time. I think the most inspiring thing she has taught me so far is that there is no limit to creativity and to always bring your uniqueness to the table at every given moment possible. From her guidance I have learned that in order to be really successful, you must be hungry to learn.

7) Who is your favorite director and why?
I feel like choosing my favorite director is like choosing my favorite color. There are so many incredible directors, all with different shades and types of storytelling. I have always admired Wes Anderson’s playful perspective; I think he has the power to make you feel like you belong in a children’s book, which I love. I also love Jane Campion’s work and the artful way she tells stories. For commercials, Ramaa Mosley, Carolyn Chen, Noam Murro, Ringan Ledwidge. Overall, I really admire directors who have the ability to connect to true emotion and inspire. You know that feeling.

8) What is your favorite movie?
Amélie, Millions, Moonrise Kingdom, Life of Pi, Mary and Max, Paper Moon, and Lincoln. (Pretty wide variety, I know.)

As for commercials – I am obsessed with how visually incredible Sony Bravia’s “Color Like No Other” series was, especially the bouncy balls. I also love the honesty of Dove’s girls self-esteem series (Like a Girl, Women’s Self Image).

9) Tell us about your background (i.e. where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
I just turned sixteen, and have lived in San Diego since I was a baby. I am an only child, and it has always been just my Mom and I. You will always find me smiling, listening to music while probably dancing, and documenting everything. I am signed at Adolescent and running my own photography business as well, and after finishing high school I plan to attend a college that will further my passion and love for filmmaking and directing so I can continue working with Adolescent. I have found what I love most and what brings me the most joy, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me.

Contact

Hope Farley
Executive Producer
hope@adolescent.com