Jun 16, 20213 min read

Meet 17-Year Old Filmmaker Jake Bisnett

Tell us a little more about when you first got into filmmaking?

I fell in love with filmmaking in fifth grade when I started making LEGO Stop Motions with a digital camera for YouTube.

I soon transitioned into making improvised skits with my friends, and as I became more and more interested in the craft, I realized it was my passion. I haven't looked back since.

This past year, I created my own film company; TFD Studios, hired people, made shirts, and bought good equipment.

Every step of the way has been so rewarding and exciting.

You've done some amazing work! What's the backstory behind directing your upcoming film 'Never Perfect'?

Thanks!

Last summer, I directed a film titled Concrete Jungle, about three teenagers running from the cops in a city-wide chase.

Never Perfect is my second film, and it's a story about the clashing of two relationships at the end of high school where things really start to spiral out of control.

I recruited my close friend Gianni Rinaudo as the cinematographer, and my incredibly talented and creative friends as the leads.

We've had the opportunity to shoot at some awesome locations in Rochester, New York, specifically Record Archive and Olympia Restaurant.

On top of that, we've worked with some DOPE bands like Weeknites, Pinewood Derby, and the talents of Carl Pedida and Liam Worden.

I think Never Perfect is a really candid, relatable film, and I hope those who watch feel the same way.

Plus, the movie is pretty hilarious.

What would you say to any aspiring filmmakers who look up to your work?

Wow.

That's a lot of pressure.

I think the best advice that can possibly be given is to just fucking do it.

There's too many people as passionate as me about film, that never actually go out and make their cool ideas happen.

Everyone has an iPhone and bored friends.

That's all it takes.

You're gonna mess up, and your work will feel embarrassing at first, (mine definitely was), but you'll have a blast the whole way through, I promise.

To some members of the crew: What's it like to shoot on the set of an independent film?

Gianni Rinaudo (Cinematographer):

There's never a dull moment behind the scenes, we work with our friends so every shoot is like a party.

It's a nice escape from school and work, and it gives you something to look forward to once a week.

Being behind the camera, it's awesome to see how our actors grow and get deeper into their roles.

Everyone always brings 100%, and we're all excited to see the outcome!

Austin Miller (Miles Adler):

It's an unorganized nightmare most of the time, but I get the luxury of acting with my asshole friends with no pay, so I guess it all balances out!

Ally Brocht (Maddie Alcott):

The environment is always comfortable and I have never left a day of filming without a good look upon the day, the director is always giving me new ideas to help benefit me and still leaves me feeling accomplished!