Daily Inspiration: Meet Jadah Burciaga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jadah Burciaga

Hi Jadah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Holland, MI, and attended middle and high school at Black River Public School. My perspective on career options always felt limited; I thought the only viable paths were becoming a doctor, nurse, lawyer, etc. It wasn’t until I applied to the Careerline Tech Center’s media program that I realized I had more options. The program broadened my understanding of what film production truly entails behind the scenes and how vital each role is in the filmmaking process.

After high school, I attended Michigan State University, planning to major in film. However, I left after my first semester, as I didn’t feel it was the right fit for me. I wasn’t entirely sure what my next steps would be or where I was headed.

The following semester coincided with the start of COVID-19, and with all the global uncertainty, I didn’t feel so alone in my own uncertainties. I ultimately decided to move to Austin, Texas—a city I had only visited a handful of times but felt drawn to. I moved in September 2020 and enrolled at Austin Community College with the intent of transferring to the University of Texas at Austin’s film program. I was accepted into the program for fall 2021! Somehow, everything seemed to fall into place in Austin. I fell in love with my program, had incredible teachers who genuinely wanted to support my growth as a filmmaker, gained opportunities from unexpected sources, and found mentors who continue to guide me. I truly don’t know how things worked out the way they did. This industry is brutal, and many people choose to walk away because of the inconsistency and cutthroat nature. Maybe I was lucky, or maybe it was my refusal to let myself give up.

Since graduating, I’ve fully embraced my career as a freelancer. I’ve had the opportunity to work as a production assistant for the Austin City Limits festival, season 2 of 1923, commercials for Dick’s Sporting Goods, and projects for Ideology Productions (a local Grand Rapids company), with hopefully more to come! As I continue to hone my skills, I aspire to move up in the film world as a Producer or Assistant Director. I truly believe this is possible because of the people who support me and help me grow.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! Transferring from Michigan State was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made! When I originally graduated from high school, I considered moving to Austin for college but ultimately backed out because it felt like too big of a leap. I couldn’t explain why, but after dropping out of college I finally felt ready—everything in me told me it was time to go. Most of my family had never gone to college, so I was figuring out the transfer process on my own, while also battling the idea that “dropping out means you’re never going to go back.” I think we need to normalize college students changing their minds. I felt so much shame in leaving MSU, but leaving allowed me to follow my heart to Austin, where I truly believe I found myself.

I won’t deny that moving to another state, 1,000 miles away from my friends and family, was a HUGE challenge. I’m very close to my family, so being away from everyone I love was, and still is, hard. But Austin is one of the friendliest cities I’ve ever been to. It’s almost like Austin wants you to thrive, offering resources and community to help you feel empowered. It took some time, but I’ve truly found my people here. And now, with my newfound freedom (aka graduating from college), I’ve been able to start bridging the gap between Texas and Michigan with my freelance career!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently do a variety of jobs, and my friends often joke that they’re not quite sure what I do—only that I’m always busy. In the commercial and television world, I work as a production assistant (PA). In this role, I’m essentially the eyes and ears of the set, handling hospitality-related tasks for the cast and crew, and providing extra support to any department, such as art, grip and electric, or talent management.

I also work as a wedding videographer in both Michigan and Texas (with companies like Photohouse Films in Texas and Promani in Michigan). In this role, I capture one of the most special days in a couple’s life with a documentary-style approach.

Additionally, I work on the sports broadcast team at the HEB Center as a shader/camera operator. Shading involves managing the colors and lighting of the cameras to ensure they look just right on television.

What I love most about my work is that it’s always, always different. My office is never in the same place. I enjoy working in production and being part of a team because I love how hands-on the projects are. Every single role is essential! As a PA, I help each department run as smoothly as possible. As I grow into a producer, I know I’ll become a well-rounded team member and focus on creating a positive work environment.

I’m also proud of paving my own path and reaching a point in my career where I’m truly happy to work every day!

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
As I mentioned earlier, I feel like luck has played a huge role in my career. I’m incredibly lucky to have strong intuition that’s guided me to where I am now. I’m lucky to have met people who have either given me opportunities or pointed me in the right direction. I’m also fortunate to have encountered individuals willing to share their craft with me, especially in an industry where many prefer to keep their film techniques to themselves, fearing that sharing might mean losing a job. In reality, we all benefit from building each other up! I’m also just lucky that my heart chose Austin! Like I said, Austin truly wants people to succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jadahashley.wordpress.com/
• Instagram: @jadahashley

Image Credits
@_croppped_
@lost.inthemoment
@laurahuertasphoto
@_qveen.kendra