Daily Inspiration: Meet Jesse McAnally

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse McAnally.  

Hi Jesse, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to where I am today began when I discovered my passion for filmmaking. As a child, I found myself drawn to the power of visual storytelling, and I believe that I truly learned how to communicate properly when I got my first camera. Through sound, video, and editing techniques, I was finally able to control and see life the way I wanted to see it. Childhood is such a chaotic time, and organizing it into frames, shots, and timelines helped me to bring oder to the whole through Design, Tension, Composition, Balance, Light, and Harmony.

As I became more skilled, I found myself being hired to create school assembly videos, senior project tutoring, and music videos for my fellow students and teachers. Although I was very green, I was always trying to learn as much as I could. I loved what I did rather than doing what I loved. 

After graduating from high school in 2014, I began attending film school at Wayne State University. Here, I met other like-minded and brilliant artists who I am still grateful to call my friends. In 2015, I made my first real film, “Sunny Days,” purely for fun with my friends. We wrote the script in less than an hour and shot it over three days after everyone was done with school. Despite being just a fun and goofy project done over the summer, the film went on to win a dozen awards and played at many film festivals. It was the first time my parents saw something I made on a big screen, and it was a seismic moment for me. 

After “Sunny Days,” I gave myself a goal to make at least one major short film every summer of my college years. In 2016, I made the ’80s horror pastiche “Technical Difficulties,” in 2017, a film about the Grim Reaper in the Apocalypse called “After Ashes,” and in 2018, a personal documentary about my relationship with my hometown called “Romulus and Me.” In 2019, I made a literal opera called “Luccica.” 

With each project, I saw improvement in my own skills and growth in my crew. I have come to understand that no filmmaker can achieve success without the strongest team behind them. I am forever grateful to have them at my side as we head into the next level. Many of them are following me to my upcoming feature film titled “The Daughters of the Domino,” which will be shooting this April. It is the most intense undertaking of my career so far, and I’m already learning so much. 

“The Daughters of the Domino” is a film that I have been developing for years, and it feels incredible that it is actually becoming a reality. The film will be a modern noir about a mother who must reunite with her estranged detective sister to find her missing teenage daughter. It’s truly a labor of love and I cannot wait for everyone to see it. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Every artist faces struggles, and three of the most common ones are doubt, healthy work-life balance, and funding. Doubt can be a significant hurdle in pursuing creative endeavors, and it’s a feeling that can affect even the most talented individuals. The musical “Now.Here.This” has a song called “The Golden Palace” that speaks to the idea that only the most privileged and talented individuals can create great works of art. It’s a fallacy, of course, but it’s a feeling that can sneak in and tell you that you’re not good enough. 

One of the hardest things is convincing yourself that you can do it, and having a support system is crucial. A community of brilliant artists who believe in you as much as you believe in them can make all the difference. Without their support, love, and belief, it can be difficult to create anything. 

Balancing art and life is another significant struggle. It’s hard to turn off the creative side of your brain and focus on other aspects of life. You may find yourself lost in thought, trying to solve a scene or idea, when you’re supposed to be enjoying dinner with friends or family. It’s essential to intentionally walk away and focus on the things that matter interpersonally. 

Finally, there’s the struggle of funding your art and finding an audience. Films, for instance, are expensive endeavors, and it’s challenging to convince people to invest in your project. Late last year I embarked on my first crowdfunding campaign for my upcoming film “The Daughters of the Domino” and it was one of the most difficult and demanding experiences of my life. While crowdfunding has become a popular way to fund creative endeavors, it can be a very difficult process. I often return to Stephen Sondheim’s words in the musical “Sunday in the Park with George” remind us that every little detail plays a part and putting it all together is what counts. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Since I was young, I’ve been captivated by the world of film and knew that it was my calling. Over the past decade, I’ve been fortunate enough to produce nineteen films, which have been recognized with 46 awards and screened in over 80 national and international film festivals. 

My passion for cinema is diverse, and I enjoy watching and creating films of all genres. As an artist, my objective is to tell captivating stories that offer both a cinematic and thought-provoking experience. I draw inspiration from renowned artists such as Guillermo Del Toro and Jordan Peele, who employ genre films to subtly critique modern society. 

One of my works, “Hazel’s Eyes,” is a romantic take on the apocalyptic genre, exploring topical themes of human contagion, the monster within, and hope for humanity through love (and zombies). I firmly believe that genre films can leave a lasting impact on audiences and stimulate meaningful conversations about the world around us. In my own work, I aim to create compelling stories with moral dilemmas that are viewed through a unique lens. 

Every time I create a film, I strive to ensure that it has a fresh perspective. I always seek to provide a new take on the subject matter, and if I feel that another filmmaker could do it, then I don’t see the point in doing so. I need to be emotionally invested in a project to truly engage with it. I believe that if I’m passionate about something, the audience will be too. 

I have made it a priority to mentor and recruit current students from my alma maters, Romulus High School and Wayne State University, to help prepare them for practical work in the film industry. Witnessing the growth and success of the students I’ve mentored has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m thrilled to continue providing opportunities for young people to explore their creative potential. 

My aim as a filmmaker is to create stories that offer a unique perspective and inspire dialogue among those who experience my art. I believe that my passion for cinema, combined with my commitment to inclusivity and creativity, has led me to where I am today, and I’m excited to see where my journey takes me next. 

Alright, so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you would like to support me, please watch and share my work at www.jessemcanally.com 

You could check out the Kickstarter for my upcoming film “The Daughters of the Domino” here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/daughtersofthedomino/the-daughters-of-the-domino 

Also, if you’d like to hear me on my podcast, check out Musicals with Cheese on the Broadway Podcast Network: https://www.musicalswithcheese.com/ 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jessemcanally.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessemcanally/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-mcanally-58422415a/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseDMcAnally
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeITM_z63nLU02mfVAWNDSw
• SoundCloud: https://musicalswithcheese.com/ 

Image Credits
Sam Nork Photography
Reality Tell Your Vision
Thomas Butcher
Dawn T Visuals