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Inside Look | Marvin’s SkillBridge Internship

Written by Hanna on . Posted in Blog.

30 days, 240 hours, 14,400 minutes. That’s how long Marvin Gabriel, a dedicated Jpixx freelancer and social media foodie, spent with our team as a full time intern through the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, a transitory experience that helps those who are leaving the military find work opportunities in their area.

As he prepared to exit the military, Marvin was required to spend 45 calendar days (about 30 working days) with an organization of his choosing to assist him with the transition from Sailor to civilian – and we welcomed him with open arms. Now that it’s time for his next journey, we cannot be more thankful for the dedication, passion, and positivity he brought to Jpixx. On his final day in the office as an intern, we asked Marvin a few questions about the Program and his time here. Read on to learn more.

What is the DOD Skillbridge Program?

M: SkillBridge is a privilege- it’s not an entitlement. Your command can keep you for the duration of your program time from six months to 45 days. Outside of that, SkillBridge is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a bridge for a skill set that you want to apply in the civilian world. It doesn’t have to be a field where you excelled in the military, you could jump into a completely different work setting for the life that you want to create outside of the military. So for example, I was a mechanic. I knew nothing about mechanics. I was always into filmmaking and photography. And I had a relationship with Jpixx prior to getting out of the military so I guess I am their first guinea pig for Skillbridge, in a good way!

What did the SkillBridge process look like on the Jpixx side of things?

J: Marvin came to us at the end of last summer and proposed the idea [of the program]. When we looked at it, it’s a good deal for the business because they get somebody that is with them every day and the military pays their wage for the last x amount of days of their service. Because we had already worked with him, we felt very comfortable that he would fit well with our organization and it was a great way to get to know him better and to see what he can do. We filled out a lot of paperwork with several levels of certification, and now Jpixx is certified to be a part of the SkillBridge program for as long as I know, so we will very likely look into it in the future and open it up to anyone across the country. As a company, we’re really excited to be able to take advantage of the program, especially with the success of Marvin.

What have you learned while being in the Jpixx office full time?

M: The biggest thing that I learned being in an agency environment is that everyone has to do their part in order for jobs to get done. If one person slacks off, then the rest of the team has to pick up where you left off, so everybody has to be on the same page. I would say there’s a lot of similarities [between being here and in the military]. Timesheets, for example, are great because you can actually track how many hours are being spent on certain things in order to be more expedient. And in the military we have the same thing, where we log hours that we’re actively working in a specific job task so that the captain or the commander can get an overall view of how work is being delegated, on and off base. 

What would you say about your filmmaking productivity since you’ve been here?

M: Jpixx was a catalyst that allowed me a place to continue developing my creativity and workflow. I found myself in what they call that ‘flow state’ where I’ve built a habit to continue editing and posting on social media continuously. The 9 to 5 is not a 9 to 5, it’s a daily grind for me. Once I get off work, I go straight into another edit. Or straight into another shoot. So being here at Jpixx has allowed me to make content creation a lifestyle, really.

Check out more of Marvin’s original social media content on his pages: @marvinnn.g (IG) and @marvingproductions (YouTube)

Meet the Crew: Caleb

Written by Jon Abrahams on . Posted in Blog, Feature, Personal.

Caleb Chamberlain

Birthday: August 13th, 1996

Sign: Leo

 Role: Filmmaker/Editor/Creative Director

How did you get to Jpixx?
My journey to get to Jpixx is a long one so I will try to keep the story relatively short. In August of 2018, my wife Alexis and I had our wedding and were off on our honeymoon adventure. During this time, we caught suspicion that I had been laid off from my previous place of work. So, at that time we began surfing Indeed.com to see what other job opportunities were out there. We saw Jpixx, checked it out and from there put the idea of applying on the shelf. Once we returned to New Hampshire, I went into my old office and sure enough, our suspicion was confirmed. So I packed up my things, went home and applied to Jpixx. After a few conversations with Teviya and Jon, we found ourselves in a position where we could either stay in New Hampshire and watch our savings drain, or take a chance and move to Virginia Beach to see what could happen. So we packed up our sedan with everything we owned and moved down. The next Monday I went into the Jpixx office and the rest is history!

What aspect of production are you most fond of and why?
This is a tough question because I have always loved everything about creating something start to finish. From planning, shooting, editing and finalizing, there is something in each piece of the puzzle that excites my creativity. If I had to choose one thing as my favorite though I would have to say Visual Effects. I started learning this area of post production when I was 12 years old and since have refined and continued to learn how to improve my skills. There is something about manipulating a shot to create something that can only be done by you and could never be exactly replicated. Since I first opened After Effects to begin learning how to composite, I have had a recurring spark of innovation every time I fire it up!

What do you enjoy most about working at Jpixx?
The people by far. I have never worked with such an eclectic, dynamic, supportive and fun group of people at any other point in my life! All of us at Jpixx are always learning, growing and teaching each other more skills to become better individually and as a group. Also, the parties we throw are always pretty rad.

What has been your favorite shoot so far and why?
I have had the opportunity to work on and direct a lot of great shoots while I have been at Jpixx. But my favorite so far is a project we are still in the middle of working on for the DC Bar. The reason being that it was an opportunity to go back to my roots of run and gun style of filmmaking. For a long time, I did absolutely everything start to finish on projects. But at Jpixx, things are done with a good amount of crew and equipment. At the DC Bar shoot it was almost like everyone on set got to go guerrilla style on their own areas of expertise. I got to focus on strictly lighting, directing and main camera operation while Rodrigo captured audio, Tyler manned our b-camera and Glenn in hand with Triston, took care of production. With each of us focusing on our strengths, we DOMINATED the shoot to create some incredible content at a fast pace.

What do you believe you bring to Jpixx?
As a content creator, I am always trying to learn and expand my knowledge base in the filmmaking world. Sometimes I need to stop and look back to say, “Whoa, I actually made that?” Often, I am criticizing my own work and not recognizing the skills that I actually have a lot of the time. However, I do know that I bring a certain set of skills and knowledge to Jpixx as does everybody on staff/freelancing! Specifically, my post production knowledge and ability to think outside of the box to solve problems. Creative thinking is a skill I have because it’s something that, quite simply, I’ve needed to adapt to in order to thrive in this industry. Jpixx has equipped me with the most resources I have ever had to create and my reputation has always been to go beyond the scope of what I have to produce something stunning. Even now, I am still adjusting to the resources Jpixx has to offer and before you know it, I will probably be pushing the boundaries of that as well. It’s just an instinct I have to always do my best on whatever I am working on!

What is something that Jpixx has showed/taught you?
To enable and equip people to do what they are best at. As stated above, before Jpixx I was a one man band. Any help I had on set was usually just from someone who wasn’t a part of the industry, just willing to give a hand so a lot of the time I would have to teach them how to do things on set. Now being at Jpixx, I have the opportunity to delegate to and trust the people around me which has been an incredible blessing. From on-set crew to the post production workflow, Jpixx has taught me that the people around me are the best filmmaking asset!

Proudest moment as a Jpixx team member and why?
This is an interesting question because I could never honestly answer this about myself. However, my proudest moment would have to be about Lizzie Bankowski. When I joined the Jpixx team, Lizzie was still an intern and was working on a documentary about the fishermen in Virginia Beach. While she was editing, she had asked me for a few tips and tricks to help the process along. As she worked more at Jpixx, her skill set expanded and helped her do more with her documentary. She entered it into a festival and won a bunch of awards for it! I don’t feel I did much in the grand scheme of things, but seeing a coworker succeed, especially if I was able to aid, is always a proud moment.

What advice do you have for other people in the industry?
The best advice I have ever gotten (in one form or another) is simply to, ‘Fail as Fast as Possible.’ The quicker you get all your failures out of the way and accept that your first attempts might not be your best attempts, you will grow exponentially. The more you take this principal to heart, the faster you will learn and the less attached you will become to your own biases when it comes to your art. Now, that was the best advise I have been given. The best advise that I could give is actually something that I said entirely impromptu during a keynote panel that I had the opportunity to speak at. We were doing a Q & A with the audience and somebody asked what they should do if they didn’t have the tools they needed to accomplish their dreams. During a rather long answer that I was giving, I remember saying, “The only way to achieve unlimited resources, is to not allow your resources to limit you.” (sometimes I am ordained with such nuggets of wisdom (chicken nuggets specifically)). Essentially what this means is, if you can dream it, you can probably find a way to make it as long as you look at what you do have and not at what you don’t. Anytime you get something, you are always going to want or ‘need’ to get something else to accomplish it. Now, this doesn’t mean you should never upgrade your equipment or increase your resources, it simply means that if your thinking is bound to that, then you will always be bound to that way of thinking. Once you start thinking beyond what you have and creatively solve your problems to achieve those dreams, you will be an unstoppable creative force.

Favorite hobby/pastime?
Well even in my free time I am filmmaking (it’s an addiction, I will admit it.) But outside of that, I love hiking, coffee and exploring what nature has to offer!

Favorite film?
This question isn’t fair. There are too many. But, it would have to be a tie between The Shawshank Redemption, Hacksaw Ridge, and The Prestige.

Biggest artistic influence?
I have a lot of filmmaking influences that I follow for inspiration but by far my greatest influence is music. No music in particular, just all sorts of music. Whether it is 1920’s show tunes, Rap, Orchestral, Metal or just an ambient track, I am constantly influenced by the music around me.

What drives you? As in, what gets you up to do this everyday?
Filmmaking has always been a passion of mine since I was 6 years old. It’s something that I have always loved and strive to be better at. It is, quite literally, one of the fuels in my life second to my faith and family. The excitement of trying something new, the innovation of the craft, the amount of which it absolutely sucks at some point on every project, the recurring ignition to achieve your goals and the sense of accomplishment and learning you gain by the end is a part of my life. It’s not something I have to think about, it is part of who I am as a person.

What big life change did you experience recently?
On July 3rd, 2019, I got to meet one of the coolest people I know! My son Ryker Ivan was born into the world. He is a great addition to our family and every day is an adventure with him. (And yes, I am working on a documentary about the little dude!)

Follow Caleb’s work on his Instagram here.

Meet the Crew: Metta

Written by Jon Abrahams on . Posted in Blog, Feature, Film & Video, Other.

Metta  

Birthday: May 15th

Sign: Taurus

Role: Editor/Shooter

Meet Metta! She is the eclectic breath of fresh air on the crew. When she’s not dazzling you with her mysterious, magical personality she’s doing what she loves best…shooting. This PBS producer brings a lot of experience and hella funny jokes to the Jpixx crew. And yes…she will drop some cultural knowledge on you with a quickness. #blackgirlmagic in the house! Check her out below 🙂

How did you get your start with Jpixx and what is your title?

Jessa brought me in.

How long have you been on the crew?

2 years

Why do you like working for Jpixx?

Free food, assortment of projects, and a diverse iron sharpening iron atmosphere. Plus Jon has hired a bevy off bad betches that are dope to work with.

Why do you like your job?

It doesn’t feel like a job.

Everybody has a nickname in the crew…what’s yours?

Shanka or Shankakakaaa…I think. You’ll have to ask Jon.

What do you hope to help Jpixx accomplish as a company through your role?

World domination.

While working at Jpixx, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned? (something Jon/Teviya has taught you)

Movement in a shot is okay. The way I was taught to shoot previous to joining JPixx movement wasn’t encouraged.

What’s been your favorite shoot so far?

I don’t have an answer. Anything music related I guess.

What has been the project you worked on that was your proudest?

  1. ETC. Jon told me my edit was ‘booty’ in a nice way. He sat with me patiently until I got it right. I produce news magazine style pieces normally, we don’t really use music. The ETC project was dependent upon editing-to-music which was indeed a learning curve.
  2. Betterment. Jon trusted me as producer and lead to rep Jpixx in Baltimore. Dominique was my 2nd. Black girl magic ensued. The client was pleased.

What’s your favorite Jpixx film?

In Captivity.

Favorite film of all time?

I don’t have an answer.

Favorite Food?

Food.

Music?

I’m pretty open.

Hobbies? What do you do on your free time?

That’s classified.

What motto/quote do you live by?

Love and light, always. And is it free?

What is your advice to aspiring photographers/videographers? 

Be bold. Timid don’t get you nowhere.

Where can we see more of your work? 

http://ideastations.org/watch/virginia-currents

Meet the Crew: Will

Written by Jon Abrahams on . Posted in Advertising, Blog, Feature, Film & Video, Other.

He’s our favorite red head on the planet and probably the coolest, kindest guy around. Will came to the crew as a P.A. and learned his way around the camera and movi (through Master Jon of course) with lightening speed. This creative now spends his time traveling with his super amazing girlfriend Shana (pronounced Shaw-na), playing in his band, Turncoat Syndicate, yesss they’re gnarly, and shooting music videos, real estate and many Jpixx shoots. Check him out.

Will
Birthday: November 25th
Sign: Sagittarius
Role: Krew

How did you get your start with Jpixx and what is your title?
I applied for an internship with Jpixx (Sept – Dec 2016) on a whim. When I got the position I quit my job and haven’t looked back.

How long have you been on the crew?
Sept 2016

Why do you like working for Jpixx?
Working for Jpixx doesn’t feel like work. Even post internship, If you were to ask me to preform any of the jobs we have taken on free of charge, my answer would always be yes. It’s not just that I love holding a camera for a work, it’s the fact that Jon and crew maintain the perfect fun to professional ratio.

Everybody has a nickname in the crew…what’s yours?
Jon is really trying to make “Playboy” stick, but I have yet to be referred to as that.

What do you hope to help Jpixx accomplish as a company through your role?
Being that my work with Jpixx is often sporadic, I hope to come to each shoot and be able to share something new that I have learned while apart.
While working at Jpixx, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned? (something Jon/Teviya has taught you)
I have learned that in this industry there is no shortage of talent & competence, but there seems to be a shortage of passionate and personable professionals. That is what sets Jpixx apart.

Has Jon or Teviya taught you something that you didn’t know before and continue to use to this day?
Besides the numerous programs, techniques and protocols, they have tough me the importance of staying engaged in a project throughout. Might seem like a small detail, but if you watch Jon’s face while conducting an interview you can see he is listening and not just searching for the next question.

What’s been your favorite shoot so far?
Probably the NNPD S.W.A.T. shoot, if only because of the ability to run lead on such a killer shoot.

What do you like about shooting and what’s your proudest project with Jpixx?
I love to shoot (stills and/or video) because it gives me the opportunity to construct a story from little pieces of reality. As for the second part of the question, I am very proud of the SWAT shoot, but also proud of the many J&A shoots. Those have taught me to adapt an overcome even in the face of bad weather, damaged equipment and stolen bikes.

How have you been able to grow as a photographer by working with Jpixx?
There are some obvious answers here that deal with technique and equipment, but I still maintain that the relationship that Jpixx fosters with it’s subjects is the most admirable. Mastering this would make any photographer far more efficient.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future as an artist?
I hope to display and maybe even sell some of my photography in a physical setting.

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened on set?
I have always enjoyed watching crew struggle to fold a reflector (the way I did when I started)

What’s your favorite Jpixx film?
Carried Away… the reflector work is spot on.

Favorite film of all time?

Space Jam 2

Favorite Food?
Crawfish

Music?
Broken Social Scene

Hobbies? What do you do on your free time?

Write music

What motto do you live by?
Don’t look back. You’re not going that way.

Got any projects you’d like to plug?

Turncoat Syndicate album drops summer 2018.

Where can people see your work?

www.willclarkedesigns.com

Meet the Crew: Chandler

Written by Jon Abrahams on . Posted in Advertising, Blog, Feature, Film & Video, Other.

Chandler is the man behind the cam. When his baby blues aren’t buried in the viewfinder, he’s normally telling hilarious jokes or somewhere being the awesome Life of the Party. You see what I did there? Check out this cool kid below.

Birthday: October 1st

Sign: Libra

Role: Video Lead

How did you get your start with Jpixx and what is your title?

I’ve been a Jpixx fan since high-school so once they put out the word for their first Production Intern I had to apply! Fortunately I got the internship and the rest is history! I am currently Video Lead.

How long have you been on the crew?

I was an Intern in the summer of 2014 and began working freelance with Jpixx shortly after. I came back every year during my summer breaks and once I graduated college, I was offered a full-time position. For those keeping score it’s 1 summer as an intern, 1.5 years freelance, 1 year full time, 3 years total.

Why do you like working for Jpixx?

Jpixx has given me the opportunity to go behind the scenes of some of the most fascinating and exciting happenings around Hampton Roads! Exploring cities and facilities, learning about different jobs, Listening to peoples stories, we are always meeting someone new or capturing something amazing!

Everybody has a nickname in the crew…what’s yours?

…Sweet Pea. Don’t ask.

What do you hope to help Jpixx accomplish as a company through your role?

I try to bring my personal experience as a filmmaker to every role I am presented with whether it’s trying to write an engaging script or put together a colorful cast for a project. I want to help the company continue to work with great clients and integrating our projects into the community.

While working at Jpixx, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned? (something Jon/Teviya has taught you)

I’ve learned a lot about video production techniques and running a production company but perhaps the most valuable skills I’ve learned working here are how to treat people and build relationships. This business is all about the rapport you build with your clients and the connections you create with your crew. They have taught me to always be kind, and generous and when that doesn’t work, try to be understanding.

Has Jon or Teviya taught you something that you didn’t know before and continue to use to this day?

Backup your stuff.

What’s been your favorite shoot so far?

“The Tide” music video was one of the first projects I assisted on but it’s still one of the most ambitious and fun projects I’ve ever done with Jpixx.

What do you like about shooting and what’s your proudest project with Jpixx?

I like to apply my skills in new ways and with Jpixx, we do everything from marketing campaigns to music videos. I’d say I’ve been most proud with our weekend projects such as Shamrock Marathon and Harborfest where our whole crew is pushing themselves to the limit and we deliver a video we are proud of before the weekend is over!

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened on set?

Typically anything with Jessa Gaul.

What’s your favorite Jpixx film?

In Captivity

Favorite film of all time?

Snatch

Favorite Food?

Chicken Carbonara

Music?

Matt and Kim

Hobbies? what do you do on your free time?

I cook as often as I can (and whenever I can get someone to eat it) I write frequently and I’ve been dabbling in acting and stand-up. But I ALWAYS make time for my favorite video games!

What motto do you live by?

“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” – Epictetus

Do you have any films coming out you’d like to plug?

In my spare time I’ve been dabbling in 360 video so stay tuned for the release of our 2 VR films “The Life of the Party” and “Lunar Lockdown”!

Where can people see your work?

www.youtube.com/user/premadepros

 

Meet the Crew: Karla

Written by Jon Abrahams on . Posted in Blog, Feature, Film & Video, Other.

Birthday: January 15th

Sign: Capricorn

Role: Editor, Photographer, Videographer and Sound

Say hello to Karla! When she’s not editing, she’s air bound traveling or outdoors, usually caffeine ridden. This multi-talented artist utilizes her great eye for visual storytelling not only at Jpixx but in the local film community. Get to know her below 🙂

How did you get your start with Jpixx and what is your title?

I found a Part-time Video Editor position on Indeed.com and applied!I am officially a full-time Visual Content Producer. Mostly editing or photography, or videography, or sound..

How long have you been on the crew?

Hmm, it’s been over 2 years now.

Why do you like working for Jpixx?

The best part of working with Jpixx is being around a diverse group of people. Everyone has a unique great personality and it’s always a blast whether we are out on a shoot or in the office.

Everybody has a nickname in the crew…what’s yours?

Jon calls me K-spin but I’m trying to stick ‘hollapino’.

What do you hope to help Jpixx accomplish as a company through your role?

I hope that the quality of my work authentically represents Jpixx and helps to deliver a product the company and client can be proud of.

What do you hope to accomplish as a photographer/editor?

To continue cultivating and expanding my skills with each project or shoot I have the opportunity to be a part of.

While working at Jpixx, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned?

That it takes a lot of dedication to accomplish great things. It’s easy to have ideas but it takes hard work and commitment to execute them. Jon and Teviya have made Jpixx their life and that’s led to its’ success.

Has Jon or Teviya taught you something that you didn’t know before and continue to use to this day?

They taught me that this area has the potential to be whatever I want it to be and that I am surrounded by creative and passionate people. There are many resources here and it just takes reaching out to collaborate on a project.

What’s been your favorite shoot so far?

Probably Carried Away because there is a scene that included a lot of ice cream eating behind the scenes. I think I ate like 3 ice cream cones that afternoon. Other than that I love shooting events that require me to interview people. I love hearing different people’s life stories.

What do you like about shooting and what’s your proudest project with Jpixx?

Shooting is fun because it doesn’t really feel like work. Well, it does.. but time flies when we are shooting and it’s because I am fully engaged in what I am doing.

How has Jpixx helped you grow as an artist?

Jpixx has seriously encouraged me to become a better editor. There is just tons of support between everyone and I am always asking questions and learning new tips, tricks, and methods to improve my work. It’s a pool of knowledge in that office.

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened on set?

Just general tomfoolery. We recently got poured on while roller skating and went on a shopping spree, that was pretty hilarious. Our trip to Richmond last year was fun, we played Hide and Go Seek in the dark and I was seriously giddy with excitement, I felt like a 10 year old all over again, except with Jameson.

What’s your favorite Jpixx film?

SERVIR. I wasn’t onboard for this project but I love seeing Jpixx on a global level. So much of the company contains diverse people, personalities, and perspectives. So to see them telling the stories of people around the world really just makes me happy.

Favorite film of all time?

This is hard because there are so many good ones! My all time would probably be Goodfellas. But there are movies I could watch a million times over and never get sick of like Coneheads, Selena, Grease, Wanderlust – and pretty much any Judd Apatow movie.

Favorite Food?

Also very hard because I love food! I’d have to saaaay homemade spanish food. Arroz con gandules with cabbage and tostones on the side. I also love black raspberry ice cream.

Music?

I like music that brings you back to a specific moment in time. Like All Night Long, by Lionel Richie. It brings me back to my sister’s wedding in Cancun, dancing on the rooftop overlooking the beach with my family. Any song by El Ten Eleven reminds me of my cross country trip with my best friend. And any song off Usher’s Confession, reminds me of all of 8th grade and that time in my life where I was living almost completely carefree.

Hobbies? What do you do on your free time?

Food, movies, and anything active really. When I have the time and money I like to travel. I’m also currently trying to strengthen my spanish!

What motto do you live by?

It doesn’t have to be complicated.

What projects are you working on outside of Jpixx?

I recently started a photo/video project that I have big hopes for. I’m also editing a short film written and shot by local filmily members.

Where can people see your work?

You can see most of my work on Jpixx’s Youtube of course! I also have a Vimeo page, that consists of a lot of a variety through new and old videos and my real estate portfolio page can be found at thoughtprojectionsmedia.com

An Interview on Zak’s Movie Show

Written by Jon Abrahams on . Posted in Blog, Film & Video, Other, Publicity.

The brains behind Jpixx were recently interviewed and featured on Zak’s Movie Show, hosted by Channel 757.  Listen and find out exactly why we’re called Jpixx and get the dish on who spilled the beans (or a little something more).  Get juicy details about a celebrity crush, the Jamie Foxx after party, and info on past and potential film projects!

Zak’s Movie Show also reveals a surprise to Jpixx so check out the podcast to find out what we’re so excited about!
http://channel757.net/zaks-movie-show/meeting-the-abrahams-zaks-movie-show/