Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Shaffer.
Hi Jamie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
How I started… I was always raised to dream big and never settle. My mom, southern and with heart of gold raised me on her own during a time where having a bi-racial child wasn’t too cool with the locals. She made it happen completely, always making sure me and my brother Clayton had a place to call home and never wanted for much. That said, I remember a time when my mom would be in the kitchen and I’d be playing pretend in the living room. I’d always try to make the neighborhood kids play out skits I would write.
It seems like yesterday, but I actually started off as a Production Assistant. Up until the day I got the call from the Production Manager I had been working as an Email Marketing Strategist for a company based in Buckhead. The job was great, but the daily office scene wasn’t for me. The day I got the call I remember I was in a local grocery store. I turned down the canned food aisle and my phone started ringing. I answered and the man on the other end of the call goes, “Hey Jamie, it’s Jeremy from American Idol.” I stopped dead in my tracks and started screaming! Right there in the canned food aisle I dropped my basket and was just bouncing up and down. I tapped on this man that was strolling by and shook him, then jumped back on the line. I was excited, nervous, and ready to AUDITION! He quickly redirected my energy. “No, this is for the production Jamie. Calm down.” Thats how I started. Excited. Ready!
As a side note, I cannot hold a tune — at all.
Today, I’m still growing. I honestly never say no to anything!
Now I’m just coming off of Divorce Court, and joining the team of MysticArt Pictures for Judge Steve Harvey and soon to be joining Production for the show as well. All while still hoping to change the world. I love creating in all ways though. Producing has taught me to face all things head-on and not to let up until the end!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is always rough, isn’t it? I mean even now, there are deadlines, checkpoints, meetings. No one can ever be ready for the things that God or the Universe puts us up against. The pandemic for me was a scary moment. I thought, “Well, this is it. We’re all dying.” That said, I kept going of course, and still sometimes get nervous about what is next.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an associate and casting producer for reality television. During the pandemic, I was entered into the Commercial Casting Directors Association which was an honor, to say the least. I have always loved film; from an early age, I would stay up late and watch MTV Classic. Today, I love seeing people explode on the camera!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
People I look to for inspiration or guidance:
Cloud Wallace – He is 9 years old and has Phelan-Mcdermid Syndrome and is on the Autism Spectrum. He has taught me how love can spread even without words! I sincerely hope that in our time they find new treatments and solutions for PMS. Here’s the syndrome’s organization website: www.pmsf.org
Jeffrey Karantza – My fellow copyright and friend; He gave me my first ever casting job where we auditioned extremely talented dancers for a promotional video shoot.
Crystal Kelly – Emmy-winning producer! She is my coach and a friend who I honestly can say has taught me so much about being balanced, focused, and being powerful when producing.
Damon Furberg – A crazy amazing leader and friend over at Lighthearted Entertainment, Damon through the pandemic pushed for more, and we made it happen.
Jessica Yoshimura – The Zen to everything, Jessica is a friend and colleague who is bounces ideas off and with me! We have turned crowds around in 4 hours and built masterpieces!
Contact Info:
- Email: j.e.shaffer@icloud.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Thatdudejayme?fbclid=IwAR2VgVHkVWm3uenHzfej7q4FaaNkzjDU8-VYf0lobYrEuMCckMFQOZhR2Fs
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieeshaffer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieShffr/
