How Everything Fell Into Place in 365 Days
MAKE
The story of how my life changed over the course of 365 days.
By Jordan Velez
To say this past year has been anything short of amazing yet challenging would be a huge understatement.
I got my start at MAKE/ as their Spring Production Intern in January 2021. From that moment on it feels like everything just fell into place. I interned with MAKE/ until May, and within those five months (that absolutely flew by) I was able to gain a great deal of hands-on experience working with the crew on a variety of projects. One of those projects being a feature film (I would tell you but I can’t say just yet)! Being able to work on that feature so early on in my career is what I believe gave me the passion and push to take on future opportunities.
I really focused on soaking in as much knowledge and information as I could over the course of my internship with MAKE/. By the end of it I was very happy with where I was and the work I was able to accomplish, but was eager for more. After a great semester of interning, May was here. I knew my internship was coming to an end but I was not ready to say goodbye to the MAKE/ team or the projects I had grown attached to.
That same May I graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and received my Bachelors Degree in Cinema, Television, and Media Production. I took a few days to celebrate with my family and friends at home, and one week later I was back on set with the MAKE/ crew working as a freelancer. That summer was filled with very creative and challenging projects. It was when I was really able to get into the groove of taking on more responsibility and trying out new roles in the film industry. MAKE/ was really there through all of it and guided and supported me the entire way through. I can’t thank them enough.
While freelancing on a project in July, MAKE/ asked me if I was interested in joining the crew of their feature film Brave the Dark starring Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton. In that moment I felt so many emotions; happy, nervous, excited. I used those feelings and channeled them into saying, “Yes!”, and taking the big leap of working as a Production Coordinator on the film.
One week later I was standing in the Brave the Dark production office working with the crew on the logistics of getting this film started. To have seen this talented crew put so much hard work and passion into this film was unbelievable and the fact that I had the chance to learn and work alongside them is something I’m incredibly grateful for. The 25 days of shooting went by in a blink, and it was rewarding yet hard to see the production come to an end. Working on Brave the Dark is something I’m so proud of and I can’t wait for the world to see this inspirational true story. Make sure to keep an eye out for a cameo by yours truly!
After Brave the Dark wrapped, I joined the MAKE/ crew full time as a Coordinator, which brings us to today. I can’t express how grateful I am for the past year and all of the meaningful work I’ve been able to help create. I couldn’t have done any of it without the amazing support system of my family, friends, and mentors. I’m very excited to see where my new role at MAKE/ will take me next!
