Establishing Shots #10: Jaclyn Rey

Welcome to Establishing Shots, an interview series where we turn a spotlight toward the diverse talent that comprises QuickFrame’s Maker Community, emphasizing the personality and artistry behind some of our top video content makers. Today, we’re talking with Jaclyn Rey, a commercial director/editor based in Atlanta, who specialize in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle space.

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Can you tell us a little bit about your creative career? How did you get started? 

I hail from Nashville, TN, where I cut my teeth in documentary storytelling and music videos. Although the music video world was exciting, at times, something just wasn’t clicking creatively for me. With my move to Atlanta in 2018, I decided to pivot to commercial and branded content work and, finally, I felt like I was thriving creatively. 

Alongside directing, I spent years producing, camera operating, assistant directing and in the darkroom developing photos. Eventually, I found directing and editing to be where I felt most drawn to and leaned in fully. I like to believe my wide range of experience and knowledge in the industry has helped shape the director I am today.

What does your creative process look like? Does it differ from project to project? 

My first move is to take a deep dive into the brand. I check all of their social media profiles, their website, YouTube channel, etc. This gives me a sense of their voice, audience, and aesthetic. Then I take a little time to consume good art to get inspiration and creativity flowing. I look through photographers’ work, listen to music, and watch past ads that I’ve loved. Then I head to the drawing board where I whittle down ideas till I find the best one. 

Tell us about your favorite project (so far!) via QuickFrame. 

My favorite project with QF so far was my first CTV ad for Bare Necessities. This brand and their messaging fell perfectly in my niche and was so fun to create. And I got to work on a set of mostly women, which is a rarity. 

How do you balance your personal creative vision of a project with the goals and needs of the client?

I learned long ago to expect and welcome compromise. You will, no doubt, have to lay down pieces of your creative vision at the request of the client on numerous occasions. There’s a fine line between persuading the client in the best interest of the project and being stubborn about your original creative vision. You have to come in ready to collaborate. 

I try to keep the power of post production in mind. Hopefully, at the end of the project, I can edit a director’s cut that feels a bit more “me” for my own portfolio. 

Outside of being a video creator, do you have any other passions or hobbies that inform who you are and what you create?

I think it’s important, as a creative person, to have hobbies that help us get out of our heads. For me that’s hiking, bouldering, tennis, writing, reading, listening to podcasts, watching good movies and TV, hanging with friends/family, and playing with my dog.

Is there anything else you’d like to share or mention? 

Be a good person. Showing up on calls or on set with a good attitude and respect for those around you will take you far. You’d be surprised how many don’t adhere to this. Be someone people enjoy working with. 

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to follow a similar path as you? 

Where do I start? Get rid of your limiting beliefs and go all in on yourself. Believe in your abilities, find your niche and start making good art in that space. Don’t compare yourself to others along the way. We all are on our own unique journeys and someone else’s success today does not take away from your future success. And don’t forget to celebrate the small wins and help pull up those who come after you. 

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