Jessica (00:00) I actually think it is a strength to be a female in this case. and even directors, I think they sense it and that's why they sometimes send us for certain things. Especially with like, if women wanna have like a vulnerable talk, I think sometimes they feel more comfortable with a female op. around them and listening to them. Madelyn (00:28) everybody, welcome to the Unscripted Files. My name is Madeline Cunningham. I am a development producer in the unscripted industry, bringing you candid conversations with the minds behind your favorite form of entertainment. Today's has been behind the lens on shows like Are You The One for ABC, which is the Virgin Dating show, which we get. really, really into, Top Chef Mexico, The Bachelor of Germany, and many, many more. It was really cool to talk to her about her process, the important mentor she's had in her life over her career, and great to just dive in. I love seeing women behind the camera and love chatting with them. So this was really a cool, conversation with Jessica Arzate I hope you enjoy. Madelyn (01:12) Jessica Arzate, welcome to the podcast. How you doing? Jessica (01:16) I'm doing great, thank you for having me. Madelyn (01:18) Absolutely. So excited to have you. You're on your first cup of coffee over on the West Coast. I'm on my afternoon coffee over here. Do you have a morning routine or anything? Jessica (01:26) Hahaha. Yeah, I honestly usually wake up early and go take a walk. I live really close to Griffith Park. Madelyn (01:37) Okay, got it. you're up, early bird gets the worm. I like that. I cannot relate, but I aspire. I like my whole life has been like, be a morning person. So maybe I'll get there someday. ⁓ I'm super excited to chat with you. So I found you because I was looking through credits of Are You My First, which is the... Jessica (01:48) Yeah. Madelyn (01:57) Virgin dating show now out on ABC and I saw that your camera op there and then you've also worked on some other really cool reality shows in international formats. Top Chef Mexico, The German Bachelor referred to as Der Bachelorette, right? And then Real Housewives Melbourne as well as a ton of other credits. And I just, you know, frankly, I love seeing women on the camera. Like it makes me so happy. So I'm super, super stoked to chat with you. Jessica (02:12) Yeah. Madelyn (02:25) What first drew you to cameras? Like what was the spark for you? Jessica (02:30) I think initially I wanted to work in film. I didn't know exactly, there was a camera department, I assume, but didn't really know. And then through a cinematographer mentor I encountered, he explained that's part of the job and I was just like, wow, I wanna do that, that sounds like the most fun. So I think it was just curiosity. Madelyn (02:55) I love that. mean, having mentors is so important. Has there been a lot of those as you've grown in your career, people who you've looked up to, who have sort of given you a hand up and helped you navigate your career? Jessica (03:09) Yeah, honestly, I think I've been lucky to, yes, encounter people who are very generous. I think especially, honestly, cinematography department, camera department, it's something that passes on. Like there's no true secrets. You just have to like practice and do. So yeah, I've been lucky to have both male and female mentors along the career. Madelyn (03:34) that's wonderful. Can you share a bit about you're formally trained in this, right? So can you talk to me a bit about your training, your education, like formal and sort of like informal hands on and how that foundation continues to influence your work now? Jessica (03:50) Yeah, so right out of high school, I took like a leap here. I went traveling and then I ended up, yeah, I recommend it. It was good. And then I ended up in Madrid taking and learning how to shoot on 16 millimeter film. It wasn't like for my own cinematography training, but like they teach you how to load and expose a film. And then I went back to Mexico and there I... Madelyn (03:56) We all should do that, my gosh. Jessica (04:17) Like I met again with one of my previous mentors and he took me on to like a project as a camera assistant. And he was the VP for Top Chef Mexico. So he brought me on to that show. And then like I would say for like five, six years, like, I went from acing to come up like not really having a formal train, just like being on set. Madelyn (04:29) awesome. Jessica (04:43) And in 2022, I did the AFI cinematography program here in LA. And that's, yeah, I lead that master's program and that's why I'm here in LA. I stayed after AFI. Madelyn (05:00) Amazing. so Top Chef Mexico, I what a way to have an entry into this particular industry. I mean, that's a high, like fast paced competition show, a lot of cameras, a lot of angles, a lot of choreography. What do you feel like it was your biggest takeaway after you had that experience? Jessica (05:13) Yeah. I think because I was kind of like new into like the whole set world I just assumed like oh you just gotta be really fast and you just gotta do I was an AC actually I kind of like AC flash end up up in there because one come up like he couldn't come at the end every day so I will like replace him but I just think also like being new or like naive is just like, okay, sure, like they're doing it. I'm just gonna do it. I just have to like, yeah, you don't know where. think my biggest takeaway was just being like super organized, know, like they're so like, yeah, different cameras. Every up has their own thing. I remember just like being very like organized as an AC and then everyone was super like. Madelyn (05:56) Right? You don't know what you don't know. Jessica (06:20) time too. Like, oh yeah, when I step up as up at the end, everyone was like, yeah, you can do it. You've been working really hard all season. So I think that encouragement was just like great to have. Like you're not afraid. I think it was lucky in that sense. Later on, I would say like I was more conscious of like what I was doing and a bit more afraid. But back then, this is like 2014. So like more than 10 years ago. Madelyn (06:27) That's nice. Well, that youthful confidence can come in handy. you think when you step on a set, especially as a young person trying to sort of break into the industry and learn? What do you think is the sing, like you said, organized is something that you really focused on, but is there sort of a singular trait that you're like, this is really important? Like, is it curiosity, organization? Is it? being a yes man, like what do you feel like is the singular trait that's important when you're first trying to sort of break through and learn? Jessica (07:15) I think, like back then yeah, I was, I mean in Mexico I think like, what is the word, like positions, you know, I was very respectful of like, oh, this is a VP, this is a come up and like knowing my place in terms of like, this is what I'm being paid to do. So I was like already doing that, but I also think what you mentioned, like being young and just like. Madelyn (07:29) Mm-hmm. Jessica (07:45) a bit like fearless in that sense, like you're not very aware of everything. So just like taking advantage of, of like if you're doing good enough, like your job, you can probably like people want to help you and people, so just like taking that and like the opportunity, if the opportunity comes like, hey, you wanna come up while he takes a break. Like, of course, I like take it seriously, but also knowing that like, Madelyn (08:00) Mm-hmm. Jessica (08:13) Practice gets you better. Like you're not gonna be the best right away Madelyn (08:18) Right, yeah. And that's hard to accept sometimes. Like I'm such a perfectionist. It's hard to, like, I don't know, especially on a stage like that when I think about them giving you a chance to op and there's like a lot of other people in the room, but just being willing to put yourself out there and learn like is the only way. And I think that's a super cool story. So you're in Los Angeles now, but you were born in Mexico City, right? So born and raised there. I mean, how did... that particular upbringing and that environment shape your perspective as a filmmaker. Jessica (08:50) I think... I can think of two ways. One is like problem solving. think... I mean I'm saying like back then because I do feel it's been like there's a change 10 years ago to now but like there weren't as many productions and as many resources so you gotta be very like problem solving like okay we may don't have this. equipment or this mini crew. So like, how are we going to make it work? I feel like that's what I saw from like the people I work with and something I like bring on. And also just working around really harsh sunlight. Because like in Mexico City, there's like, yeah, the sun is very high up for like most of the day. Like it's like pretty early morning light for an hour and then it's like horrible light and then it's like nice for an hour. Madelyn (09:29) That's actually so true. Jessica (09:42) So I think that's something I see like working in other places like, sunlight, isn't us. I mean, at least you go again, close to the equator. But yeah, we work a lot with what we have and you just gotta make it work. So I think that's something that sometimes I feel spoiled in other places. ⁓ Madelyn (09:59) Yeah, sure. When you see that, yes. But I think that's so critical because I just think it's an invaluable thing to learn and a trait to have is to work with very little. And then when you get a lot, you can shoot for the moon. But ultimately being able to make it work, I think is an invaluable trait and really important as we see. budgets and schedules and things that we know and unscripted, it's pretty quick and unexpected. And so I think that resourcefulness I'm sure comes in handy. And like I said, reality shows can be super unscripted at times. you start off with Top Chef Mexico, but what continues to attract you in this particular space? Like, why do you really, why is reality and unscripted really appealing to you? Jessica (10:47) Hmm, I think Something I like a lot I would say is the environment like the people who work on unscripted They all are very to me very adventurous they all like usually come from different parts of the world and then they all Travel to like go certain place and shoot this project So I think that, yeah, just it's a little bit more, not always, but usually more relaxed in terms of probably scripted sometimes. In terms of the subject matter, usually it's fun, outdoors, at the beach, people wanna get to know each other in the show. So I think it does just divide. is fine. Madelyn (11:38) Yeah, there's a little more of a laid back nature to it a bit. Well, that's nice. You've worked on other, so when you did German Bachelor, was that in Germany, the Real Housewives of Melbourne? So what differences do you see, like maybe cultural differences and sort of shows filmed in the US versus in Down Under or in Germany with those crews? Like what differences did you observe? Jessica (11:41) Yeah. I mean I think Well, I would say, I mean the German bachelor, I would say it was very interesting that there was like beers in the craft because it was so hot. Madelyn (12:18) Wait, that is funny. Jessica (12:20) But I thought it was hilarious. I mean, honestly, I feel like there's a, not like a recipe, but we all are trying to tell the story of like, Madelyn (12:20) never. Jessica (12:30) You know if it's a dating, it's like this group of women I think actually find more similarities than difference. I find it like you just go with the same purpose like trying to do a good job getting the, maybe yeah, the hours can be different. For the German one, I think it was 10 hours max compared to here, which it's 12. Yeah, maybe just that. But in terms of like the way we work, I would say it's very similar. Madelyn (12:53) Mm. Mm-hmm. I love that. think, I mean, ultimately the hierarchy of a film set and how you approach it is the same across cultures. Like everyone has their job. Everyone knows what the brief is. And there's something really cool and beautiful about that. Even if they're the differences that there's beer and crafty, that's amazing. you've worked on like big formatted competition shows, dating shows. Jessica (13:10) Yeah. Madelyn (13:25) you know, and you're getting your, you know, sort of orders from the top down when you're op-ing specifically, but what are you, what do you feel like sort of defines the way you creatively approach these shows in reality specifically? Jessica (13:38) I think there's opportunity, especially if there's not like something urgent happening where it then you just gotta like go and try to capture it. But I think every time I see reality TV be more elevated, like there's more style into it. And I think you can, I mean you have a camera, you have a lens, you can always be creative with that. meaning how you're framing it. I think I've also been lucky to work with directors and DPs who allow you to do that. German, the one from Are You My First, he is amazing and he'll really encourage you to go creative with framing. If you're seeing something like a foreground that's beautiful, you can be more abstract. I think it also comes to the creative team allowing you to do that. Madelyn (14:35) Well, that's nice, especially for a first series right off the bat where they could really micromanage the look and feel and the creative. It's so nice to be given some freedom and liberty and trust to go with your gut and experiment a little and get to follow that sort of creativity. But let's dive in for sure into Are You My First. Like I said, this is the, I'm sure this was an absolute trip to be a part of. This is, Jessica (14:40) Yeah. Yeah. Madelyn (14:59) First season's it's ABC, it's the Virgin Dating show. I was just catching up on it a little bit. And I'm not gonna lie, even some of the interviews were so, I was like my jaw kind of dropped at how open everyone was about things. So, it's a fresh format. How did you get involved with the show? Is it someone you'd worked with previously who gave you a call? Jessica (15:21) Yeah, German Abaraka, he's an amazing director. He's done a bunch of reality shows and other stuff. I worked with him in Surreal Life, ⁓ the blackout season. And yeah, he just passed my name along for this one. So they reached out. They were looking also like a mix of different nationalities. So it also worked. Madelyn (15:35) yeah. Jessica (15:48) They were people from Spain, Panama, mean technically I came from the US but I'm from Mexico so it just worked out. Madelyn (15:49) I love that. I love that. How do you, know, the show, there's dating moments, there's a lot of vulnerability of talking about bodies and sex and like all of the above. So how did you sort of go about capturing this? Like what was your particular goal? Whether it was, and I don't know if you were like, if you specifically did interviews or more out in the field, like if you wanna talk more. Jessica (16:08) Yeah. Madelyn (16:26) about specifically sort of where you were in the production, I'd love to hear more too. Jessica (16:30) Yeah, it was a mix because we all have, we're divided in schedules, right? Some started like really early on and like, yeah, we go like that. So sometimes we will, I would be in the interview, sometimes I'll be with them on the dates or on the house and the villa. And yeah, I think it's, I actually think it is a strength to be a female in this case. Madelyn (16:38) Mm. Jessica (16:56) I do think, and even directors, I think they sense it and that's why they sometimes send us for certain things. Especially with like, if women wanna have like a vulnerable talk, they're, I we are just, I mean, obviously it's not about like a female trait. Male can also be there, but I think sometimes they feel more comfortable with a female op. around them and listening to them. So I actually think this goes both ways for scripted and unscripted. Like you are the person who are like closest to them, either they're performing like a script or like their real lives to just like have a lot of respect for them and allowing them to be themselves. Madelyn (17:46) was going to ask if you felt like it was an advantage because again, when I'm looking at the content of the show, dating is vulnerable anyway, but this specifically is getting into like, I mean, people are talking about health conditions, like trauma. There's a whole wealth of reasons why at this particular point in their life, they are still a virgin. And so, and that's a lot to like talk about. So, you know, how do you... What is sort of a rule for yourself when you're on set, you're in close proximity with people, like just making them feel comfortable and making sure that the environment feels safe? Jessica (18:23) Yeah, I think there's, mean, and I remember this from the first reality, like it was like, you're not allowed to like talk to the contestant or like establish relationships because like you gotta be like a ghost. And I, yeah, like don't, because they're also like in, you know, they're like not seeing their families nor talking on the phone usually. So they're looking for connection. Madelyn (18:35) Right. Right, you have to be a robot. Sure, sure. Jessica (18:51) outside too of their contestants. But I think it is like a human thing. Like even though I'm not their friend, I think just like an energy thing. Like they know you're there to like make them look good and you're not there to judge. You're just there to like capture what's going on. And I think they're like an understanding. Madelyn (18:53) Right, right, right. Jessica (19:20) like unspoken is not like we say like hey I got but I think there is a certain like agreement yeah Madelyn (19:21) Mm-hmm. think among women there absolutely is. I mean, there really is. There's an unspoken kinship, I think, and safety there. And I think that's really important. And I'm really glad that whoever was crew, the director understood the need for that. And it's... Jessica (19:33) Yeah. Yeah. Madelyn (19:48) It's really, really great thing to be cognizant of, again, especially as we have these contestants being pretty vulnerable. Yes, they signed up for it, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't provide them with the safety that they need to talk about things that are super relatable and everyone are going through. You talked early on about how growing up in Mexico City really taught you how to work with direct sunlight. So that's a very specific challenge there. What were some, you shot in Costa Rica for this series. Jessica (19:54) Yeah. Yeah. Madelyn (20:15) What were any, were there any unique visual or technical challenges that you guys had to overcome just based, you know, because of the content, the location, what was unique to this series specifically? Jessica (20:27) In this one, think we had the rain sometimes come our way. It was like really humid. I mean, I remember it was really fun, but sometimes I'm like, mosquitoes were crazy. My hair was like this big. It was really humid. And sometimes we had to stop because the rain would be so intense that it wasn't safe. And we had an amazing idea. Madelyn (20:44) Hehehe Jessica (20:53) gaffer they will always like producers prioritize our safety and the contestants and because we were shooting like near pool near the ocean like if it's raining and lighting was getting intense we had to stop but most of the crew was we were living like not in the same villa but we it was a walking distance thing so we could just go to our rooms and like be safe from rain and then like go back to work Madelyn (21:15) Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Jessica (21:20) So I think that was a challenge, just like work around weather. Yeah. Madelyn (21:24) the weather. It makes sense in sort of a tropical location, for sure. So how were there any very specific creative choices, know, framing, lenses, movement that, you know, the director had a vision for that differentiated this from other dating series or that at least felt bespoke to this particular series? Jessica (21:48) Yeah, we also had Pasha, he was the VP on this project. He made this really cool visual book, like he sent us why he was envisioning for it. And I think he actually used AI reference so he could like describe the scenario. So it wasn't like from other shows, he really invested on what was. Madelyn (22:12) Mm-hmm. Jessica (22:15) he was hoping for and I think he got some great ideas. We were trying to do like French overs, like not be so straight on if there was opportunity for the conversation. like being far away all the ways to mean so we have this feeling of like more intimate and like give them space to be. Madelyn (22:23) Mm-hmm. This is the second time I've heard French overs this week. This is so funny. I don't know what I have like, who was I just talking to who said that they had a DP who loves French overs? That's really funny. Okay, sorry. So continue. You guys had a really great visual reference for this show. Cause I get that, I get that you don't want to be too derivative of ABC. Cause like you still have to fit in the ABC dating universe that has the bachelor, bachelorette, golden bachelor. Jessica (22:39) laughs ⁓ you Yeah. Madelyn (23:02) BIP, so you still have to live in that universe while also differentiating yourself too. Jessica (23:09) Yeah, and I think, I also think like audience, I mean they're more there for the content than for the visuals I feel, but I do think like every time there's more elevated like reality TV. So I think when there's opportunity like the interview rooms, if they can like play with lighting and colors, I mean I think those are yeah like opportunities to have a look or do something different. But yeah, as an up, would say just sometimes, yeah, to be like also bring storytelling elements. Like if they're like each other, but they're sitting in different corners, then like maybe do a wide shot that shows where they are in the room and like who's feeling what. think, yeah, those are some elements. Madelyn (23:58) I love it. did you have any kind of wild unexpected moments on set where you were like, oh my gosh, we got to go get this? What was kind of, you know, what were some of the most unexpected, unexpected things that kind of happened? Jessica (24:09) Yeah, think honestly, hearing their conversations, I don't know, I learned a bunch from them. Like, I think they all had such different stories. As you said, like why they're still virgins. So I think it was very interesting because it was just like, okay, they're talking sometimes you just said. Madelyn (24:19) Yeah, yes. Jessica (24:33) there with them, like they're sitting down, they're like, okay, I'm just gonna like sit and like record this. But then I'll be like, I don't know, some would talk about religion, some would talk about like, what was their idea of this happening? And I was, mean, I was just like, wow, like there's such different ways of thinking about this subject. ⁓ Especially they were all from the US, so it wasn't like, all around the world, like in this thing. Madelyn (24:57) Mm-hmm. Jessica (25:02) geography space, I don't know how to say it, there's like so many diverse way of thinking. So that was very interesting. Madelyn (25:04) Yeah, yeah. Yes. Well, it's, I agree. think, I think that the way that the show dives into attitudes about virginity, sex, dating, I do think it's really interesting because culturally the U S has a very different what tends to be a puritanical perspective on these things. And so the way that this was a dating show, but also examined those things, I think was really interesting. So I could absolutely believe that like, Jessica (25:23) Mm-hmm. Madelyn (25:34) the most unexpected thing here was just hearing people. Cause even when I was watching an interview just now, I was like, she said that. my gosh. Like I've never, I've never heard someone be that vulnerable about that particular thing on camera ever. And I think it was, so I'm sure there was a lot of like staying composed and just like listening, which is really, really cool and super, super necessary. Was there a moment from Jessica (25:40) Yeah. Yeah. Madelyn (25:58) this show specifically that just stands out to you as like a perfect example of why you love your job. Like a day on set or a moment where you're like, ugh, this is why I love this. Jessica (26:09) Yeah, I think maybe two. One of the days I was sent to do like B-Row, which was really cool. think was Dani her name. She was like a local who like drove us to like these waterfalls and like these hidden like little beach and I don't know it was beautiful. Just like oh my god I get to like travel and see these beautiful places and You usually go with sound or an AC so you're like, okay, let's take these and stop, get lunch. I don't know, I just remember that day being like, this was so fun and I'm getting paid to do this. And then maybe another day, I would say the end episode, that was really fun. We were in the hotel with them shooting while they were getting ready for their final. So they were all really nervous. I mean, I guess I can spoil, but I was with, I forgot her name, but she's the one who like won. And I was with that couple and they were very cute. Like you could see also their progress from like when they entered the show to like that moment and how excited they were to be together. And like, I don't know, I feel like that was really, really cool to shoot and witness and be with them. Madelyn (27:10) Okay, yep. Jessica (27:28) Yeah. Madelyn (27:28) Yes. Yeah, I haven't finished the series yet, but it's my understanding that no one loses it, right? Like I literally was like, wait a second, you're telling me no one loses it? Like I was actually shocked because I kind of thought that was like, like I was like, we have too hot to handle and we, and then we have this and no, like, so I was shocked that that wasn't a, that wasn't a format beat to be honest. Jessica (27:34) Yeah. Yeah! Yeah. Yeah. I know. On the spectrum, Of like, from one show to the other, it's like, oh my god, so different. Madelyn (27:57) Yeah. Yeah, but well, that's cool. I love that that felt rewarding for you just to like see, I don't know, personal growth and like, I feel like that is something that is really cool, getting a front row seat to that for sure. Okay, I have some like fun first questions for you in honor of, you my first? What was the first camera you ever picked up? Jessica (28:12) Yeah. Ooh. Ugh. I'm like, well, my dad had a film camera, so I would say probably like that one. I like to play with that one. But like for actually reality show, I think it was like a Sony FS7 or something like that. Yeah. Madelyn (28:29) Yeah. Okay, okay, but dad's film camera. I love that. I mean, I don't know, I don't know, how old are you? Jessica (28:40) Yeah. I'm 33. Madelyn (28:46) Okay, we're like the same age, but like having a camera growing up was not a thing. It seems like it's so normal now, but like your dad having a film camera is really cool because that was like not many people did. And so how cool to just kind of have that experience early on. Jessica (28:51) you Yeah. Yeah, and I would bring it to school and take pictures. So I was like the girl that takes pictures. Yeah. Madelyn (29:05) Wait, I love that. That's cool. That's cool. First thing, first thing you crave after a long shoot. Jessica (29:13) usually honestly sugar stuff like either like you know there's like this yogurt I'm like I said bread but it's like so sugary I'm like I love this yeah I mean no it comes like in this little I don't know the name but it's like lemon pie something it's just I love I love eating that when I go yeah Madelyn (29:16) Yes. Is it like the yogurt stick? Yeah. Mm. So something, a sweet treat. You need a sweet treat at the end of a long day. Okay, I love that. I think we already know the answer to this question. The first TV show you ever worked on, Top Chef Mexico, or was there something before that? Jessica (29:45) Yeah. Nope, that was the first. Madelyn (29:48) Okay, okay. Your first big challenge on set and how did you handle it? Jessica (29:55) Ooh, I actually think I was in Top Chef Mexico. We had the cameras that had like two slots for the cards and I deleted, I formatted one that had a clip on it. And, I thought it wasn't and I was like, I just saw it cold. I was like, my God, I did this. So I had to like tell the DP. and it was like really nerve-racking because I was like my god I hope I didn't delete something like super important and whatever and then he was just like thank you for telling me let's see what was there and it was just like something really easy to reshoot but it was like really nerve-racking I was like sweating yeah Madelyn (30:35) Yeah. a hundred percent. Those moments teach you a lot though of like how to stay cool under pressure. There are big lessons that you have to learn and they happen to the best of us. what was the first reality show you watched like growing up? Jessica (30:42) to do it. I think I used to watch Home Makeover, you know like those at home. Yeah, extreme Home Makeover. Madelyn (30:53) Extreme home makeover? Move that bus. yeah, that's a good one. That's an OG for sure. The first mentor who really shaped your career. Jessica (31:01) Yeah. Cool. His name is Juan Jose Sarabia. He's the VP from Top Chef Mexico, but also we work on other, he does other like incredible stuff. So yes, I'm really thankful to him. Yeah, he taught me a lot. Madelyn (31:12) Amazing. Wonderful. First piece of advice you'd give to someone just starting out. And I just, want to say, I'm going to caveat this actually. First piece of advice you'd give to a woman starting out in the camera department. Jessica (31:35) I would say go for hope now it's slightly better than 10-15 years ago. But still, if anyone makes you feel like this is not for you, they're wrong. You're right. Do it and keep your things organized, take it seriously, but also have Like, at the end that's why we do this. I feel like there's no other reason to go in such a crazy environment. So hopefully they're also enjoying what they're doing. Madelyn (32:10) Love that. Okay. And the last question, what was your first pinch me career moment? Jessica (32:15) I mean, it's cheesy, but I do think I still sometimes like wake up here in LA and I'm like, wow, I work in the industry. Wow. You know, like, I don't know. feel like I... Madelyn (32:26) Yeah, no, listen, it is no small feat. It is a tough industry. like working from job to job, working as a contractor in an industry that right now is really fraught and really unpredictable. The fact that you live in the epicenter of entertainment and you're thriving and you have a really, really full IMDB page of not just unscripted, but you have a ton of like, we didn't even touch on the short films and the awards and like the things you've done as a DP. It is a huge accomplishment that is absolutely pinch me worthy. Jessica (32:37) Yeah. Thank Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, I think that still happens. Like when I drive and I see like the Warner Brothers water tank, I'm like, I'm here. Madelyn (32:57) 100%. Yeah, I love that. love that. What is there show that you'd love to work on or like a genre that you'd love to sort of like dip your toes into? Jessica (33:12) I mean right now I'm enjoying scripted stuff but related to unscripted I think I would love to once be in a Kardashian show just to see. just yeah just for the goss. ⁓ Madelyn (33:21) yeah, come on. Of course. Yeah, 100%. Well, I will manifest that for you really, really hard. Well, Jessica, thank you so much for coming on. It was a joy to chat with you. Super proud of you. your work speaks for itself. Really cool to see how you've grown in the past decade in the industry, taking advantage of having mentors, being curious, putting yourself out there. Super inspiring and can't wait to see what you do next. Jessica (33:28) Thank you. Thank you, this was lovely. Thank you for the interview. Madelyn (33:50) Thanks. Madelyn (33:56) Thank you so much for listening. Loved connecting with Jessica and just really cool to even hear what she was talking about. I wake up in LA and I can't believe I'm still here. It's really, I don't know. It's really cool and refreshing to hear that kind of gratitude and just like someone who is excited and happy to work in the industry they're working in and to be living out that dream. I think it's really cool and reminds me to be grateful. So that's your reminder on this Friday. Thanks so much for listening again. Don't forget, like, subscribe, rate, review, all the things, share it, And don't forget our Monday mini-sode with Emily Wilson and all the latest unscripted news is going to drop Monday. And then we'll see you for another full episode of The Unscripted Files next Friday.