Jala Bennett

Budding film professional with production experience seeking positions that help to build film industry experiences. Recognized for their excellent communication, quick thinking, & problem-solving.

Event Manager & Marketing Associate at American Film Institute (2024-05 – Present)

Responsible for managing rentals and special events for AFI Silver, including managing all event logistics from inception to conclusion. Also responsible for providing support to the AFI Silver marketing department.

• Meeting with clients to ensure their event is planned according to their wishes
• Bartending and building specialty cocktails for events
• Producing Q&As for Film Festivals
• Social media content creation
• E-Newsletter creation and distribution

Writing Mentor at Justice for my Sister (2024-09 – 2024-11)

Mentored BIPOC Sci Fi showcase students on filmmaking and script creation.

• Mentoring BIPOC Sci Fi showcase students on filmmaking and script creation

Freelance Filmmaker at Haint Blue Productions (2017-01 – Present)

Directed and produced a diverse portfolio of short films, documentaries, and web series, showcasing innovative storytelling techniques.

• Directed and produced a diverse portfolio of short films, documentaries, and web series, showcasing innovative storytelling techniques
• Authored compelling narratives for multiple projects, securing a Disney Storytellers Grant for a web series
• Pioneered unique film editing techniques to enhance storytelling, elevating project engagement
• Managed and crowdfunded budgets meticulously for 5+ indie films, ensuring high-quality production within financial constraints

Production Assistant at Netflix / Untitled UBO Production (2024-07 – 2024-07)

Assisted with production logistics during filming.

• Locking down street for filming
• Making sure pedestrians and crew were safe during stunt scenes

Talent Escort at Howard University / WHUT (2024-01 – 2024-01)

Escorted talent during interview.

• Escorted Ava DuVernay to and from transportation to an interview at WHUT
• Ensured comfort of DuVernay before & after her interview

Production Assistant at Civic Entertainment Group (2023-09 – 2023-09)

Assisted with set construction and public direction for Verizon 5G Innovation Sessions.

• Built and broke down sets for the Verizon 5G Innovation Sessions
• Directing Public to their proper location

Talent Escort at Hispanic Heritage Awards (2022-09 – 2023-09)

Provided talent escort services for the Hispanic Heritage Awards.

• Escorted talent to and from makeup and hair, then to Red Carpet

Production Assistant at Capitol City Concerts (2023-06 – 2024-07)

Assisted in preparation for National Memorial Day and A Capitol Fourth events.

• Assisted in preparation for National Memorial Day and A Capitol Fourth

Editing Consultant / Intern at IFC (International Finance Corporation) (2023-04 – 2023-06)

Edited, filmed, and networked for IFC's knowledge and learning department.

• Edited, filmed, and networked for IFC's knowledge and learning department

Production Assistant at Univision (2022-09 – 2022-09)

Provided production assistance services.

• Escorted talent to the stage and assisted with parking at DAR

Virtual Experience Host at Artechouse (2022-06 – 2022-09)

Provided hospitality and sales services at museum.

• Front Desk Hospitality, guiding guests through the museum, selling merchandise to patrons

Literary Intern at Florida Studio Theatre (2020-08 – 2020-11)

Supported theatre operations and development.

• Scheduled appointments for theatre artists entering the theatre
• Ticketing and sales representative
• Development and research assistance

Volunteer, Social Work Department at Richland County Public Library (2019-08 – 2022-08)

Provided clerical and administrative support to social work department.

• Clerical duties
• Communication with staff and clients
• Filing reports in Charity Tracker
• Reviewing grant funding records

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre – Coastal Carolina University

Master of Fine Arts in Film – Howard University