One look at Jaen Collective’s social media and their hustle is undeniable. On set almost every day, the Gold Coast filmmaker duo seems to be almost everywhere in the Australian creative scene, shooting national campaigns for brands one day to exciting music videos the next. And it has paid off, with Jon Baxter and Nicholas Stevens establishing themselves as a production powerhouse.
I had the pleasure of chatting to the guys about all things film and creative inspiration.
Hey guys, thanks for chatting! Firstly, introduce yourselves. Who are you, where are you based and what exactly do you do?
Hey Jack thanks for reaching out, we are Nick and Jon the creative directors of Jáen Collective a new production company out of Burleigh on the Gold Coast.
Where did the idea for your production company come from?
After we both graduated film school together from NYFA we teamed up to make a 3-minute short film a few months later, and we haven't stopped since filming everything and anything we can to get by, making videos our priority.
How have you grown your company in such a competitive field?
Staying active with creativity, find a way to make it happen. Film something every day.
An age-old question in the film industry is the importance of film school. As alumni of the New York Film Academy on the Gold Coast, what are your thoughts on tertiary education of film?
NYFA was a really good experience for a crash course in filmmaking. It tests your ability to think quick on your feet and make movies happen. This is where you learn if you have what it takes.
What project are you guys most proud of?
Our most recent work with Manu Crook$ a Sydney MC making waves. After his new Ep dropped mood forever with our visuals we have been getting much love for our work, a humbling experience.
Read about Jaen Collective's dream collaboration and thoughts on the Australian creative industry here.