KAREN JEYNES
For our readers, can you give a very brief synopsis of your Journey?
I started my journey in the world of writing and theater when I was just a kid. After finishing school, I immersed myself in theater, focusing on writing and stage managing. Eventually, the need to pay bills pushed me into the realm of television (She laughs). Now, I work as a TV writer and creative producer, whilst working on my other forms of writing like fiction and books. My ultimate goal as a writer is to understand people and create content that interests, moves, entertains, or educates them.
Do you have a first memory or encounter with film or writing where you realized there was a passion?
My passion for film and writing was ignited by my mother, who was a school teacher and directed school plays. As a young child, I would sit on the rehearsal room floor, watching in awe as the stories came to life. There was something magical about the process, from rehearsals to the moment when the audience laughed, applauded, or engaged with the performance. It was in those moments that I fell in love with the power of connection. Transitioning to film and TV felt like an opportunity to reach a wider audience and tell stories on a larger scale.
Was there a moment you felt as if “This is my big break” ?
The moment I felt 'wow' we were doing something real here would be the first time with Puppet Nation. We were nominated for an International Emmy, and it made me realize that our work had significance and could make a meaningful impact in the world. This recognition opened doors for me and expanded my opportunities. Another important moment was when I won a theater award at a young age, validating my talent and giving me the confidence to pursue my unique path. In South Africa, satire plays a crucial role in creating awareness, focusing attention, and diffusing tension. We have a knack for laughing at ourselves, and it keeps us grounded and aware.
What do you believe sets a truly memorable screenplay or story apart from others?
" Characters. Characters that we care about and characters that we are going to remember. "
What was or were your toughest moment(s) becoming a writer?
Becoming a writer had its fair share of tough moments, especially as a single mom. Balancing work and family responsibilities was a constant challenge. Additionally, the pressure to be funny every day, even when I wasn't feeling well or going through tough times, required immense flexibility, resilience, and unwavering an belief in my abilities. But I learned to adapt, persevere, and continue believing in what I was doing.
If you weren't a writer, producer, creative director what would you be?
If I weren't a writer, producer, or creative director, I would have pursued my childhood dream of being a lighthouse keeper, haha! Simply because it allowed staying up all night! I also had a deep interest in marine biology, and I'm currently researching it for a book. Teaching is another passion that runs in my family, and I would have likely explored that path as well
What would you have lost if you gave up or followed a different path?
Giving up or following a different path would have meant losing out on the incredible experiences of connecting with diverse people from different backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. Collaborating with others to create something meaningful is a powerful and fortunate space to be in. The ability to create and elicit responses from people is something I would have missed if I hadn't pursued my creative endeavors.
What is your most relished piece of work?
It's hard for me to choose just one, but there are a few pieces of my work that I hold dear. "Laying Blame," my very first successful piece, holds a special place in my heart. It has toured worldwide and continues to be a significant part of my life. I also cherish my work on Puppet Nation and my most recent creative project, Recipes for Live and Murder, which has been an incredibly rewarding and expansive experience.
How do you conquer the dreaded writer's block?
To conquer writer's block, I've discovered that working on multiple projects simultaneously is the key. If I feel stuck on one project, I can simply switch to another and keep the creative flow going.
For our readers out there thinking of throwing in the towel, we’re there moments you felt like giving up? How did you get through those?
While I haven't seriously considered giving up, there have been moments of self-doubt, as is common in the creative industry. Believing in oneself is crucial for success in this field, and that belief can waver at times. It's important to hold onto reminders of past successes and milestones, regardless of whether one pursues creative endeavors full-time. Being considered an artist doesn't necessarily require doing it as a full-time job.
Can you leave our readers with one piece of inspiration/advice/motivation?
I always say that the best advice I got was from Jonathan Lloyd at the Soho Theater. He was running a workshop and his advice was “If you can’t write the press release, don't write the play!”. This advice emphasizes the importance of understanding one's audience, caring about their interests, and creating content that excites and engages them. It's essential to move beyond personal desires and consider what the audience wants and needs. By aligning our creative work with audience preferences, we can create content that truly resonates and connects with people on a deeper level.
We put the JAVA in FilmJava!
I met Karen for breakfast at Cocoa Cha Chi café' in Observatory. The carrot cake was the size of my head - and I have a big head! A creamy cheese frosting - a perfect balance between sweet and savory. If it didn't rival Table Mountain, I would have craved more. Coffee was great too, a 'lekka buzz'. The café is situated between some awesome thrift shops. A perfect place to tend to a sweet-tooth whilst indulging in some cost-effective retail therapy🛒
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