Dolphin Tales
![From Nakashidami to New York]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1649045072/nagoya/ijcmo4nrq3uyxu1518dl/dolphintales_jens.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1649045072/nagoya/ijcmo4nrq3uyxu1518dl/dolphintales_jens.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1649045072/nagoya/ijcmo4nrq3uyxu1518dl/dolphintales_jens.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1649045072/nagoya/ijcmo4nrq3uyxu1518dl/dolphintales_jens.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1649045072/nagoya/ijcmo4nrq3uyxu1518dl/dolphintales_jens.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1649045072/nagoya/ijcmo4nrq3uyxu1518dl/dolphintales_jens.jpg","width":2000}])
From Nakashidami to New York
After spending 13 years at NIS, from Kindergarten to graduation in 2012, Jens finds himself living his dream of being a cinematographer and video producer in New York. He graduated from NYU and credits both his many NIS teachers for nurturing his ability to be open-minded, and the rigor of the IB program (and possibly the sports program) to help tackle challenges that come his way.
Where are you living now?
I live in Brooklyn, New York.
What kind of work are you doing?
I currently work as a producer in the creative department of a men's personal care start-up, along with freelance work as a cinematographer and video producer. Day to day, that usually involves planning and executing photo/video shoots for all kinds of brands. Occasionally, I will work on non-commercial, narrative/documentary projects with my friends as well. Coincidentally, I was lucky to be able to come back to Japan to film a movie that ended up winning an award too!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being in NYC, I'm surrounded by a network of extremely talented friends and co-workers that I can continually learn from and that always inspires me.
What kind of challenges does it hold for you?
Between working full time at a start-up and also as a freelancer, I wear many hats, and find myself being just uncomfortable enough to be challenged every day and still enjoy it.
Did NIS help you prepare for your current position in any way?
I love how NIS fosters a strong sense of open-mindedness that is quite unique to this world. And the rigor of the IB program has definitely helped shape a strong work ethic in me.
What’s the one thing that you are really enjoying or getting most excited about these days?
Outside of work, I’ve spent the majority of the past two years stuck in my one bedroom apartment so I’m most excited to get out and travel outside of NYC!
What’s the one thing you miss most about Japan/Nagoya?
The convenience stores!
And of course, we need to know, what words of wisdom do you have for today’s Dolphins?
Acknowledging the many privileges that come with growing up and learning in a community that is like NIS. It is a wonderful place and we are lucky as alumni to call it home!
お仕事の内容を教えてください。
男性向けのパーソナルケア製品の新規ブランドの宣材プロデューサーとして働く傍ら、フリーランスで映画、映像の撮影とプロデューサーをしています。様々なブランドの写真、映像の撮影を計画、実行するのが日々の仕事です。また、友人と一緒に商用でないドキュメンタリーや映像作品を制作することもあります。たまたま撮影のために日本に帰国したことがありましたが、その映画は賞を受賞することができました。
どんなことにやりがいを感じますか？
ニューヨークという場所柄、非常に才能にあふれた数多くの友人や同僚に恵まれているので、常に彼らから学び、刺激を受けています。
大変だと思うことはありますか？
立ち上がったばかりの会社でフルタイムで働きつつフリーランスも掛け持ちしているため、果たさなければならない役割が多く、大変な毎日を送っていますが、それも楽しんでいます。
NISでの経験は幾らかでも役に立っていますか？
NISの、物事に対して非常に柔軟で寛容な姿勢を培う環境が素晴らしいと思いますし、極めて稀有なことだと思います。また、IBプログラムは大変でしたが、そのおかげで社会人としての高い倫理観が培われたと思っています。
最近夢中になっていることや興味のあることは何ですか？
この２年間、仕事以外ではほとんどアパートの自室にこもっていたので、ニューヨークを出て旅するのが待ち遠しいです。
日本や名古屋で懐かしく思うのは何ですか？
コンビニです！
後輩へのアドバイスをお願いします。
NISのようなコミュニティで育ち、学べるのは特別なことであることを認識して欲しいです。卒業生として、NISを故郷と呼べるのはとても幸せなことです。