Her Story
About Jen
Jen Parkhill is a filmmaker based in Austin, Texas. She directs vertical films, also known as microdramas, for the company Real Short and works as a freelance artist collaborating with various production companies and clients. In addition to directing, which she has done for about 10 years, Parkhill works as an actor, writer, and producer. She is a proud SAG-AFTRA member for about 20 years and is working toward membership in the Director's Guild. Parkhill graduated from a performing arts high school and later attended NYU Tisch on scholarship after initially pursuing acting professionally from a young age and working in supporting roles such as stand-in and body double. Her independent project Honey and Milk screened at festivals worldwide and received awards, while the vertical project Waterboy, which she directed, won Vertical of the Year and has amassed significant viewership. Parkhill attributes her success to resilience and the support of a community of artists, women, non-binary, and queer individuals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and community. There have been many times I wanted to give up but summoned the strength to keep going, often right before big breaks like my first vertical film. I doubled down instead of quitting, especially before college when I realized quitting would betray myself. Community of artists, women, non-binary, and queer folks supports me and keeps us all moving forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is that every artist is unique, there's only one of you. Lean into that, be the most you that you can be, follow your instincts, absorb inspiration but never copy it because your best work happens when you follow that inner voice.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Lean on each other. It's not a competition, all ships rise, there's room for every unique voice. The only way to survive and create your own path is to link arms with the people beside you, help each other rise, share information, and not gatekeep. Pass down whatever is bestowed onto you to the next generation.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's a double-edged sword in the digital age where anyone can be a creator, leading to oversaturation but also opportunity for anyone to break through with independent work. Vertical films are standouts with abundance of work. The challenge is standing out and creating original content amid so much available. Huge opportunity for women to take center stage as more doors open, and reason to lean on each other for support when opportunities arise.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Do no harm is a big value. I want projects to touch audiences and crews positively; if the crew had a terrible time, I've failed. It's about the process, experience, and building communities where people feel seen and safe, with diverse voices, thoughtful processes, and ability to ask questions. Curiosity is a cornerstone, creating safety for people to feel curious and discover together.
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