Today we’d like to introduce you to Genna Sandler Samaniego.
Hi Genna, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My story started outside of Boston at a small state school where I went to college. I graduated and did my internship in Los Angeles under the supervision of a photographer for the summer of 2009. Upon finishing my internship, I decided to stay and began working at a photography studio. It wasn’t long after that I was fired. Yes, I said that. I was fired. For asking for health insurance. I say this as it was an important lesson for me. I knew I needed to advocate for myself despite what the outcome may be, and I have tried to stick to that mentality for the last 14 years.
That leads me to how I got to where I am today, working as a Production Supervisor. I have had no help financially, and no family in the industry to get me work.
After I moved on from the photography studio, I started freelancing in film production. I would email, apply, and network with other industry folks as much as I possibly could. I met people along the way who have been lifelong friends. I’ve met people who weren’t very kind and others who referred me for work, and I eventually got the opportunity to work with an amazing Producer who has been my mentor, friend, and family for the last 8.5 years.
It has been a journey. Truly. I’ve worked in reality on talk shows, award shows, commercials, and scripted film and television. I’ve photographed for magazines, charities, and everything in between. I’d also plan my own shoots every weekend, connecting with people who were willing to work with me to create a vision in hopes of submitting to smaller magazines and getting published.
Currently, the film/TV industry is on hold as there is a historical strike going on. I am unemployed and haven’t worked on a project since November 2022. I know so many crew members who are in the same boat, and it wouldn’t be right if I just grazed over this topic. All the hard work my colleagues and myself have done to be where we are in this present day has been put on hold. So, this question is important as it helped me reflect on where I started, and all I’ve accomplished and will continue to accomplish despite the circumstances and challenges that I’ve faced as a result of the strike.
Hopefully, by the time this article is published, we are all back to work, creating content and movie magic for viewers to enjoy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today has been a rollercoaster. Definitely not smooth, some bumps along the way, but I am always grateful that I’ve been able to move forward despite some obstacles. There’s a lot I’ve learned from every experience throughout my short time on earth, and both good and bad experiences have taught me valuable lessons.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve had is finding a work-life balance. In an industry that works 12 hours a day (or more), finding time outside of work to take care of my physical and mental health has been a struggle. Now I’ve been in the industry for 14 years, I realize that taking care of myself is so important. I am not my job, and having boundaries is important; however, often times I go from one project to the next, and the opportunity to slow down isn’t always there.
As a freelancer, I’m dependent on myself. Finding work, reaching out, networking. It’s not easy. You’re constantly looking for the next gig, and now I’m experiencing an extreme lack of work due to an industry strike, which is completely out of my control.
In all aspects of life, nothing is ever guaranteed, and it’s been hard work in itself to self-motivate, continue to hustle and move up the ladder, and also remember to rest. In a saturated environment, you aren’t guaranteed a job. In a freelance world, opportunities can come and go quickly, and that creates challenges. Sometimes you change your life plans for a gig, and then it falls through. Sometimes you think you’ll have time off and make appointments or travel plans, then a job will come randomly about. The fact that we constantly don’t know when or if we’ll work again can create anxiety. It’s the fear of the unknown, the fear of turning down a project. It’s a daily struggle to balance and trust the process.
I have learned over the years that worrying is non-productive and won’t get me anywhere. I haven’t perfected being worry-free, but I’ve learned to trust my talents and continue to move forward, even through disappointment. This industry (and world) can be exhausting, but I know I’m in charge of how I handle every situation that comes my way. I try to maintain a positive and balanced mindset and remind myself that whether it be with work or life, things have always worked out in the end.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For the last 14 years, I’ve had many different jobs; however, I’ve worked most consistently in Film/TV as a Production Supervisor.
While I’ve had this time off, I find myself moving towards some of the other avenues I used to work in over the years. I’m mostly known in the industry as a Production Supervisor and worked on shows for Netflix, HBO, Amazon, and many more.
Even though I am extremely proud of the work I’ve done in television, I don’t want that to completely define me. I actually moved to Los Angeles to intern with a photographer. That was my concentration in college and my roots, and it’s something I am still passionate about.
My photography now consists mostly of personal projects. The project that stands out the most to me and is still a work in progress is the time I’ve spent in Colombia meeting my biological family.
I hope, within the near future, to have an exhibit of my photos over the last six years of when I spent time with my biological family. I’ve been back to Colombia 4 times and have beautiful photographs that I’d love to share with others and tell of my journey through those photographs.
Throughout the pandemic, I really explored my creativity and started to do digital art. During that same time, I also became a certified yoga instructor, specializing in Vinyasa, Prenatal and Restorative flows.
I don’t like limiting myself, and I love to learn and continually explore what brings me joy in life. I take pride in everything I do, whether it’s working on a show for a few months, taking photographs for a client, drawing animal portraits for pet lovers, or leading a yoga practice. No matter what I’m doing, I’m giving it 110 percent. I am proactive and passionate and love working with people in all different avenues of work. Every job I do, no matter what my role is I can find meaning and connection with the people or clients I work with.
I’ve written my own story here in Los Angeles and have been able to create a life of my own as a strong woman in the industry. That is what I am most proud of accomplishing. The self-growth I’ve had from working in many different environments with different personalities and still upholding a compassionate and positive attitude. That is what sets me apart, and it’s a mindset I’ve tried to maintain throughout my career.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I mentioned before that there are many lessons that can be learned from both good and bad life experiences. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to put myself first. Taking care of my mental and physical health is my main goal. I try to maintain boundaries and I am continually checking in with how I’m feeling. I’ve worked incredibly hard to be more mindful and caring towards myself. We work in a world where it’s fast-paced and full of information overload. Regardless of your industry, it’s often easy to forget to take care of yourself. If I’m not showing up for myself, I won’t be able to show up for anyone, whether at work or in my personal life.
It’s OK to rest, to relax, to say no. I try to always be respectful to others; however, I am not responsible for how they respond to the things I say and do. I don’t mean that I go out and act recklessly, but I’ve given so much of my energy to everything and everyone else for so many years, that I forgot what made me happy. I forgot what it was like to have downtime or catch up with a friend on a random weekday. I usually don’t have any free time, and by being forced to slow down (due to the strike), I’ve really been able to tap into what I need and want out of my life. As uncomfortable as this time has been, I’ve learned the lesson of self-care, self-growth, and self-love. I now focus on the parts of my life that had been moved to the back burner due to being overworked.
When you learn to live in your truth and take care of yourself the way you deserve, it’s a game changer. It’s not easy; not everyone will support or understand you, but it will be worth it. That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned throughout my life. It’s also made me better in all aspects of my life. Everyone can benefit from a healthier, happier version of you. Most importantly, it feels incredible to know your worth and that you are able to love and take care of yourself the way you deserve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @gsandlerphoto, @mindfulmovementwithg, @adoptedones
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genna-sandler-18a95a25/
Image Credits
Oso
Paul Samaniego
Genna Sandler Samaniego
