We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Whitbeck and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jason, what role has risk played in your life or career?
This question resonates deeply with me, as I find myself embarking on a new entrepreneurial journey, alongside some greatly talented and creative people, to launch our new business (McSWiF) and initiate some exciting projects (Spirits Hunters, Bat Friendly, and The Vinyl Word).
In the early days of founding Yes Go Productions, this meant turning down opportunities for quick gains and comfort to execute the plan, knowing that veering off course would only lead to stagnation. It involved managing multiple credit cards with 0% introductory rates like a pro, to amass the necessary equipment required for a full-service, turn-key video production company.
It meant living in a 450-square-foot guest house with a roommate (1 human and not sure how many rats) before eventually establishing operations in the late, great photographer Neill Whitlock’s studio, El Sibil, in Oak Cliff. Even then, I resided there for some time, enduring comments like “This is REAL bohemian living” during the annual Frank Reaugh tours of the building.
Once Yes Go Productions was established, that’s when the real work began and here I am 18 years later. The initial risks and discomfort paved the way for the life, career, and projects I had always envisioned. To those reading this, I urge you to pursue your vision relentlessly, anticipate discomfort along the way, and forego a plan B.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Now, I’m embarking on a new chapter, this time with Partners and a fresh company named McSWiF, which stands for Making Cool Sh*t with Friends. It encapsulates our core desire—to create meaningful and exciting content with those we value. Our focus has expanded into longer-format projects, including television shows and a Documentary Feature, alongside our ongoing commitment to Commercial work.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite places in DFW…
Breakfast – All Good Cafe
Rowdy Oak Cliff Adventures – Revelers Hall, LadyLove, Paradiso, Casablanca
Grabbing a good cocktail – Bowen House
Oysters – S & D Oyster Company
Dive Bars – Gemini Twin, Lee Harvey’s
BBQ – Terry Black’s
Museum – Dallas Museum of Art, Fort Worth Modern
Live Music – the Kessler, Granada, Lonhorn Ballroom
Restaurants – Loro, La Calle Doce, Kenny’s Wood Fire Grill
Wine – Bodega Wine Bar
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many people to thank who have played pivotal roles in shaping my career in Film/Video Production and Photography.
First and foremost, a heartfelt shoutout to Jack Mills of Jack Mills Productions in Oklahoma City, OK. As my starting point, Jack, whom I began with as a Photo Intern, introduced me to the film industry when everyone actually used film. : ) Without his guidance and mentorship, I might never have set out on this journey to begin with.
My journey continued to Texas, thanks to the wonderful man that was Brad Beasley at MPS in Irving, TX. Brad facilitated my entry into the film business, offering me a role as a Grip, TB, and Floor Sweeper. This opportunity allowed me to gain invaluable insights into the film industry from the ground up.
The late Neill Whitlock, a photographer and father figure of sorts, deserves special mention. Neill not only exposed me to the beauty, art, and technical intricacies of photography but also introduced me to the freelancer lifestyle, shaping a new way of life for me.
And then a big shout-out goes to Robb Aaron Gordon, an extraordinary Photographer and Director from Southern California. I crossed paths with Robb at JC Penney HQ, and he graciously took me on a global journey as a photo assistant and Assistant Cameraman.
In my current endeavors, I extend my gratitude to Side Chops, particularly CEO/Post-Production Wizard Shelby Miller and the wise yet approachable Executive Producer Gerald Jones, who have welcomed me into their fold. A special thanks to Erich Kirk, an innovator who has stuck with me to make things happen. And last but not least, Zach Warner, who always believed in me and is a talented collaborative partner.
But there are many more like Gigi Cone Welch, Taylor and Gleason Barber, Jeff Stephens, Dennis Murphy, Stewart Cohen, Cindy James, Kenny Smith, Eric Trent, Jeremy Shelby, Ben D’Avanza, Hal Riley, Amy McCain, Jonny Miller, Chris Whitten, Matt McAlpin, and Patrick Dean that I need to give a shoutout to for everything they do and what I learned from them as well.
Website: yesgoproductions.com
Instagram: @jason_whitbeck, @yesgoproductions, @spirithunterstv, @mcswif
Linkedin: Jason Whitbeck and Yes Go Productions
Twitter: @yesgo, @McSWiF