Q&A with 6 Rising Hispanics with ties to the Central Valley
Q&A with Jorge Ramirez-Martinez
Currently, Jorge Ramirez-Martinez is a writer living in LA. He was recently hired to write for NBC's new show, "The Blacklist: Redemption." He also writes other TV pilots and features. Jorge holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish, English, and Film Studies from University of the Pacific and an MFA in Film and Television Production from USC School of Cinematic Arts. He was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco in Mexico. Jorge lived in Chicago before moving to Stockton, California at the age of 5 where he was raised.
KM: What motivates you to do what you do?
Jorge: My motivation each day is to do more and do better than the day before.
KM: What do you find most rewarding?
Jorge: I find achieving a difficult task that people thought would be impossible the most rewarding. I love a good challenge.
KM: When you were a child what did you dream about doing in life and who was your greatest influence as a child?
Jorge: As a child, I dreamt of being in Hollywood. I did not know what Hollywood was or what happened there, I just knew I was going to end up there. And here I am today.
KM: What made you determined to accomplish all that you have accomplished so far?
Jorge: There are a lot of things that made me determined to accomplish what I have thus far and have yet to accomplish. One, my mother. She gave up her career as a nurse and her home country of Mexico to move to the U.S. so her children could have a shot at a better life. I want her to be able to say that all the sacrifices she made were worth it. Two, to prove to myself that I can do it. Lastly, I want future generations of any nationality to see me as an example of someone who set a goal and took "no" for an answer and worked hard to get that one "yes" that turned that goal into a reality.
KM: What obstacles have you had to overcome in order to achieve some of your goals? Did your family have to sacrifice?
Jorge: I had to overcome overthinking. It only leads you to you missing out on opportunities and/or creating self doubt. My motto is to throw all the darts at the board and see which one lands. In the end, what's meant to be, will be.
KM: Who were your role models?
Jorge: I did not have role models growing up so that's why a goal of mine is to create characters on TV and in film that people can see as role models to get inspiration and drive.
KM: Did you have any mentors along the way?
Jorge: My mentor is Patti McCarthy. She was my undergrad film professor at University of the Pacific. As a graduate of USC with her MFA and PhD in Cinema and former studio exec, she knows her stuff. And she is amazing at passing that knowledge along. If it weren't for her, I would have never applied and been accepted to film school at USC. She was the one who said, "you belong at USC and in Hollywood." She is someone I look up to and realize that having a career in Hollywood and a family is doable and rewarding. From the moment we met, our energies clicked and have become lifelong friends. I would recommend having a mentor because they have the wisdom and experience that you lack as you start you journey into whatever field you choose to go into.
KM: Share with us your keys to success. What would you tell your younger self?
Jorge: My keys to success are: 1) Identify your clear goal. 2) Analyze and construct a road map to achieve that goal. 3) Take "no" for answer. 4) Create your own opportunity when one does not exist. I would tell my younger self to relax and be patient because everything will be okay in the end.
KM: What are you currently looking forward to in life?
Jorge: My 30s. They say work hard in your 20s to be where you want to be in your 30s. I've been working nonstop in my 20s so I'm ready to see the fruition of that hard work in my 30s.
KM: What are your plans for the future?
Jorge: My future plans are: buy a house in LA and an apartment in NYC, create my own production company, become a published author, start a family, and maybe get a PhD.
KM: What's your favorite quote.
Jorge: "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it." - Paulo Coelho
KM: That's beautiful. Tell us how you spend your free time.
Jorge: I watch TV/movies, workout, cook, and buy books at thrift stores.
KM: What is the latest book that you read?
Jorge: The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
KM: You watch a lot of television?
Jorge: I watch a lot of TV.
KM: What is your favorite show and movie?
Jorge: Once Upon A Time, Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, Jane The Virgin, Grimm, Fresh Off The Boat, Game of Thrones to name a few...
KM: Thanks for your time, Jorge. We can't wait to watch the new show that you are writing for NBC. Best of luck!
Jorge: Thanks!