Meet Jean Sharony | Commercial Producer & Owner of Whisky Films

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jean Sharony and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jean, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The decision to start my own business was driven by a mix of passion, necessity, and the desire to take control of my creative vision. Coming from Chile, where I began my career in commercial production, I had always been drawn to storytelling. When I emigrated to the United States nearly 20 years ago, I quickly realized that the production processes here were very different from what I was accustomed to in Latin America. This presented both challenges and opportunities.

The Hispanic market in the U.S. was rapidly growing, but I noticed a gap in the way brands were communicating with this audience. I felt there was a need for more authentic, culturally nuanced storytelling, and I knew I could bring that to the table through my experiences. Starting Whisky Films here in the US, allowed me to not only adapt to a new industry but also create a platform where Latino voices could be amplified, and where we could approach each project with a deep understanding of our audience’s cultural context.

Ultimately, my thought process was fueled by the belief that I could bridge the gap between Latino culture and the broader U.S. market while doing what I love—telling compelling stories through commercials and visual content.

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.
At Whisky Films, our work revolves around creating impactful visual narratives that resonate with the Latino community and beyond. What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and cultural relevance. We strive to tell stories that reflect the diverse experiences of Latinos in the U.S., using our deep understanding of the culture to craft compelling commercials and content that connect with our audience on a personal level.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the way we’ve been able to elevate Latino voices in the advertising industry. We’ve successfully collaborated with various brands to create campaigns that not only celebrate Latino culture but also drive meaningful engagement. The positive feedback we receive from our clients and the community motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues.

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?
Day 1: Santa Monica
– Breakfast: Brunch at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker.
– Activity: Visit Santa Monica Pier for rides and beach time.

Day 2: Arts & Culture
– Breakfast: Enjoy pancakes at The Griddle Cafe.
– Activity: Explore The Getty Center and its stunning art collections.

Day 3: Downtown LA
– Breakfast: Try various options at Grand Central Market.
– Activity:** Visit Olvera Street to experience the heart of L.A.’s Mexican culture.

Day 4: Hollywood & Griffith Park
– Breakfast: Healthy breakfast at Cafe Gratitude.
– Activity: Hike to Griffith Observatory** for views of the city and Hollywood Sign.

Day 5: Day Trip to Malibu
– Breakfast: Beachfront meal at Malibu Farm.
– Activity: Relax at Zuma Beach.

Day 6: Shopping & Relaxation
– Breakfast: Leisurely breakfast at Little Dom’s.
– Activity: Shop on Rodeo Drive.

Day 7: Departure Day
– Breakfast: Casual meal at The Original Pantry Café.
– Activity:** Visit **Silver Lake** for local markets before departure.

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 would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and mentors who have been instrumental in my journey. My wife, Marcella, has been my rock and my biggest supporter. Her unwavering belief in my vision and her encouragement during challenging times have been invaluable.

I also want to recognize the mentors I encountered throughout my career, both in Chile and here in the United States. Their guidance and wisdom not only shaped my skills but also inspired me to pursue my dreams with confidence. One particular mentor taught me the importance of authentic storytelling and understanding cultural nuances, which has been a cornerstone of my work at Whisky Films.

Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to the vibrant Latino community in the U.S. Their resilience and creativity continuously inspire me and remind me of the importance of representation in media. Together, these individuals and communities have played a significant role in my success, and I am deeply grateful for their support.

Website: https://www.whisky.film

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