A Storyteller's Journey: Jonathan Schmock

Profession: Writer /Director/Producer/Actor

Credits: Good Girls Don't, Greetings from Tucson, My Wife and Kids, Dharma & Greg, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, The New Love Boat, Brotherly Love, Muscle, Blossom

Bio: Born in San Diego. Studied Theatre in New York. Did stand-up comedy. Moved to L.A… Actor, Writer, Director, Artist… OK guy… Still young at heart, but makes that groaning noise when standing…

1) What were you doing before you "made it"?

I made it?

2) What was your "big break" and how did you get it?

Jim Vallely and I were doing stand-up comedy in New York every night. Unexpectedly, we got a very good review in the paper. Also someone from NBC in L.A. came to New York and saw us at a club. He said the same thing everyone else says: "I think we should work together. I'll be in touch…" But this time he meant it, and he was.

3) How does your career today stand up to your previous expectations?

It's strangely as I imagined and totally different.

I'm very proud that I have the life I wanted to create for myself: a creative life with creative people in "show business…" I have amazing creative friends who make me feel like I'm in Paris in the 20's... Of course it's still nothing like the way you think it's going to be. But every now and then you say… "Hey, check me out…"

4) What do you find most rewarding about your profession?

That it's always different. It's exciting. I like not being a "civilian…" Whatever my "profession" is, what it really is, is learning constantly about new stuff, entering new worlds, all the time. It's addictive.

5) What are the pitfalls of your profession and how do you deal with them?

It's mostly all self generated.
Nothing you've done means anything.

I deal with it poorly.

6) What is your personal philosophy, method, or style toward your profession?

Let the projects dictate to you, not vice versa.
Listen. Learn. Collaborate. Get into trouble. Get out of the trouble.

Have heroes. Mine: Jonathan Winters and Jonathan Swift… and Mort Sahl.

7) What advice would you give to someone trying to "break in" to your profession?

Learn to be disciplined. If you're not talented, they'll let you know. If you're not disciplined, they won't.

About "A Storyteller's Journey" Series

There are many trails you can choose when you're determined to scale a mountain, but as long as you keep climbing, they will all reach the top.

"A Storyteller's Journey" maps the paths others have taken before you. Writers and filmmakers tell you in their own words what they were doing before their ascent, the obstacles they faced along the way, and what they discovered at the summit of their ambitions.

I hope their insights and experiences will educate, motivate, and inspire you with your own goals. Whether you follow their footsteps or forge your own way, just remember that no rules for success will work if you don't.