Jennifer is the founder of Poor Monster Productions and currently has eight feature films in development. She directed a collaborative mentoring program with the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and has worked as a Producer, Consultant, Panelist and was invited as a Guest Lecturer at the School of Visual Arts in New York.
She was awarded the 2025 NY Filmmaker Signature Award from the Chain Film Festival and was the recipient of the 2024 Best Producer award at the AMT International Film Festival.
Suzee: First, what are you up to now?
Jenn Plotzke: I currently have a slate of feature films in development, serving as an actor in some and as a producer in others. Two of the films are heading into pre-production later this year and early next year. I was also cast in the Season 2 premiere of The Hunting Party on NBC, which aired recently and is now streaming on Peacock.
Suzee: How did you get into acting and producing?
Jenn Plotzke: I knew at a very young age that I wanted to act, so I started performing locally and in school, which translated into me attending theatre school for my undergrad and then moving to New York to pursue film and television. I began producing indie film as a way to learn about both the process and the industry and also as a way to create my own work and afford myself more opportunities to act. While acting is still my main focus, I am working in both capacities full time.
Suzee: What are some of your fondest/best/funniest or most unusual memories about being onset?
Jenn Plotzke: When I was cast in my first big feature film, I was incredibly nervous, having never been on a set of that caliber before. My scene took place in a specialty food store and my character was going in to find special menu items for a party. The store clerk helps me by presenting a number of their specialty cheeses.
The art department had made a lovely cheese sampler plate for the scene, but I was so nervous that in every take, I was stress eating and gobbling up all the cheese as each was presented to me. It must've looked like I was in a cheese eating contest. I think I was meant to have smelled each one and only eaten a select few. By the time we wrapped the scene, I had eaten an ungodly amount of cheese in record time and I'm sure the art department was less than thrilled with me. Despite being a bit queasy and embarrassed, it was still an amazing time and one of my fondest memories.
Suzee :Can you tell me something about being in a film with DeNiro?
Jenn Plotzke: Working with Robert DeNiro was beyond incredible. He was so kind, so unassuming and absolutely fascinating to watch. He also had boundless energy.
It was a long day and a tough scene to shoot with a lot of moving parts. I was in the last shot of the day with him and we were heading into our 13th hour and he was so dedicated and so dialed in. He brought the same energy and focus to those last takes as he did with the first shots of the day. He absolutely lives up to the legend.
And truthfully, that set was full of iconic talent. Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne were also incredible, we were directed by Tony Goldwyn and Danny Moder was behind the lens. Working with and learning from these people was something I will never forget.
Suzee: What words of advice would you give to someone who wants to do what you are doing?
Jenn Plotzke: Learn as much as you can about production beyond what your particular role is. I think it helps exponentially to have a full understanding of the world you're working in and how each person is contributing to its creation. It's important to understand the moving parts and it makes you far more marketable as well as someone that producers and directors love having on set. Working, interning, shadowing or volunteering on a set is a great way to learn the ropes, expand your network and build relationships.
Suzee: What do you want to have accomplished 5 years from now?
Jenn Plotzke: My goal is to have three of my feature films completed in five years and be working as a series regular on a New York based series.
Lightning Round
Essential item in your handbag
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Top 5 favorite movies
I would never be able to narrow it down to five, but here are a few in a long list of all-time favorites: Aliens, Sense & Sensibility, The Fugitive, Moonstruck, Amelie, True Romance, Rear Window, Raiders of the Lost Ark
Motto You Live By
A rising tide floats all boats.
NY or LA?
NY hands down, but LA is always a fabulous getaway...especially for work!
Favorite Cheat Food
Pastries are my kryptonite!
What brings you joy each day?
My work brings me joy! Being able to pursue my dreams is such a gift!
3 Shows you just Binged
Black Rabbit, Platonic, All Her Fault
Last NYC Play attended
Moulin Rouge on Broadway
Best Part about being the Age you are now
I have the wisdom I lacked at twenty, but have managed to keep the same energy that carried me then.
How you Destress
I meditate as often as possible and I hop on the Peloton every chance I get.
Words of advice your mom gave you
"Everything in moderation."
TO CONNECT WITH JENN:
Instagram and my website are best!