Hey there, JeanCarlo. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a filmmaker, photographer and adventure guide (I host trips to Iceland)! You could say I’m a creative entrepreneur.
What neighborhood(s) are you reppin’?
The 561 — West Palm Beach.
What brings you most alive about the 305?
I love going to Miami to network, to see all of the culture that the 305 has to offer — which is a ton — and the importance to the arts that Miami has is just beautiful. I wish every city in Florida gave that much importance and value to the arts.
How does Miami help you do what you do or influence your work?
Miami has a big influence on my work, through both the concrete jungle of downtown and the peace and nature of the Everglades. I’ve always loved both. Whether it’s to write or do photography, you can find me at a hole in the wall café deep in the city, or at the Flamingo campsite in Everglades National Park photographing the Milky Way.
If you could eat only one meal from a local restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I LOVE Pura Vida!
Outside of the obvious stop above, share your other top three destinations for where you’d go on your perfect Miami day.
On a perfect day in Miami I’d spend the day at Everglades National Park, Miami Beach, and at PAMM and the Frost Museum.
What’s your favorite Miami memory?
My favorite memory of Miami was back in 2011 when I won an award for YoungArts in the film discipline. To me that was a gateway to meet a community of not just Miami-based artists, but artists and friends from all across the world, as well as a way of opening opportunities for me to work on great projects. It all started during YoungArts Week in Miami; to me it will always be a great memory.
What’s your favorite local social media account and why?
Tough one! I’d say it’s @visitflorida on Instagram — I love the outdoors and discovering new places.
If you could give any one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
Be nice to our guests, the people that come here on vacation, because we want to not only be known for being a beautiful destination full of culture and delicious food, but also for being nice!
What’s a project you’re working on and how can our readers help you with it?
Currently I’m working on a feature length documentary that’s taking place in Innsbruck, Austria which I’m super excited about. I’m also working on all of my trip itineraries to Iceland (I host two trips to Iceland every year with my company Exploring Planet Iceland). I’m also working with YoungArts documenting the entire National YoungArts Week which is always a pleasure!
If there was one thing you could change, address, etc. about Miami, what would it be?
I wish there was way less traffic in Miami or a better transport system, it would make life easier.
What are you looking forward to in 2023?
In 2023 I’m looking to grow as a creative, to push my limits and just keep on creating great things. I’ll also be starting a podcast where I interview my friends who are also creatives and entrepreneurs and discuss how they make a living off their craft.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Locals to Know, sponsored by YoungArts. Know someone who ought to be featured or would like to be featured yourself? Reach out by sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line “TNT Locals to Know 2023.” If chosen, you might just see yourself or a friend in a future newsletter.