From the Cine-philes: Jenny Grist Aims to Please

 

For my second entry in “From the Cine-Philes,” I interviewed Facets’ Customer Service Manager Jenny Grist. “From the Cinephiles” gives readers, members, and customers the opportunity to meet the staff, and Facets employees a chance to talk about their work outside the job. Just like files of important documents can be a resource for understanding, so are the Facets Cine-philes (our movie-loving staff) our greatest resource.

Though Customer Service Manager is her official title, Jenny does so much more than that. She is the glue that holds the office together—and often the office equipment! She knows how to get around red tape, cut through the mire of daily business, and pull together a decent opening-night reception on a wing and a prayer. Night School regulars in particular appreciate her modest but tasty, colorful receptions.   
                                                                                         --Susan Doll

SD: What do you do at Facets and how long have you worked here?

JG: My main role is Customer Service Manager, but I tend to branch out all over the office. This April will be my ten-year anniversary at Facets. Yes, ten whole years!

SD: Tell us a bit about your background.

JG: I am a Chicagoan, born and bred, one of the few here at Facets. I have a degree in English and have done graduate work in photography. I’m currently working on a degree in graphic design.

SD: Tell me about your creative experiences outside of Facets, particularly as a photographer and budding graphic designer.

JG: Well, I’ve designed a new logo and I’m organizing the branding for a local record store, with the next step being t-shirts! I’m also working on a photography show of my spooky graveyard images. They look kind-of like old found footage. I guess movies touch everything I do!

SD: What is an aspect of your job that no one realizes?

JG: I (and Facets for that matter) have absolutely no control over if and when a film will be released on DVD. Honestly, I want to make the customer happy, but if the Powers-That-Be haven’t agreed to release a film, I’m not going to be able to change their minds.

SD: Has anyone famous ever called to buy a movie from Facets? What were they like?

JG: Most famous customers will have their “people” do the calling. I’ve spoken to William Freidkin’s people and Julie Taymor’s people. And, famous people’s people tend to be snottier than just regular people. However, I did receive an e-mail from [actor] Alan Cummings once [currently on The Good Wife]. It was just like a regular e-mail!

SD: What is the most interesting, odd, or memorable moment on the job so far?

JG: Well, there was the series of letters from a customer requesting triple-X-rated titles, with quite specific details noted; the customer who called every week asking for different Charlie Brown titles (and then exclaimed, “Aw shucks!,” when we didn’t have what he was looking for); gifts of liquor from one of our favorite wholesale customers in Minnesota; and all the sweet, older customers who ask me to hurry a movie to them so they can see it “before they die.” A lot of senior customers use that ploy.

SD: How has working at Facets changed or shaped your viewing habits or preferences?

JG: Facets has helped me to see what it is that I really like in a movie. A photography instructor once told me that my images looked like stage sets. At the time I thought it was an insult, but I have come to realize that I was setting up shots to reflect what I really cared about. I love set design, costumes, make-up, and the look of a film much more than I care about the story. I love horror films, not because I want to be scared, but because I love how a gothic mood can be evoked with shadows, or a creature can be brought to life with make-up. The exposure to so many films while working at Facets has helped me learn that I don’t always have to care if Franz and Eva get together—but, look at that gorgeous castle and the trim on that dress!*   *(not a real movie)

SD: The economy is tough right now, and arts organizations are struggling to attract new members and new audiences. Why should someone frequent Facets or join as a member?

JG: The tough economy is exacting why you should become a Facets member! Getting into the Cinematheque alone is worth the monthly fee. Such a deal! And a Facets membership is a film education in itself. Rather than come in and rent only the latest and most popular titles, you should allow the staff to recommend something and follow where that takes you. Impress your friends and wow the ladies! At such a reasonable price!

SD: What films available at Facets get the most phone calls?

JG: Anything that has to do with sex—or seems like it has to do with sex—will garner a lot of calls at first. And, anything that was just shown on TV (especially PBS). But if I had to pick a movie I get the most calls about, I’d have to say Song of the South. This Disney film has never been released on video and is NOT available—in case you were thinking of calling about it.