We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jackson Winters . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jackson , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers-especially in the stand-up comedy world is how serious and intentional they are about their craft. From the outside, comedy seems off-the-cuff and lighthearted, but behind the scenes, these performers are incredibly dedicated and strategic. Like most jobs it comes with sacrifices but its amazing to see how much dedication and effort goes into the constant traveling and search for new shows. Let alone having to write new material continuously and find the courage to get up on stage in front of a new audience every night. They analyze every set, tweak every punchline, and care deeply about how their material captivates the crowd. It’s made me realize that the job isn’t just to shoot a performance. It’s to help tell a story, frame a brand, and capture a moment that could take their career to the next level. You just never know what the next show could bring.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jackson Winters – the creative force behind UDE Studios. Based in the heart of the comedy scene, I specialize in video and photography that captures real energy, raw talent, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s stand-up sets, promotional shoots, or behind-the-scenes content, I help comedians and creatives tell their story with bold visuals and clean production. Universal Drone & Editing (www.udestudios.com) is where performance meets precision. I’ve worked with rising comics, touring professionals, and venues that want more that just content- they want impact. What most people don’t see though is the five-year grind that it took to get where I am today. I built my career one project at a time. Filming corporate events, real estate shoots, and of course the corner stone of the camera industry weddings. Those early gigs taught me not only how to work under constant pressure but to actually thrive in it. It’s all about adapting fast and capturing the essence of any moment. That foundation gave me the technical skills and creative eye that I bring to every shoot today. You can follow my work on Instagram: @jacksonwinterswork
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Honestly, it wasn’t just one relationship. It was the collection of relationships I’ve built through collaboration over the years. Working with other creatives, clients, comics, and even those early gigs with coworkers in the corporate field. Each connection helped shape how I saw myself and what I was capable of. It took time (and a. lot of trial and error) to figure out what direction I wanted to take with a camera. I just knew early on that getting to use one for work felt like having a golden ticket. A passport into any world I was curios about. I’ve always had a wide range of interests, and visual storytelling became the outlet that allowed me to explore them all without having to choose just one path. Being a major film lover as a kid drove me to want a life behind a camera but the shared creative moments I’ve had is what helped me realize that the camera wasn’t just a tool. It was my way of showing up in the world, making an impact, and staying endlessly curious.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
More that once – even this year alone.
Since stating my business, it’s been a rollercoaster. There have been months where I had more work than I could take on, and then others where I only had a handful of gigs and stated questioning everything. The highs are incredible, but the lows? They hit hard. I’ve thought about throwing in the towel plenty of times but every time I get close, I remind myself why I started: to build something that’s mine, to tell stories through my lens, and to create a life on my own terms. I’m coming up on year five of being a business owner, and honestly, I didn’t see any real profit until this past year. They always say it takes a few years to find your footing-and they’re right-but no one really tells you what the journey will feel like. The uncertainty, the stress, the self-doubt. It’s all part of it. But I also see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have a clear image of what kind of work I want to do and the kind of life I want to live. That vision is what keeps me going, The path isn’t always clear, and it’s far from easy. I just keeping putting one foot in front of the other and when I do reach that goal? I’ll just set a new one.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I’ve been lucky enough to meet and work with some pretty high level names in entertainment-people you’ve definitely seen on stage, TV, and the big screen. And honestly, the thing thats surprised me the most is how some of the most recognizable names are also some of the kindest, most down-to-earth people you could meet. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve worked with some households name who make it clear that you are beneath them, and thats just the reality of this industry sometimes. Then there are others who completely flip the script. People like Adam Ray, David Koechner, and Josh Johnson. Guys who don’t gate keep, who take time to shake your hand, ask your name, and treat you like a peer, not just someone behind the camera. That kind of humility sticks with you. Last winter, I took a shot in the dark and DM’d Adam Ray a couple days before his show at St. Louis City Winery. Not only did he respond-he responded quickly and was totally open to working together, and this is a guy who’ career is soaring. You’d expect a wall, PR people, or radio silence. Instead, I got real openness and trust. Another moment that stuck with me was in February, when I texted Jason Mewes (who I had the privilege of working with the year prior) to ask about shooting the Aural Sects Tour with him and Kevin Smith when they came to the Pageant in Delmar. Not only did Jason say yes, but they welcomed me backstage. It was a thrill especially with them giving me the chance to film my first venue I ever worked that was over 500 seats. After the show and the meet-and-greet, they sat down with me, took the time to hear my story, and made me feel like I belonged there. That was surreal-siting and talking with two guys I grew up watching and idolizing, and realizing they were exactly the kind of people I hoped they’d be. It reminded me that character matters more than power, and the ones who carry both-talent and humility, are the ones I truly admire.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
I’ll regret every time I didn’t get off the couch and go shoot. Plain and simple. No progress gets made by staying home. Nothing moves forward when you sit still. I’ve learned that even if I’m not getting paid, just showing up-whether it’s an open mic, a roast battle, or a small show i’m not even that excited about-it’s all worth it in the end. Every moment behind the lends sharpens my craft. Every night in the room builds familiarity, relationships, and experience. Some of my favorite gigs have come from just being there – hanging around comics, capturing moments, soaking in the atmosphere. the shows I didn’t go to? those are what I regret. The ones where I chose to stay home instead of chasing the shot. I’ll never know what connections I missed out on, or what performers I could’ve met, or what amazing sets I didn’t get to capture. I’m not even talking about money – I’m about the opportunity to be in the room, to grow, to build my name and my network. I never Get tired of seeing great material and being around passionate performers. That energy feeds everything I do. I know the only way to stay park of it and move forward is to keep showing up camera in hand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.udestudios.com
- Instagram: @jacksonwinterswork
- Linkedin: Jackson Winters
- Facebook: Jackson Winters
Image Credits
1. Andy Comptons last newest music video creation
2. Atsuko Okatsuka
3. Dave Attell
4. Duncan Trussell
5. Eric Rueseler (left) Jack Wright (right)
6. Josh Johnson
7. Nick Swardson
8. Tim Meadows
