Jey Jey is a magician and stand-up comedian, creator of The Magician of Stand-Up, a unique show that blends magic, comedy, and storytelling. He has toured internationally, and his comedy special is available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV. His humor is rooted in real-life experiences, sharp observations, and crowd work, always leading to unexpected twists. On stage, his goal is simple: make people laugh, surprise them, and never let them see the ending coming.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

What excited me most was the opportunity to evaluate storytelling and creativity across so many formats. As a magician and comedian, I’m always drawn to work that takes risks, connects emotionally, and surprises the audience. Being part of a space that celebrates innovation in content and production is something I truly value.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first job in the industry was performing magic in a touring circus. It taught me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of connecting with an audience—lessons that still guide my work today.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

One of the projects I’m most proud of is The Magician of Stand-Up, a comedy special that blends magic, stand-up, and storytelling. It represents years of live performance, creative experimentation, and understanding how to connect with audiences both on stage and on screen. Bringing a unique format to life and seeing it resonate across live shows and digital platforms has been especially meaningful to me.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

One of the most challenging parts of the industry today is cutting through the noise. With so much content being produced daily, attention has become the most valuable currency. The challenge is not just creating high-quality work, but creating content that feels authentic, platform-aware, and truly connects with audiences. Balancing creativity with strategy—while staying adaptable to constant changes in social media and audience behavior—is something I face and embrace every day.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

I look for a strong balance between storytelling, execution, and audience connection. A great video should capture attention immediately, communicate a clear message, and feel native to the platform it lives on. Coming from both a performance and social media strategy background, I pay close attention to pacing, hooks, authenticity, and how well the content understands its audience. Excellence in video today isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how effectively it connects, engages, and leaves an impact.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

I work as a magician, stand-up comedian, and content strategist, creating live shows and digital content while advising influencers and brands on social media storytelling. What I love most is combining creativity and strategy to connect with audiences in meaningful and entertaining ways.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

I’m working on new live comedy and magic projects while continuing to develop digital content and social media strategies. What excites me most is finding new ways to connect live performance with short-form video and online audiences.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?

I rely on observation, live audience feedback, and stepping outside of trends to spark creativity. Staying curious and open to experimentation is key for me.

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

I was inspired by the power of creating real, immediate reactions in people. From an early point in my career, I realized that making someone laugh or feel surprised creates a unique connection that stays with them. That desire to connect—whether through magic, comedy, or digital content—drove me to pursue a career where storytelling and audience engagement are at the center of everything I do.

In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

One of the most significant changes is the shift from traditional, long-form–first thinking to audience-first, platform-driven storytelling. Video today is no longer defined only by format or length, but by how well it understands where and how it will be consumed. The key to navigating this change is flexibility—designing content with adaptability in mind, prioritizing clarity, authenticity, and connection over polish alone. Creators and brands that succeed are those who understand their audience deeply and let that guide both creative and distribution decisions.