Brodsky Produces Reality

Prepubescent Jordan Brodsky danced and sang his way through Broadway national tours and local Fox productions such as “The Music Man” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” A student of the Pebblebrook High School Performing Arts program in Mableton, Brodsky knew he had the “show biz bug,” but didn’t want the crazy, irregular life of an actor. While pursuing a degree from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, he interned at such lively companies as Howard Stern’s agency Don Buchwald & Associates, MTV and CBS.

“It takes creative intelligence to make a show. It can be tough to stay afloat in an expensive city like New York, but so far, I’ve managed to be part of the film community – with only a flop or two,” said Brodsky, who now produces and originates ideas for TV shows.

Share in the fun as Brodsky talks about his colorful career.

Jaffe: How did you make the decision to exit acting for producing?

Brodsky: I love to tell stories, stir the pot and pull the drama out of nowhere. Reality TV is where it’s at today. It’s certainly cheap to produce. So yes, I have the TV bug. My first show was the MTV show, “MADE,” where I helped turn a puny kid into a hunky football player.

Jaffe: You’ve had some failures?

Brodsky: Oh yes. … One was a recent docuseries about babies. Sometimes low budget shows have small crews we call “Run and Gun.” I have even been sent on location to Mississippi, where the drinking water was brown. A behind-the-scenes altercation with a drag queen for one prime-time series was especially memorable.

Jaffe: Your successes outnumber that.

Brodsky: We had a good run with Netflix’s “Queer Eye” (Netflix’s reboot of Bravo’s “Queer Eye for The Straight Guy”) where we recently won the Emmy. I’ve produced on “Undercover Boss,” and am now supervising producer on the TLC series, “Long Island Medium” starring Theresa Caputo, who communicates with the “other side.” She drives huge viewership numbers.

Jaffe: Who are some of the famous people with whom you have come into contact?

Brodsky: “I’ve worked with Alec Baldwin and Michael Strahan on a number of ABC game shows.” Last week, I attended an event where Amal Clooney spoke.

Lady Gaga was in my dorm at NYU. I admittedly chided her when she told me she was leaving NYU to pursue her music career. Of course, my Jewish parents urged me not to leave school before graduation!

Jaffe: You commute between Atlanta and NYC?

Brodsky: My parents (Jay and Robin Brodsky) are here. I know the TV industry in Atlanta is very hot; for me New York is Mecca. Many of the shows filmed here fly the producers down from NYC or LA.

Jaffe: What’s your philosophy?

Brodsky: I try to be nice and empathetic to everyone. I feel like a conduit who gives people a voice while entertaining and educating.

Jaffe: What “hip” travel tips would you give visitors to NYC?

Brodsky: Second Avenue Deli – I must add is NOT as good as Bagelicious here – has a new upstairs that’s a happening scene with Jewish cocktails like a borscht martini. I loved “Dear Evan Hanson” and “Hello Dolly” with Bernadette Peters. I crave Bleecker Street Pizza, Chirping Chicken, and the reliable Shun Lee near Columbus Circle. I live near Zabar’s, and the old Jewish ladies all want to confide in me!

Jaffe: Last word.

Brodsky: I intend to start my own production company one day. Go big or go home!