Jonathan R. Whittaker, director and educator, New York.

Even a small kiss of light is enough to ignite a spark.

Every
choice
in service
to the
story.

Director Producer Writer Storyteller
IMDb LinkedIn
Stills
On Set, 01
On Set, 02
Teaching, 01
Teaching, 02
Personal Work, 01
Personal Work, 02
Selected Work

Documentary & Broadcast

  • Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: The 3D Experience Director — Sony Pictures, 2011
  • The Pulse Segment Director — BBC, 2013 & 2016
  • Mater Iniciativa Director — Docuseries featuring chef Virgilio Martinez, Cusco Peru, 2020

Commercial & Broadcast

  • Venus by Gillette Director — Featuring Chrissy Teigen, 2012
  • Hyundai Equus Director — VO Jeff Bridges, 2013
  • Modelo Especial Director — Featuring Clint Dempsey, 2011
  • Nissan Juke Director — 2011
  • NBA All-Star Promo Director — Philadelphia regional broadcast, 2002
  • Anabel Mobile Director — 30-second spot, Nigerian market, 2008

Advisory & Story Development

  • Special Order Story Producer — Los Angeles, 2021 to present
  • Kr8tiv Creative Producer — Toronto, 2022 to present
  • ABS-CBN  |  Cinematografo Creative Advisor — Manila, 2019 to 2021
  • Itaú Foundation Visual Storytelling Workshop Director — São Paulo, 2019 & 2025
  • Globo Production Training Lead — Rio de Janeiro, 2019

Narrative

  • Train Baby Producer — Amazon Prime
  • America Here We Come Producer — Netflix
  • Down East Director — Scripted Pilot, NBC, 2013
  • Inhale Exhale Director — Dance film featuring Amy Yakima, 2018
  • A Modo Suo Producer — Short Film, 2026
  • Hidden Love Director — Short Film, 2023
  • Emilia Director — Big Apple Film Festival  |  NYC New Filmmakers Series at Film Forum, 2014

Music Video

  • Luv U Baby Director — Banky Wellington, 2017
  • Unborn Child Director — Banky W and Lynxxx, 2014
  • BuzzSessions Director — Son Little, Wild Honey Pie, 2015

Branded Content

  • Defender Bar Director — 2026
  • Fort Hamilton Gin Director — 2025
  • Hello Oral Care Director — National commercial, UK market, 2014
  • Dove Demia Director — Unilever, 2013 & 2015
A film light bulb, photograph by Jonathan R. Whittaker.
About

Still asking questions.

I came to filmmaking the way most do: by watching too many films and asking too many questions. Twenty years later the questions have not stopped. I have directed for Sony Pictures, the BBC, Gillette, Hyundai, and Nissan. I have produced for Netflix and Amazon. I have taught and mentored filmmakers across five continents. And I am still making short films and writing screenplays in Brooklyn because the work keeps teaching me things I do not yet know. Based in New York. Available worldwide.

Contact

Let's talk about the work.

For production inquiries, mentorship, or student consultations.

Schedule a Conversation jrw@jrwhittaker.co