Even a small kiss of light is enough to ignite a spark.
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
The work of asking the right questions.
For eighteen years I taught and chaired the film department at the New York Film Academy, building curriculum deployed across twenty countries. The methodology was always the same: lead with questions, not answers. Help the filmmaker find the story only they can tell.
That same approach applies whether I am working with a director on set, a producer in development, or a student preparing their portfolio for conservatory or college admissions.
If you are a student applying to a performing arts high school or a college film program, I work with you the same way I work with any filmmaker. We find your story. We make sure every choice is in service to it. Sessions are available virtually and in person in New York.
- Beijing Film Academy
- Shanghai Theatre Academy
- King Saud University
- Dar Al-Hekma University
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, four campuses
- UNIVA Guadalajara
- US Embassy Programs, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa
- Saudi Film Festival
- MultiChoice Talent Factory, Africa
- All American High School Film Festival
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.
Let's talk about the work.
For production inquiries, mentorship, or student consultations.
Schedule a Conversation jrw@jrwhittaker.co