Jerry L. Jackson

I have over 35 years of professional experience as a director, writer, producer, cinematographer, editor, development executive, script consultant and actor.  "Coaching" was not a job description I would ever have applied to me until two powerful events occurred: I met my wife and was introduced to the creative orientaion. I realized that I had been mentoring, coaching, and leading creatives my entire adult life.

My passion for storytelling, engaging an audience emotionally, developed early: got my first production check at 16 years of age, won awards for my first feature as a writer/director while in college and went to work for producer/director Sydney Pollack in Los Angeles immediately after graduation.  As a writer/director/producer, I’ve developed material for United Artists, Walt Disney Studios, and various independent production companies and won awards from the New York, Chicago and Houston film festivals as well as two CINE Golden Eagles, an Angel Award and a CINDY.

In addition, just prior to moving to Australia, I was the Producing Director of The Advent Theatre in Los Angeles, functioning as a producer, director and actor on their stage for over five years.

I’m also committed to creating environments where creative people connect, share and grow each other.  As executive director/programmer of the REFOCUS International Film and Video Festival, I led a team to create the largest event of it’s kind in the U.S. in the mid-70’s while still a college student.  After moving to California, I never missed an opportunity to teach or mentor at the myriad film study institutions in Los Angeles and worked on curriculum development at UCLA.  As a member of the Writers Guild, I chaired their New Members Committee for nearly 15 years, creating events to encourage, enlighten and develop our newest members.  I spent 10 years on the board of the City of Angels Film Festival, functioning as a programmer, panelist, and moderator.

Collaborating with creative people, shaping and molding an expanding and entertaining experience for an audience is my bliss. I’m currently writing a script for an L.A. company, writing a long form television script for another company in L.A., editing a documentary and developing a web series for my own company.

And my other passion? Being a father. I've raised two brilliant (no bias here) sons: one, a gifted cinematographer and the other is currently making himself invaluable at a Los Angeles talent agency. And now, another gift - being a step-father to the gorgeous Sammi, on her own creative journey.