Director / DP | Emotionally Driven Cinematic Storytelling

I’m a filmmaker and cinematographer with a passion for crafting emotionally evocative stories — ones that stay with you long after the screen fades to black. My work lives at the intersection of commercial, narrative, music video, and documentary filmmaking, and it’s all rooted in the same pursuit: to make people feel something real.

Before filmmaking, I worked as an electrical engineer — which means I understand structure, pressure, and systems. But where engineering taught me precision, filmmaking gave me purpose. I earned my MS in Film Production with a concentration in Cinematography from DePaul University in 2019, and since then, I’ve worked as a rental tech, a technical assistant, and a full-time creative between Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Today, I direct commercials for human-first brands and shoot stories that lead with tone, light, and pacing — placing emotion before product, and experience before message. Whether it’s a poetic fashion film, a music video, or a branded short, my focus stays the same: telling human stories with honesty and atmosphere.

I recently directed a dramatic short film that’s currently on the festival circuit, and I’m always developing new work that explores identity, connection, and the quiet moments in between.

If you’re looking to create something cinematic, grounded, and emotionally resonant — let’s connect.

Currently Available For: Commercial, Narrative, Music Video, and Documentary projects
Contact: 12jsmith.js@gmail.com