ABOUT

INDIE FILM CREDITS:

Stumbling (Drama, 70 mins, 2022)

Eamon (Documentary, 6 mins, 2022)

Leaving the Lake (Documentary, 2 mins, 2021)

Troubles (Drama, 11 mins, 2018)

Guard (Drama, 13 mins, 2017)

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MEMBERSHIPS:

IFTA (directing chapter), RTS, Directors UK, Equity UK

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EDUCATION/TRAINING:

QUB – PG Cert in Audio Visual Post Production – Distinction; MA – Distinction; BA (Hons) – 1st Class

NFTS – Documentary Shooting

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View my CV

Since beginning this journey seven years ago, I’ve completed two short fiction films, two short docs, and a feature length drama. I’ve also been known to work as an Assistant Director, and have directed a number of commercials, mainly shooting fast, in natural light, with non-actors. I have trained in documentary shooting at the NFTS, and gained a PG Cert in Audio Visual Post Production from QUB. Most recently, I’ve become a script reader for NI Screen, and competed a shadow directing placement, eventually directing splinter and 2nd unit on four episodes of Hope Street series 4.

On the way here, I’ve developed new writing for the stage (including commissioning and directing Lisa McGee’s early work), produced the Irish premiere of The 24hr Plays, taught acting at University of Ulster, lectured in theatre at Queen’s University Belfast, and was Artistic Director of Belfast’s Lyric Theatre Drama Studio. As a jobbing actor in London, I was lucky enough to be directed by some of the best, both on screen and on stage – including Lynsey Miller, Stephen Frears, Lewis Arnold, Nick Murphy, Ralph Fiennes, Rian Johnson, Oliver Hirschbiegel, Howard Davies, David Farr, and Dominic Cooke. Between jobs, I worked as a press and event photographer, having started shooting on film as a teenager.

I made my first film, Guard, in 2017. It debuted at Galway Film Fleadh and screened in competition at over thirty festivals, including Oscar, BAFTA and EFA qualifiers, eventually winning a European Independent Film Award in the Best Short Film category. Since then, I’ve made one funded fiction film, and one funded doc, both with the support on BFI Network via NI Screen.

I made a return to directing for the stage just before the pandemic, with On McQuillan’s Hill – a vicious satire confronting the horrors of abuse and the corrosive legacy of conflict – at London’s Finborough Theatre. You can read more, including some of the critical responses on the ‘‘OMH‘ page.

In 2022, I shot a feature length drama in 3 days, entitled Stumbling, which I also edited. It started its festival run by taking the audience award for Best Independent Feature at the Chichester International Film Festival.

I’m interested in truthful stories that affect us on an emotional level and which allow the audience access to a world to which they might not otherwise gain entry. I love the dark humour that arises in unlikely circumstances – the kind I grew up around in 80s  and 90s Belfast. I’m a passionate believer in diversity and in telling stories from underrepresented social and ethnic groups.

So that’s me.

Please email me for a bang up-to-date CV, links to full screeners, and an extended reel.

TESTIMONIALS

“A consummate professional who has a clear idea of what he wants and now knowing how to get it. A great rapport with actors as you would expect from a good actor himself, and a respect for crew make a great mix and can only lead him to bigger and better things.”

Raymond Lau, Producer (Disney’s The Lodge, Millie Inbetween)

“Jonathan is very clear in his vision as a director and it is always a great pleasure for me to work with him at the helm. He also effortlessly manages to keep the set going with good humour which is so vital”

John Leslie. Producer (Zoo, The Last Rifleman)

“A great collaborator, respectful and with a clear vision. Also, a great attention to detail throughout the entire post production process. Jonathan is the kind of director I like to work with”

Brian Philip Davis, Editor (Bad Day for the Cut, Zoo, Devil’s Doorway)

“Every process from casting, rehearsal and the shoot was an absolute dream to be a part of. Jonathan allowed artistic freedom and discovery whilst maintaining his precise, clear vision for the project. He created an easy and fun environment which meant myself and the other actors could do our very best work. I would relish the opportunity to work with him again.”

Fra Fee, Actor (Hawkeye, Les Misérables, Animals)

“Besides being an extraordinarily dynamic director of acting, Jonathan has a highly developed visual sense. Along with an understanding of what the production’s physical, and aesthetic needs are, is the technical knowledge of how to achieve it.”

Norman Coates, Scenic Designer (The Dice House, Proof, Mr Cinders, The Importance of Being Earnest, From a Jack to a King – all West End)

“Jonathan has the ability to really get the best from artists. You’re never made feel like an idiot, and the process is about continual discovery in an egalitarian environment. I was absolutely blown away having worked with him, and want to do it all again. I trust him implicitly.”

Gina Costigan, Actress (The Ferryman, Broadway)

“Jonathan showed a mastery of his craft from the outset and squeezed every drop from a challenging play. He directed with compassion, humour and limitless energy. We couldn’t have asked for more from a director and would love to work with him again should the opportunity arise.”

Tom Aarvold, Producer (Finborough Theatre)