Jon Clark

Director/Editor

Detroit, MI

www.jonclarkfilms.com
instagram @jonclarkfilms

 

Q What do you do?

I’m an Emmy-Winning director and editor.

I make comedic, dramatic, and cinematic commercials, PSAs, and short films. I create memorable characters and stories that leave you wanting more.

Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?

I studied film in college, but the real work began when I started working for an advertising agency making car commercials. I cut my teeth there and then branched out to working in the non-profit and government space. Now, I do it all. I also constantly filmed things by myself on the weekends. This gave me a deep understanding of the camera and that’s intricate to how I direct. I have worked on almost every type of project imaginable: film, commercial, branded content, etc., and I feel comfortable tackling anything as a director and editor.

Q How do you stand out in your field?

I pride myself on taking something boring, like how to navigate a roundabout, and turning it into something funny and memorable, like a Road Wizard that magically appears and teaches you traffic safety. So many PSAs and commercials feel like someone forcing you to take medicine. I like to make you laugh while subtly slipping you a cough drop.

Q What are you working on right now?

I’m working on an anti-distracted driving campaign with a few professional sports teams and writing a feature film set in a historic movie theater.

Q What’s your style?

I have two styles: bright/funny and sleek/dramatic. The light hearted style can be seen in my projects like Driving Store and Road Wizard, whereas my dramatic tone can be seen in the commercial Project Play: Girls in Sports, as well as my short films.

Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?

I edit a lot of projects for a variety of clients, but directing is where my heart lies.

Q What is frustrating you right now?

Like so many creatives, I’m worried about how AI is going to shape our future. I prefer my films and videos made by humans.

Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?

I’d have them be my personal hype-man, jumping across rooftops shouting “jonclarkfilms.com”...but seriously, I could use a great assistant editor.

 

Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?

I’d tell my freshman year self to switch majors sooner, so I could avoid all those boring pre-law classes.

 

Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?

I’d like to talk to some astrophysicists and engineers to learn more about space telescope photography…for fun, I doubt it would help my career.

Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?

I’m looking to direct videos for bold brands, non-profits, and governments that are willing to inject some creativity into their messaging.

Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.

I think my ideal clients are ones looking for cinematic storytelling with a twist. Also, I think if we have a mutual trust, that will go a long way. Whether we make it funny, sincere, or heart stopping, I want to really engage audiences and leave them wanting more.

Q: What is your rate?

For directing jobs, it ranges depending on the size. My full rate for commercial brands sits around $2,000 a day, while I’m more flexible for smaller brands or non-profits.

Q How should someone approach you about working together?

Send me an email and let me know what you’re looking for. Together, we can figure out if I’m the right fit. jonclarkfilms@gmail.com

 
 

Q Who is a creative you admire?

GG Hawkins is a friend and talented director/writer.

I may be biased, but my fiancé Clare Cooney is also one of the best filmmakers I know.

Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?

Reading scripts, watching movies, and admiring the work of my peers.


This member profile was originally published in February 2026.