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Jensen's Still At It

The recently completed documentary "Jensen's Still At It" centers around artist John Jensen: classical pianist, jazz musician and beloved teacher. We follow Jensen through rehearsals and performances in Northern California, while he reflects on his approach to music education and navigating his own life’s challenges. At 80, Jensen continues to perform, inspire and explore friendships. Through verité footage and interviews with John, former students and collaborators, the documentary shows how his emphasis on inspiration and encouragement has impacted lives across six decades.

  • JB Letchinger
    Director
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0504607/
  • JB Letchinger
    Producer
  • John Jensen
    Key Cast
    dozens of recordings, hundreds of performances, hundreds of students
  • Carleton Macy
    Key Cast
    Professor Emeritus and former Department Head, Macalester College, dozens of music compositions
  • JB Letchinger
    Editor
  • JB Letchinger
    Writer
  • JB Letchinger
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Biographical Documentary wtih Musical Performance
  • Runtime:
    24 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 15, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 4K, Sony FX9, iphone
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - JB Letchinger

JB Letchinger is a director, producer, and cinematographer leading JBL Films, a Los Angeles-based boutique production company. Known for compelling visual storytelling, JB has contributed content across documentary, corporate, commercial, feature, and television formats, including a score of PBS specials - some with Emmy nominations. Working with foundations and nonprofits for decades, JB has produced and directed dozens of promotional films including eight PRSA PRISM award-winners. Recently his environmental film project with local community activist took the "Best Environmental Story" Award from the local Patagonia Film Festival. Notable influences on his verité and high end lighting work include past associations with Kartemquin Films, Chicago; Media Process Group ("Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise") Thad Wadleigh the DP from "Who Killed the Electric Car" and "Allen v. Farrow;" Cinematography for multiple projects for director Frederick Marx of "Hoop Dreams." As a young film electrician, JB was further inspired to pursue cinematography through personal encouragement and on-set experience with Frederick Elmes, ASC, David Lynch's esteemed Director of Photography. More about JB and JBL Films is here: www.jblfilms.com

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Director Statement

John Jensen reignited my relationship with music.
Traditional education had extinguished my childhood passion—by 10, I chose TV over practice. Jensen's lessons at college changed everything. His approach wasn't about discipline; it was about inspiration and encouragment. I played the piano regularly for the next 40 years because of his influence.

When he reached out about a performance recently —still playing classical and jazz, still informally teaching - I knew I had to film something. Not just as personal tribute, but because I had an inkling that there was something mysterious unexplored in the phenomenon of our friendship.
This film is modest in budget but ambitious in purpose.
His longevity isn't accidental—it stems from an approach that values curiosity and joy over perfection and pressure. That's a lesson extending beyond music, relevant to anyone who has ever tried to teach or learn anything.