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Shriekfest - Sweet 16 Commercial

On his not-so-sweet sixteenth birthday, an outcast kid discovers his love of horror which ultimately sets him on the path to success in Hollywood. The winning Shriekfest commercial (2016).

"Jon James Smith's 2016 Winning Shriekfest Commercial captures exactly what Shriekfest is all about... following your dreams! Jon did an amazing job showing how a dream can turn into a reality with hard work! We are honored to have this awesome commercial!"
- Denise Gossett, Festival Founder & Director

  • Jon James Smith
    Director
    Do Not Disturb, Spira
  • Jon James Smith
    Writer
    Do Not Disturb, Spira
  • Taylor Lawrence
    Producer
    Somniloquy, For My Next Trick
  • Matt Ryan King
    Key Cast
    SuperHigh, Screen Junkies Roats
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    1 minute
  • Completion Date:
    October 16, 2016
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Shriekfest
    Los Angeles
    United States
    October 10, 2016
    WINNER OF COMMERCIAL COMPETITION
Director Biography - Jon James Smith

Jon James Smith is an award-winning filmmaker based in London.

His focus is mostly in the horror and thriller genre, mixing psychological and supernatural themes, to expose the darker facets of human beings, exploring their minds and choices.

Recently Jon wrote and directed horror short 'Last Orders' with Steven Elder (The King) and Alastair Parker (Dr Who, The Witcher 3). His latest short 'Babushka' is in pre-production with Thorny Devil Productions, due to be shot in LA in 2022, and his Screencraft Semifinalist feature screenplay 'Rangda' is also in development with Thorny Devil.

Studying cinematography in the UK at the prestigious Bournemouth Screen Academy under Witold Stok BSC (alumni include, Edgar Wright) was a great technical and creative base for his career. With a lust for hands-on experience Jon worked on over thirty 16mm productions, his student cinematography work has been screened at festivals around the world, winning various awards. He went on to work in the industry in the camera department and then as a cinematographer for several indie productions before focusing on writing and directing.

In between making films, Jon has created content for some of the biggest brands around and works in special effects, recently on the BBC's 'Killing Eve' and Warner Brothers 'Pennyworth'.

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