Park Pictures has signed director J.M. “Jason” Harper for commercial representation in the U.S. and U.K. A director and documentarian, Harper applies a multi-hyphenate approach to directing, bringing talents in cinematography, directing, composing, and editing to his craft.
Harper's elevated understanding of the heartfelt storytelling process rings true in projects for clients such as Facebook, My Brother’s Keeper, Google, Bud Light and more. Along the way he has earned awards and accolades from the Sundance Film Festival, The Webby Awards, Tribeca Film Festival and Vimeo Staff Picks.
Harper has edited four feature documentaries, including A Kid from Coney Island (Netflix) and Down a Dark Stairwell (PBS), about the police murder of Akai Gurley. He is currently in-progress on the upcoming Kanye West feature documentary Jeenyuhs (Time Studios), and is editing a docu series based on the book "How Music Got Free" (AppleTV).
“It’s very exciting when a director like Jason Harper comes into your life,” said Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Park Pictures’ co-founder and executive producer. “Both personally and professionally, his ideals and vision align perfectly with Park Pictures. He’s a prolific storyteller whose attention to detail–whether it be in documentary or narrative films–makes the seemingly insignificant into something profoundly powerful. His ability to immerse himself fully into the stories he’s crafting makes him a standout. Jason understands the full scope of advertising and filmmaking, from inception of the idea through post, that makes him a special talent. Jason fully understands the importance of creative collaboration and we’re excited to work with him on short form and long form projects.”
Harper added, “My admiration of Park Pictures began with the ingenious work of Lance Acord and Chivo Lubezki. The company’s interest in profound storytelling reflects in its roster of directors who see filmmaking as a high calling. As an EP, Jackie’s producing instinct and passion for humanity speaks for itself in the work she’s created over the last two decades. With the intent to break new creative ground, I’m humbled and enthusiastic to join forces with Lance, Jackie and the incredibly talented Park Pictures team.”
Raised in proximity to the cornfields of Rockford, Illinois, Harper learned how to wield a camera by making visually driven documentaries in Berlin, Senegal, and across the Americas. In his spare time, he teaches 16mm/35mm cinematography at a cinema arts non-profit called Mono No Aware. Prior to joining Park, Harper had been handled in the U.S. ad market by production company Hound. He resides in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, with his cat, named Miles Davis.
