NYU Tisch-trained filmmaker, director, and educator with 20+ years of experience crafting compelling stories for film, television, and theater—while mentoring the next generation of creators. Comfortable leading large-scale productions and delivering hands-on training in classrooms and on set. Bilingual (EN/ES), he bridges narrative development with performance coaching, producing award-winning and audience-reaching content including a #1-rated Discovery Channel series, internationally distributed family features, and a travel show reaching 1.5M+ viewers across 40+ countries.…

Jose Luis Navas

NYU Tisch-trained filmmaker, director, and educator with 20+ years of experience crafting compelling stories for film, television, and theater—while mentoring the next generation of creators. Comfortable leading large-scale productions and delivering hands-on training in classrooms and on set. Bilingual (EN/ES), he bridges narrative development with performance coaching, producing award-winning and audience-reaching content including a #1-rated Discovery Channel series, internationally distributed family features, and a travel show reaching 1.5M+ viewers across 40+ countries.…

Available to hire

NYU Tisch-trained filmmaker, director, and educator with 20+ years of experience crafting compelling stories for film, television, and theater—while mentoring the next generation of creators. Comfortable leading large-scale productions and delivering hands-on training in classrooms and on set.

Bilingual (EN/ES), he bridges narrative development with performance coaching, producing award-winning and audience-reaching content including a #1-rated Discovery Channel series, internationally distributed family features, and a travel show reaching 1.5M+ viewers across 40+ countries.

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent

Work Experience

Acting Teacher & Musical Theater Producer at BBHARTS Performing Arts Academy | Florida
January 1, 2025 - Present
Prepare students for showcases, short plays, and live performances through structured rehearsal and constructive feedback. Teach core acting skills: voice projection, body movement, facial expression, imagination, and emotional awareness. Introduce performance techniques via improvisation, role-play, and age-appropriate scripts; specializes in building confidence for shy or introverted learners. Collaborate with parents, schools, and program coordinators to align creative and education outcomes.
Writer | Director | Cinematographer — 'The List' (Feature Film) at Dude the Arts Foundation / The Children's Fund | Florida
January 1, 2024 - Present
Wrote, directed, and shot a feature-length narrative from concept through post-production. Collaborated with 14 fifth-grade student actors to guide performance, story, and production execution end-to-end.
Writer | Director | Cinematographer at Due the Arts Foundation / The Children's Fund
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Wrote, directed, and shot a feature-length narrative film from concept through post-production. Managed creative and logistical aspects of production with a cast of 14 young actors.
Acting Teacher & On-Camera Acting Coach at Taller En Acción Acting Academy | Florida
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Designed a dynamic curriculum incorporating improvisation, scene study, and character analysis for diverse student groups. Provided individualized coaching and mentorship, helping students reach their full artistic potential. Directed and produced multiple theater productions and led advanced workshops preparing students for professional auditions.
Writer | Director — 'Cuando Cae la Noche' Ep. 1: 'El Sombreron' at Frank Hardy Productions | Guatemala
January 1, 2022 - Present
Wrote and directed a culturally rich pilot episode rooted in Guatemalan folklore, emphasizing visual storytelling.
Director | Cinematographer — 'Angel's Fire' (Feature Film) at Alain Tautelo Films | Chicago, IL
January 1, 2022 - Present
Directed and filmed a feature narrative, managing large-scale shoots across the full production pipeline.
Writer | Director at Frank Hardy Productions
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Wrote and directed a culturally rich, visually captivating pilot episode rooted in Guatemalan folklore (episode 1: 'El Sombrerón').
Director | Cinematographer at Alain Tautelo Films
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Directed and filmed a feature narrative, overseeing large-scale shoots and managing the full production pipeline.
Educational Content Producer & Filmmaker at The James Stanfield Company | Santa Barbara, CA
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2022
Produced, filmed, and edited 12 educational episodes distributed to 10,000+ schools in the U.S. and Canada. Applied Harvard-designed teaching frameworks to develop classroom-ready content supporting children’s development of interpersonal skills.
Content Producer & Filmmaker at The James Stanfield Company
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2022
Produced, filmed, and edited 12 educational episodes distributed to 10,000+ schools across the U.S. and Canada. Applied Harvard-designed frameworks to create accessible, impactful content for children with autism.
First Assistant Director at MDE Films / Elizabeth Blake Thomas | Los Angeles, CA
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2021
Oversaw production on four family feature films: League of the Legend Keepers (2020), Sounds of Silent (2019), Maybe I'm Fine (2019), and Sand Angels (2018). Coordinated departments, managed shoot schedules, and ensured on-set creative and logistical alignment.
First Assistant Director at MDE Films / Elizabeth Blake Thomas
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2021
Oversaw production across 4 family/children feature films: League of the Legend Keepers (2020), Sounds of Silent (2019), Maybe I'm Fine (2019), and Sand Angels (2018). Coordinated departments, managed shoot schedules, and ensured on-set creative and logistical alignment.
Director & Show-Runner — Christmas Musical at Ginnasio Santa Cristina Toscana | Bogota, Colombia
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Designed and led a full-scale musical production, coaching actors, singers, and dancers. Shaped the narrative arc and emotional beats while coordinating performance direction for the ensemble.
Content Producer → TV Content Creator at Discovery Channel | Miami, FL
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Rapidly promoted from short-film producer to network-wide content creator. Produced 'Barrio en Guerra,' a special series that ranked #1 in ratings for two consecutive months.
Mentor & Creative Director — Youth Filmmaking at Cinequest – Central America & Mexico (Regional)
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2017
Mentored students in video production from concept to final delivery; coordinated youth film festival participation at an international level. Produced the PTP 100 Impact documentary series, empowering young creators globally.
Mentor & Creative Director at Cinequest – Central America & Mexico
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2017
Mentored student filmmakers from concept to delivery and coordinated international youth film festivals. Produced the PTP 100 Impact documentary series empowering young creators globally.
Content Producer → TV Content Creator at Discovery Channel
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Produced network content and created a special series 'Barrio en Guerra' that ranked #1 in ratings for two consecutive months.
Producer & Creative Director at IFE In-Flight Entertainment | North America & Caribbean
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2019
Developed documentaries and short films spotlighting social justice themes for international in-flight audiences.
Producer & Creative Director at IFE In-Flight Entertainment
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2019
Developed documentaries and short films highlighting social justice themes for international in-flight audiences.
Writer | Producer | Director — 'Mexicana Te Lleva' (Travel Series) at Mexicana Airlines / IFE | Central & South America, Caribbean
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2014
Created, wrote, produced, and directed a travel series broadcast in 40+ countries, reaching 1.5M+ viewers.
Writer | Producer | Director at Mexicana Airlines / IFE
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2014
Created, wrote, produced, and directed a travel series broadcast in 40+ countries, reaching 1.5M+ viewers.
ESL / TESOL Instructor at OHLA Open Hearts International School | Miami, FL
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2009
Taught TESOL-certified courses to 400+ international students, integrating theater techniques to accelerate communication skills. Delivered instruction aligned with language learning objectives while supporting student confidence and expression.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Film, Cinema & Production at NYU – Tisch School of the Arts
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2000
Scene Study Intensive at HB Studios (with Jeanne Kaplan)
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1998
Summer Intensive Program at The Atlantic Studios (with Karen Kohlhaas)
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 1999
Bachelor of Arts in Film, Cinema & Production at NYU – Tisch School of the Arts, New York City
January 1, 1999 - August 3, 2026
Scene Study Intensive at HB Studios – with Jeanne Kaplan, New York City
January 1, 1998 - August 3, 2026
Summer Intensive Program at The Atlantic Studios – with Karen Kohlhaas, New York City
January 1, 1999 - August 3, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Travel & Hospitality
    jose luis navas reel
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