Hi, I'm Jonathan Kesselman, an experienced editor, director, and producer with a strong background in film production and video editing across academic, narrative, commercial, and music video projects. I enjoy crafting engaging video content that tells compelling stories and enhances educational and promotional experiences. With an MFA in Film Production from USC and a BA in Psychology focused on Neuroscience, I combine technical expertise and creative vision to elevate projects in a variety of genres and sectors. I'm passionate about delivering high-quality media content while managing workflow efficiently using a broad range of industry-standard tools.

Jonathan Kesselman

Hi, I'm Jonathan Kesselman, an experienced editor, director, and producer with a strong background in film production and video editing across academic, narrative, commercial, and music video projects. I enjoy crafting engaging video content that tells compelling stories and enhances educational and promotional experiences. With an MFA in Film Production from USC and a BA in Psychology focused on Neuroscience, I combine technical expertise and creative vision to elevate projects in a variety of genres and sectors. I'm passionate about delivering high-quality media content while managing workflow efficiently using a broad range of industry-standard tools.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Jonathan Kesselman, an experienced editor, director, and producer with a strong background in film production and video editing across academic, narrative, commercial, and music video projects. I enjoy crafting engaging video content that tells compelling stories and enhances educational and promotional experiences.

With an MFA in Film Production from USC and a BA in Psychology focused on Neuroscience, I combine technical expertise and creative vision to elevate projects in a variety of genres and sectors. I’m passionate about delivering high-quality media content while managing workflow efficiently using a broad range of industry-standard tools.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Video Editor at University of Texas
February 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024
Edited lecture recordings into high-quality instructional videos for large university classes. Enhanced video clarity and engagement for students, improving overall learning experience.
Freelance Editor at Rize Education
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Edited industry interviews and a full lecture series for the DAM1 (Digital Asset Management 1) course. Organized and managed digital assets to optimize workflow.
Editor at American Jewish University
October 1, 2023 - January 31, 2025
Edited videos and podcasts to establish a strong visual/audio brand for AJU Open. Served as lead technician for virtual classes and webinars. Managed digital content backend and coordinated offsite video shoots.
Editor at Notable Features
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Editor for documentary short "Puzzle Palace" which premiered at SXSW Film Festival.
Editor at LA Live Film Festival & Hollywood Gold Awards
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Edited short drama "The Rub," winning awards including LA Live Film Festival and Hollywood Gold Awards.
Editor/Director at Stunbolt Media, Zero Gravity
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Directed and edited half-hour sitcom "Compound Fractures" starring George Wendt, Adam Busch, and Iris Bahr.
Editor at BBC Northern Ireland
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Edited multiple projects including "Shopped," "Fresh," "Shit Stepmum," and "The Catholic Matchmaker’s Bureau."
Director/Editor at The Center for Countering Digital Hate / Cinnabar Pictures, NY
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Directed and edited the commercial "Digital Babysitter."
Editor at Macmillan Books
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Edited book trailer "Snot Goblins."
Producer/Director/Editor at Google
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
Created a 5-minute explainer video for Google’s Head of PR (Emerging Markets).
Editor at Harley-Davidson Virtual Trade Show
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Edited video content for virtual trade shows.
Director/Editor at Petsmart
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Directed and edited "We Get Pets" campaign videos.
Editor at National Holocaust Awareness Initiative
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Edited video "Disgusting Nazis."
Editor at Various Clients
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022
Edited multiple projects such as multi-cam/live performances "Taste Of The Caribbean," commercial spots such as "MyKifa," testimonial videos for US & UK clients named "Endorsement Queen," and co-edited "David Yurman Sizzle" luxury jewelry brand commercials.
2nd Unit Director/Writer at Sony/Tri-Star Productions
December 31, 2016 - July 31, 2025
Directed and wrote 2nd unit for the feature film 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk' directed by Ang Lee.
Director/Writer at Independent
December 31, 2016 - July 31, 2025
Directed and wrote 'Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero', which won awards at Austin Film Festival and had theatrical and cable releases.
Director/Editor at BBC Northern Ireland
December 31, 2022 - July 31, 2025
Directed and edited four short films commissioned by the BBC Northern Ireland, including 'Shopped', 'Fresh', 'Catholic Matchmakers Bureau', and 'Shit Stepmum'.
Series Showrunner (Director, Producer, Writer, Line Producer) at Tubi
December 31, 2020 - July 31, 2025
Showrunner and key creative on the research-based, presenter-led sketch comedy show 'Gander', starring major comedy talents.
Video Editor at University of Texas
April 30, 2024 - August 16, 2025
Edited lecture recordings into high-quality instructional videos for large university classes, enhancing video clarity and engagement for students.
Freelance Editor at Rize Education
January 1, 2024 - Present
Edited industry interviews and a full lecture series for the DAM1 (Digital Asset Management 1) course. Organized and managed digital assets to optimize workflow.
Editor at American Jewish University
January 31, 2025 - August 16, 2025
Edited videos and podcasts to establish a strong visual/audio brand for AJU Open. Served as lead technician for virtual classes and webinars. Managed digital content backend and coordinated offsite video shoots.
Editor at Notable Features
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited the documentary short Puzzle Palace which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival.
Editor at Rodney Richards (Director)
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited the short drama The Rub, winner of the LA Live Film Festival & Hollywood Gold Awards.
Editor/Director at Stunbolt Media, Zero Gravity
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Directed and edited Compound Fractures, a half-hour sitcom starring George Wendt, Adam Busch, and Iris Bahr. Managed production activities and post-production editing.
Editor at BBC Northern Ireland
December 31, 2021 - August 16, 2025
Edited multiple productions including Shopped, Fresh, Shit Stepmum, and The Catholic Matchmaker’s Bureau.
Director/Editor at The Center for Countering Digital Hate / Cinnabar Pictures
December 31, 2023 - August 16, 2025
Directed and edited the commercial Digital Babysitter for The Center for Countering Digital Hate.
Editor at Macmillan Books
December 31, 2023 - August 16, 2025
Edited the book trailer Snot Goblins.
Producer/Director/Editor at Google
December 31, 2023 - August 16, 2025
Produced, directed, and edited a 5-minute explainer video for Google’s Head of PR (Emerging Markets).
Editor at Harley-Davidson Virtual Trade Show
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited footage for Harley-Davidson’s virtual trade show.
Director/Editor at Petsmart
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Directed and edited the Petsmart commercial 'We Get Pets'.
Editor at National Holocaust Awareness Initiative
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited the video Disgusting Nazis.
Editor at Kadima Conservatory of Music
December 31, 2020 - August 16, 2025
Edited an hour-long documentary.
Editor at Jumper Productions
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited commercial reel and testimonial videos for US & UK clients including Endorsement Queen.
Co-Editor at David Yurman
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Co-edited sizzle video for the luxury jewelry brand David Yurman.
Editor at Music Video Projects
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited music videos for Mikey Dangerous, Better Than The Beatles, and Brad Urba.
Video Editor at University of Texas
April 30, 2024 - August 16, 2025
Edited lecture recordings into high-quality instructional videos for large university classes, enhancing video clarity and engagement for students.
Freelance Editor at Rize Education
January 1, 2024 - Present
Edited industry interviews and a full lecture series for the DAM1 (Digital Asset Management 1) course, organizing and managing digital assets to optimize workflow.
Editor at American Jewish University
January 31, 2025 - August 16, 2025
Edited videos and podcasts to establish a strong visual/audio brand for AJU Open; served as lead technician for virtual classes and webinars; managed digital content backend and coordinated offsite video shoots.
Editor at Indivisible (Client: Yale University)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Edited the documentary film 'Indivisible' for Yale University.
Editor at Notable Features
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited the documentary short 'Puzzle Palace' which premiered at SXSW Film Festival, working with directors Brian Bell & Jenny Schweitzer.
Editor at Rodney Richards
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited the short drama 'The Rub,' winner of LA Live Film Festival & Hollywood Gold Awards.
Editor/Director at Stunbolt Media, Zero Gravity
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Directed and edited the half-hour sitcom 'Compound Fractures,' starring George Wendt, Adam Busch, and Iris Bahr.
Editor at BBC Northern Ireland
December 31, 2021 - August 16, 2025
Edited multiple programs including 'Shopped,' 'Fresh,' 'Shit Stepmum,' and 'The Catholic Matchmaker’s Bureau.'
Editor at Rebel, Voice and Media
January 1, 2025 - Present
Edited multiple comedy sketches as well as the company’s fundraising campaign video.
Editor at Cubedesigners
January 1, 2025 - Present
Edited multiple projects for this Paris-based digital agency.
Director/Editor at Cinnabar Pictures, NY (Client: The Center for Countering Digital Hate)
December 31, 2023 - August 16, 2025
Directed and edited the 'Digital Babysitter' project.
Editor at Macmillan Books
December 31, 2023 - August 16, 2025
Edited the book trailer 'Snot Goblins.'
Producer/Director/Editor at Google
December 31, 2023 - August 16, 2025
Created a 5-minute explainer video for Google’s Head of PR (Emerging Markets).
Editor at Harley-Davidson Virtual Trade Show
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited live performance multi-cam video content.
Director/Editor at Petsmart – We Get Pets
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Directed and edited video content for Petsmart.
Editor at National Holocaust Awareness Initiative
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited 'Disgusting Nazis' project.
Editor at Various Clients
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited spots and testimonial videos including 'MyKifa', 'Jumper Productions Commercial Reel', 'Endorsement Queen', and co-edited 'David Yurman Sizzle'.
Editor at Kadima Conservatory of Music
December 31, 2020 - August 16, 2025
Edited an hour-long documentary.
Editor at Music Videos: Mikey Dangerous, Better Than The Beatles, Brad Urba
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited multiple music videos including 'Giant', 'Better Than The Beatles', and 'Down to the Deep'.
Video Editor at University of Texas
April 30, 2024 - August 16, 2025
Edited lecture recordings into high-quality instructional videos for large university classes, enhancing video clarity and engagement for students.
Freelance Editor at Rize Education
January 1, 2024 - Present
Edited industry interviews and a full lecture series for the DAM1 (Digital Asset Management 1) course. Organized and managed digital assets to optimize workflow.
Editor at American Jewish University
January 31, 2025 - August 16, 2025
Edited videos and podcasts to establish a strong visual/audio brand for AJU Open. Served as lead technician for virtual classes and webinars. Managed digital content backend and coordinated offsite video shoots.
Editor at Puzzle Palace (Client: Yale University)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Edited documentary 'Indivisible' for Yale University, shaping the film's narrative and pacing.
Editor at Notable Features
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited documentary short 'Puzzle Palace' which premiered at SXSW Film Festival.
Editor at Rodney Richards
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited short drama 'The Rub', winner at LA Live Film Festival & Hollywood Gold Awards.
Editor/Director at Stunbolt Media, Zero Gravity
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Directed and edited a ½-hour sitcom 'Compound Fractures' starring George Wendt, Adam Busch, and Iris Bahr.
Editor at BBC Northern Ireland
December 31, 2021 - August 16, 2025
Edited multiple documentary and comedy projects including 'Shopped', 'Fresh', 'Shit Stepmum', and 'The Catholic Matchmaker’s Bureau'.
Editor at Rebel, Voice and Media
January 1, 2025 - Present
Edited multiple comedy sketches and the company’s fundraising campaign video.
Editor at Cubedesigners
January 1, 2025 - Present
Edited multiple projects for Paris-based digital agency.
Director/Editor at Cinnabar Pictures, NY (Client: The Center for Countering Digital Hate)
December 31, 2023 - August 16, 2025
Directed and edited 'Digital Babysitter', a project addressing digital hate.
Editor at Macmillan Books
December 31, 2023 - August 16, 2025
Edited 'Snot Goblins' book trailer.
Producer/Director/Editor at Google
December 31, 2023 - August 16, 2025
Created a 5-minute explainer video for Google's Head of PR (Emerging Markets).
Editor at Harley-Davidson Virtual Trade Show
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited video content for a virtual trade show.
Director/Editor at Petsmart
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Directed and edited the 'We Get Pets' campaign videos.
Editor at National Holocaust Awareness Initiative
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited 'Disgusting Nazis' video for national awareness.
Editor at Kadima Conservatory of Music
December 31, 2020 - August 16, 2025
Edited hour-long documentary.
Editor at Various Music Videos
December 31, 2022 - August 16, 2025
Edited music videos including 'Mikey Dangerous – Giant', 'Better Than The Beatles', and 'Brad Urba – Down to the Deep'.

Education

MFA in Film Production at University of Southern California
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001
B.A. in Psychology at University of Colorado, Boulder
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001
MFA at University of Southern California
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2001
B.A. at University of Colorado, Boulder
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1998
MFA in Film Production at University Of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001
B.A. in Psychology at University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1994
MFA in Film Production at University of Southern California
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2001
B.A. in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude, Neuroscience Emphasis) at University of Colorado, Boulder
January 11, 2030 - August 16, 2025
MFA in Film Production at University of Southern California
January 1, 2001 - August 16, 2025
B.A. in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude, Neuroscience Emphasis) at University of Colorado, Boulder
January 11, 2030 - August 16, 2025
MFA in Film Production at University of Southern California
January 1, 2001 - August 16, 2025
B.A. in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude, Neuroscience Emphasis) at University of Colorado, Boulder
January 11, 2030 - August 16, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Consumer Goods, Professional Services