By Jia Yi Fan
How did you get to where you are now?
Jon: Like most people involved in this craft, I loved watching movies for as long as I can remember. I knew I wanted to tell my own stories one day. I also knew that it was important not to rely on filmmaking (at least for me) as my only revenue source, so I took marketing after high school. After that, I moved to Halifax and took Screen Arts at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). Once I moved back to Saint John after COVID, I thought it made sense for me to start a video business as an entrepreneurial-minded individual. From there, I started working with local businesses, but as of late, I am more interested in getting into the narrative filmmaking space.
Why did you get into film?
Jon: I think originally what drew me in was creating silly videos with friends as a kid. As I grew older, I started to look more into the craft, and fell in love with its potential. I always had a deep imagination but never felt like an artsy person, or particularly of any talent in the other visual arts. So, when I discovered film, it felt like an accessible area for someone like me to share my imagination and the worlds, characters and stories that I found moving and interesting. I also always loved the movie theatre experience and desired to have something of my own play on screen one day.
Where do you get inspiration or ideas for projects?
Jon: I find most of my ideas start with setting and genre, and once I have an idea of what those are, I wait a few days until the story I want to tell with those parameters will suddenly strike me.
Do you have any films in the works or that you would like to produce in the future?
Jon: I am developing a feature script at the moment. I hope to finish the script and direct it in the next 12 months. In the meantime, I want to make more connections within the NB film community and build a team I can bring into the project.
Any advice for aspiring or emerging filmmakers?
Jon: The best way to write interesting stories is to have a wide interest. I spent years hyperfocused on filmmaking, learning about movie history, camera types, gear, film criticism, and the culture associated with it. None of that helped me to write more interesting stories. For a long time, I couldn't figure out what I wanted to say with my stories. It wasn't until I took a step away, started living life, making mistakes, facing challenges, reading about history, and connecting with other people outside of film, that I started to figure out what there was for me to say or to explore.
What did you wish you knew before diving into filmmaking?
Jon: That it would be a marathon and not a sprint. There is no such thing as overnight successes.
Favorite movie or show?
Jon: Oh gosh, impossible to choose. I love and always come back to the Lord of the Ring (LOTR) trilogy. Those were probably some of the most influential films for sparking my love of cinema. The behind-the-scenes production diaries were almost as enjoyable to watch as the actual films. Gladiator stands out, Interstellar, Scott Pilgram, Saving Private Ryan, Before Sunrise… Gosh, so many I can't think of. It's an ever changing list.
If you could work with anybody (including celebrities), who would it be?
Jon: Probably Roger Deakins as my Cinematographer, and Cillian Murphy and Anya Taylor-Joy as my lead actors.