JAY HOLBEN

“A Jay Holben production is a perfect Venn diagram of amazingly creative, incredibly technical and complicated, and of value/use/impact to a great deal of people, whether that be the industry, artists or just humans. Right in the middle of those three are the projects that Jay really specializes in.”

“Jay has demonstrated directorial expertise... It has been both a professional and personal delight working with Jay Holben [on the ASC MITC’s StEM2] “The Mission,” which has been written and directed by Jay. [He] effectively and seamlessly integrated the complex array of technology requirements within the short film in a way that showcases their contribution to enhancing the aesthetic of the film’s narrative. ”

“Jay has been and done everything, from acting to producing, but is best known as being an outstanding Cinematographer, Director and Educator. He’s also a man who likes to call a spade a spade and almost certainly knows how to use one.”

“It’s rare to find a collaborator who is as creative as he is knowledgeable. Jay Holben is as can-do as can be and has creatively gotten me out of more than a few tricky production jams while never just resorting to throwing money at a problem.”

“As a first time writer/producer, having Jay at the helm of our film as director was invaluable. He has a wealth of knowledge not just as a director, but as a producer, cinematographer, etc. He is patient and generous with both cast and crew, and his calmness in high-pressure situations ensures that the team gets the jobs done. He took the time to fully understand my vision for the story, which in turn, allowed me to trust placing the film in his capable hands.”

“I had the pleasure of working with Jay on a Zeiss cinema lens project that involved multiple videos and a tight deadline. Jay jumped right in as a producer, and handled whatever was thrown at him with grace. He is organized, timely and has impeccable people skills. I know that I can trust him to get the job done while upholding high standards. We will definitely be working together again in the future. ”

“At the heart of everything Jay creates is a profound technical knowledge of craft, as well as an open minded-collaboration to create the best possible piece of art. He builds from the foundation of who he is as an artist. I have always thought of great leaders as people who stand by your side, making you and everyone around you great.”

“Jay is the ultimate package of talent and professionalism. Getting to collaborate with him was such an enjoyable experience. This is the only testimonial I’ve ever written and I wouldn’t vouch for anyone unless I truly respected them. I’ve worked with him a few times now and definitely will continue to do so.”

“I hope to work with Jay again and that’s all any of us really want to know, right? The trust he creates on set for not only the actors, but every creative individual speaks volumes. As a producer I felt safe to trust him with the project and he has proven this trust was not a mistake - from pre through post his work ethic and creativity has brought together a remarkable project. As an actor I felt a sense of immediate trust which allowed me freedom to explore and play. It has been truly a great experience.”

“I have been fortunate enough to know and work with Mr. Jay Holben on various projects over the last 20 years. Jay’s knowledge, patience, work ethic, creative energy, and professionalism are second to none. He has been, and always will be my first phone call on any project... whether he likes it or not. ”

“My project felt in very safe hands with Jay directing. He’s easygoing, open to suggestions and a true collaborator.”

“My success is defined by the quality of the wondrous creative people I collaborate with. Working with Jay Holben makes me extraordinarily successful.”

“Working with Jay Holben is the film industry on a whole other level. Not only is he professional, timely and precise about every detail, but he also listens to others input and knows how to work as a team to get the best results possible. He has his own vision, but that is never the end-all-be-all with Jay. He can easily work new ideas into the plan while keeping everything on time and completely top-tier in results. I have had such a great time working with Jay between his ability to hold composure in trying situations, calm others down, fixing problems and just being absolutely fun and goofy to be around. He makes everyone feel comfortable and allows them to enjoy their time on set without letting anything or anyone get out of hand. I strongly recommend this brilliant man for any task you may throw at him.”

“Jay was a great client, always responsive and conscientious of not just our needs as a facilitator, but also those of his own clients. It was nothing short of a pleasure working with him and I look forward to the next opportunity for collaboration.”

“While Jay’s technical knowledge and ability are both incredible, the best part about him is that he makes the people around him better. He’s easy to work with while still getting people to produce their best work.”

“He is very down-to-earth, knowledgeable and friendly. I felt very comfortable working with him right off the bat, which makes a huge difference as the talent. He is honest, but not harsh. He was able to harness my strengths, and pushed me to break through my weaknesses in my performance. Jay is an extremely talented man who is also able to connect with the talent in order to create visual magic. I’d work with him any day, and I would trust him with any project I had.”

“He has an uncanny ability to keep attitudes high and he is very good at understanding the collaboration process.”

“Jay Holben is a professional, dedicated filmmaker who, in addition to having the perfect face of calm during any situation, truly is enjoyable to work with and best of all, enjoys the crazy art of making film.”

“Jay Holben is an extremely talented director. He’s clear with his vision and communicates this with actors effectively. He’s a true professional and a pleasure to work with! ”

“When Jay came to work with us at ActionGroupA, I was surprised. Our script was tough, and our band of miscreant artists were even tougher. We invited him to join us based on his amazing director reel, but what he brought to us was more than his unique talent. It was Jay’s personality that won us over. His passion for filmmaking was evident in all that he did. As a director Jay lets the actors play and compassionately redirects with specific notes, inspiring us with his vision of the story. He is both a creative genius and nurturing artist. We all love working with Jay. So much so we invited him back to direct and shoot with us many times. It’s an honor and a privilege to work with Jay Holben!”

“Jay made my experience professional, but more importantly fun. He was really willing to hear me out about the direction I wanted to take my character and help me find a compromise within the material. I felt instantly at ease working with Jay.”

“As an actor working with Jay Holben, it was easy to trust him to guide my performance. It was like working with an old friend. He immediately settles into the moment and makes what needs to happen happen. His professionalism and specificity on set is a dream to work with.”

“Jay is one of my favorite directors to work with, that’s for sure! Is there a way to hire your own director to be in an entourage? I’d choose Jay!”

“I’ve had the pleasure to hire, work with, and respect this man who has changed the way I work, shoot and create. He walked into our production with only a 1 week prep, 4 hour rehearsal and a 10 hour shoot schedule to make it happen. Not only did he make it happen but he taught me by doing what he does. He has one of the most approachable, humble dispositions, you would think he was a man that was seeking advice, but what is true is that he looks to his surroundings for inspiration. He is flexible... open to be affected. He is non-confrontational and nothing but a gem in the world of filmmaking. The second project I had the pleasure of seeing him work on was nothing but gorgeous and was a product that created an envy in me that I wish I could say I had been in his chair... but I can’t because it was Jay Holben who created what I can say was one of the most beautiful pieces I ever produced.”