Whether working as a freelance Director of Photography or as the Owner of his production company, Whitford Foundry, Jesse brings a decade of industry experience to the table.

 

In the commercial space, Jesse began his career in direct response marketing, filming for brands such as JLo Beauty, Copperfit, and Hair Club for Men. He quickly expanded into producing broadcast TV commercials for clients like Sunwest Bank and, in the political arena, a U.S. Senate campaign. As the industry evolved, Jesse adapted, collaborating directly with advertising agencies like MullenLowe to film social marketing campaigns for national brands such as Geico and KFC.

 

In the documentary space, Jesse has focused on producing compelling short-form stories for brands like CrossFit, as well as documentary-style marketing pieces for companies and institutions across Southern California. His first feature-length documentary credit as Director of Photography took him to Chile, where he filmed "Hola Mamá", a moving film about children stolen from their mothers at birth and sold into adoption.

 

With a solution-oriented mindset, Jesse takes a “no-ego” approach to collaborative filmmaking, fostering an environment where the entire crew is empowered to bring their best. With experience as a Producer, Director, and DP, his adaptable leadership ensures high-quality productions that are delivered on time and within budget.

 

For corporate clients, Jesse serves as a key production resource through retainer-based relationships, providing the benefits of an in-house production team—without the overhead of full-time staff and equipment costs.