Faculty
Our faculty members are working industry professionals and artists with decades of experience at the forefront of filmmaking. Instructors are dedicated teachers committed to conveying their experience and knowledge. Having produced numerous independent and studio films, documentaries, television shows, and commercials, our instructors know intimately what the next generation of fillmmakers needs to thrive.
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Jonathan Wacks, Head of Film Production |
Jonathan Wacks has directed a number of films, including Powwow Highway, produced by George Harrison of The Beatles. It won the Filmmakers Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for four Independent Spirit Awards.
Wacks’ first film, Crossroads/South Africa, won an Academy Award in the documentary category (student). He then went on to produce the acclaimed cult-hit Repo Man, starring Emilio Estevez, and directed movies such as Mystery Date, starring Ethan Hawke, Ed and His Dead Mother, starring Steve Buscemi, and an array of TV productions, including 21 Jump Street with Johnny Depp.
Prior to his career as a director, Wacks served as VP of Production at the Samuel Goldwyn Company and President of Michael Nesmith’s Pacific Arts Pictures. He was born in South Africa and graduated with a BA (Hons.) in Latin American Studies from Essex University, and an M.F.A. from UCLA Film School. His screenplays include Recoil, based on the Jim Thompson novel, No Cure for Love, Another Year in Africa, Stuck, and Coldsleep Lullaby.
Prior to joining VFS, Wacks was Professor and Chair of the Moving Image Arts Department at the College of Santa Fe. He also served as Director of Garson Studios. Wacks is a member of the Directors Guild of America.
