Jonathan Chao is an Asian American director based in Los Angeles. He is currently a third-year MFA candidate in Film Directing at Chapman University, where he has directed six short films, including his thesis, “In the Clouds.” Previously, he earned a BA in Anthropology from UCLA, where he also minored in Film and TV.
As a person of color in the film industry, Jonathan is committed to amplifying marginalized voices through his work. He naturally gravitates towards coming-of age narratives that explore the intricacies of adolescence, resilience amidst adversity, and the complexities of familial bonds. His films, “Xander” and “We’ll Get Through This,” have been programmed at film festivals nationwide, including Dances with Films and Garden State Film Festival.
Jonathan will be working in the production department at William Morris Endeavor (WME) this summer. Previously, he has completed development internships at companies such as Amazon MGM Studios & Prime Video, Plan B, and Blumhouse.
Press
Favorite Movies
Blindspotting (2018)
Burning (2018)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Mid90s (2018)
Midsommar (2019)
Moonlight (2016)
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Sicario (2015)
Yi Yi (2000)
Favorite TV Shows
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 - 2008)
Beef [Season 1] (2023)
Euphoria (2019 - Present)
Freaks and Geeks (1999 - 2000)
Invincible (2021 - Present)
Ted Lasso (2020 - 2023)
The Bear (2022 - Present)
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
True Detective [Season 1] (2014)
Succession (2018 - 2023)
