Jendra Jarnagin    [ resume ]   [ website ]

Jendra’s early expression of photographic talent garnered her an invitation to participate in a professional video program at the age of twelve and by the time she was fifteen years old, she was confident that her calling in life was to be a Cinematographer.

After attending NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Jendra’s passion and aptitude for lighting led her to begin her professional career as a Gaffer. She lit many diverse projects, including commercials, documentary television and re-creations for National Geographic, The Discovery and History Channels, and many studio pictures and episodic TV series, such as Sex & the City and Law & Order. She feels her years spent working for many of the industry’s biggest names has contributed to a superior grasp of the “big picture” of filmmaking and an unrivaled understanding of the art and craft of lighting, as well as how to lead a crew.

With over thirteen years of professional experience, Jendra has shot a wide variety of projects, such as numerous movies, music videos, commercials, television episodes, and documentaries. Notable films include Jason Koffeman’s Polaroid, which was lauded for its cinematography in IndieWire and Ain’t it Cool News, the multi-award winning A Close Call by Gina Guerrieri, and EXIT, starring Tony LoBianco and Jack Scalia, winner of several awards including the Platinum Award and Best Director at Houston-WorldFest. Other projects include the Locksley music video for the opening credits of MTV’s “Why Can’t I Be You?” and several episodes of Heroes for the Hallmark Channel. Jendra recently made a foray into commercials, which she is embracing with her characteristic vigor. Her current favorite is the sexy beauty spot for J’adore Dior perfume.

Jendra is proficient on all acquisition formats and invests a great deal of time staying abreast of current technology. As such, she is one of a handful of DPs in New York (and the first woman in the world) who have shot with the Grass Valley Viper Filmstream camera. She has lectured at Brooklyn College and the School of Visual Arts, and been a panelist at NAB. She prides herself on her reputation for being a joy to work with.