About Gerald
Gerald Jackson, Jr. was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, with a huge passion for filmmaking. After graduating from the University of North Florida with a degree in Broadcast/Film, he assisted in the production of the television series “Safe Harbor,” as well as acted in Joel Schumacher’s “Tigerland.” Afterwards, he attended and graduated from New York City’s Columbia University with a degree in Film Studies. In 2002, Gerald was accepted into the Florida State University Motion Picture Conservatory, where he produced the film Coochie (2004) starring the prolific actress Tyra Ferrell. He graduated in August, 2004 with a Masters in Film Production.
Upon returning to Jacksonville, Florida, Gerald taught film studies at a local college, scripted features, and participated in productions. Gerald’s music video directorial debut, “Jumping Waves” for the band Tracy Shedd was a finalist in the 2007 Tuscon Music Melee Music Video Competition. In 2013, his video ‘Amazingly’ for singer Rob Mercer won the BEST MUSIC VIDEO at the 2013 DMV Christian Music Awards.
Five Alive Films, his production company based out of Jacksonville, Florida, continues to be successful. He has worked with NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR Brenda Jackson, creating numerous book trailers for her novels. In 2009, it was decided that TRULY EVERLASTING, one of Ms. Jackson’s most popular books would be turned into a feature film. After a year of pre-production, filming, and editing, the film premiered in 2011 and became instantly successful. The project was picked up for distribution by Warner Brothers Pictures and has recently completed a successful run on the online streaming service NETFLIX.
Between productions, Gerald continues to be very active in his writing and film-related activities. MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE, the world’s premiere independent film magazine, recently completed an article on Florida filmmakers. Gerald Jackson, Jr. was mentioned with a quote and a photo. Also, “A Florida Story,” his second screenplay, placed in the top twenty in the recent Screenwriters International Screenplay Contest. In 2013, CENTRIC TELEVISION invited Gerald down to Las Vegas to be a red carpet correspondent where he met with a plethora of innovators and celebrities.
In 2014, Gerald took a professional hiatus so that he could work closely with the film students from Orlando’s Valencia College on a variety of projects. These include: two motion pictures and an assortment of classes and seminars. He directed two significant productions while there: a thesis film and a high profile commercial.
Regardless of these accomplishments, he continues to press forward with the hopes to direct more films and television productions, continue with his writing, apply for creative grants, and be a creative asset to any motion picture.