Jonael Leon Guerrero
Indepedent Filmmaker II Based in Chicago, IL
Håfa adai!
*Hello in Chamorro
Jonael Leon Guerrero is a Pacific Islander filmmaker. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago in 2023. She has worked in production design on short films like "Hand Job" and "Blues in the Night". She has produced short films like "The Love Doctor's Apprentice" and "See You There". She also has experience in directing, assistant directing, screenwriting, and hair and makeup. She works with Muffy Film Productions as a Creative Producer, helping with new projects and hosting film events. Additionally, she works with AmAuteur Film Festival as an Outreach Coordinator. Jonael's goal in her career is to give a spotlight to underrepresented communities and to advocate for Pacific Islanders' representation in the media.
What Do I Do?
A little summary of everything I have experience in
Producing
Production Design
Screenwriting
I mainly work as a producer with Muffy Film Productions, taking on new projects there. However, I do have experience on my own, as I've been the Line Producer on most projects, handling contracts and finances. I have helped with fundraising and applying for grant applications. I have also helped with location scouting and hiring cast and crew.
I started with production design in college, and I have built my way up from there. I have done set design and props. I have done pre-production work with drawing and 3D builds for sets. I have also done costume, hair, and makeup. I have worked with graphic design as well for my production design.
I first got into film through writing. I've been writing ever since I was younger, and I have been working towards establishing my work in film. I have written a couple of short films, one that was read at a table read for others to hear, Matter of Time, and I am working on my first feature.
Film Events
I first started volunteering at film events when I graduated. I worked with the XL Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival. From there, I loved working on this side of film and became more involved. I help with events at Muffy Film Productions, and I now work with the AmAuteur Film Festival for Outreach. I would love to get more experience and get more in touch speficially with film festivals
Some Other Stuff I Do
Like a lot of other people in indie filmmaking, I have built a lot of skills and worked in multiple roles:
-
Directing
-
Assistant Directing
-
Script Supervising
-
Hair and Makeup
-
Graphic Design
Software and Skills
Everything I'm proficient in!
-
Administrative Work
-
Multi-tasking
-
Problem solving
-
Teamwork
-
Budgeting
-
Adaptable