About Me
Jerod Willis is a Detroit-based writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and founder of the independent media collective Mission.
Films that Willis has directed and produced include J’taime Detroit (2020), Miracle Whip (2021), Sinners and Saint (2022), Griot (2023), In Pursuit (2023), Sweeter than Heaven (2023), Vastion (2023), and producer for 1/3 of the Story (2023)
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Willis was awarded "Best Michigan Filmmaker" in 2021 in the Ann Arbor Film Festival, "Best Fantasy" in the 2023 48 Hour Film Fest, and a Freep Film Festival student finalist and various festival selections for Sinners and Saint (2021).
Skills
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Final Cut Pro
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Cannon camera operations
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Sony Camera operation
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Blackmagic Design camera operations
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Photography
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Videography
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Adobe Creative Cloud
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Graphic Design
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Avid Workspaces
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Davinci Resolve
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Web Design
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Live Streaming
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Logic Workspace
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Project Management
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Microsoft Workspace
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Google Workspaces
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Pro Tools
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Copywriting
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Spark
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Directing
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Customer Service
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Project Planning
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OBS Studios
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Event Planning
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Fundraising
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Social Media Marketing
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Tricaster Operation
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Leadership
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Team Player
Wayne State University
GPA: 3.7
As a video editor and producer, Jerod Willis has a passion for telling stories through the medium of video. He brings a unique perspective to his craft, having gained experience in the media production world through his studies at Wayne State University. While attending Wayne State, Jerod was an integral part of the Wayne State Media and Production Program. He hosted and produced a show for WAYNE Radio called “Willis on WAYN” and was a crew member on the PBS show Metro Arts. His work in filmmaking has earned him numerous accolades, including being a Freep Feast finalist and the Ann Arbor Best Michigan Filmmaker winner. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating compelling video content.
Awards
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Free Press Student Film Festival Finalist (2021)
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Ann Arbor Film Festival Award Winner (2021)
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Dean’s List Academic Achievement Award (2021)
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Wayne State Media Arts Student Selection (2021)
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Capstone Project: Miracle Whip (2021)
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DECA Regional Champion (2017)
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DECA State Finalist (2017)
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Mr. Athens (2017)
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Football Captain (2017)
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ASCFME Council Students Honoree (2016)
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DECA Regional Finalist (2016)
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Best Fantasy, Best Costumes, Best Graphics/FX - 48 Hr Film Detroit (2023)
Education
Get in Touch
Troy Athens High School
GPA: 3.2
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At Athens High School, Jerod was a leader in the community. He was the Football captain, DECA state finalist, School store marketer, and P.O.C. leadership chairperson. Jerod was also a writer director, and producer on the student Emmy-winning Athens TV team. Finally, Jerod won the title of Mr. Athens, given to the student who raises the most funds for charity during charity week.
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