Jessica Makinson is a writer/director/actor based in Los Angeles.
Starting out in TV as an actor and improviser, she has been a series regular on Emmy Award winning, SOUTH PARK, HALFWAY HOME, TRIGGER HAPPY TV and JOE SCHMO 2 from EP's Rhett Rhese and Paul Wernick (Zombieland, Deadpool). Other credits include MODERN FAMILY, ANIMAL PRACTICE and a recurring role Marc's ex-wife, Michelle on IFC's MARON.
As a filmmaker, Jessica's first short film, SKIN, screened at Fantasia Film Festival with the all female directed block of genre shorts, "BORN OF WOMAN", which went on to tour theatres around the country. "...Makinson is perfectly able to capture a sense of intimacy between the “couple.” This is a remarkable little film." -CutPrintFilm.com
Her latest short SEXXY DANCER premiered at Marfa Film Festival and went on to screen at Cucalorus, Citizen Jane, and Shnit Film Festival worldwide. SEXXY DANCER was selected to screen at Clermont Ferrand Film Festival 2021 as part of their retrospective shorts block.
"Laughter bellowed through the audience during Jessica Makinson's hilarious short film, Sexxy Dancer..." Vogue.com
Her first feature script, DisPlaceMent, was a second-round selection for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab 2020 and a Semi-Finalist for the ScreenCraft Screenwriters Fellowship 2020.
Having previously developed with Comedy Central, Makinson continues to write, pitch and develop projects for film and TV.
Jessica Makinson directing SKIN. (with cinematographer Ben Kasulke)
5/9/2020:
Theme Park Improv plays a longfom set at Women In Comedy Festival in Boston. Cast includes; Rachel Dratch (SNL), John Michael Higgins (Pitch Perfect) Michael Hitchcock (Best in Show), Jessica Makinson (South Park), Oscar Nunez (The Office), Cole Stratton (Pop My Culture Podcast) and Janet Varney (Stan Against Evil).
Check out Theme Park Improv website...
Jan. 29th-Feb. 6th 2021
SEXXY DANCER a short film written and directed by Jessica Makinson has been selected to screen at Clermont Ferrand Film Festival 2021 as part of their Dance Retrospective. Look online for ways to stream in Jan. 2021!
Makinson returns as Heidi Turner and Vice Principal Strong Woman in season 23 of the Emmy Award winning South Park for Comedy Central. Check out Strong Woman in a strong woman competition in episode 2307 "Board Girls".
Look for Season 24 in 2020!
Now available to stream on
https://www.newyorker.com/video/watch/fred-armisen-and-patton-oswalt-battle-for-the-neighborhood
Makinson stars opposite Fred Armisen, Patton Oswalt and Angela Kinsey in the award winning short film by director Tom Stern. Adapted from a George Saunders short story, ADAMS was produced by JASH and has won "Best Comedy Short" Hollyshorts Festival. "Best International Short Film" Fabrique De Cinema Festival in Rome 2019.
Makinson plays series regular, Kathee Goode, in the series GOLDEN REVENGE for Warner Bros. and Retrofit Films. An action packed series that is best described as the grown up version of "Homeward Bound" premiered at CANNES International Series Festival. Also starring David Cross, Natasha Leggero and Ice T.
Uber talented writer/director Hannah Marks created this knock out short film currently in post. Makinson plays Mum to the lovely Kara Hayward (Moonrise Kingdom).
The Armando Show LA continues as one of the longest running improv shows in Los Angeles. See the veteran cast improvise with guest monologist.
@ Acme Noho Theatre 5124 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601