Jessica Makinson is a writer, director, and 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 on IFC's MARON.
As a filmmaker, Makinson'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… This is a remarkable little film." -CutPrintFilm.com
Comedy short, SEXXY DANCER, has screened at Marfa Film Festival, Cucalorus, Citizen Jane, and Shnit Film Festival worldwide. SEXXY DANCER was selected to screen at Clermont Ferrand Film Festival 2022 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 twice a second-round selection for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab 2020 and 2021, and a Semi-Finalist for the ScreenCraft Screenwriters Fellowship 2020. She is currently seeking funding to direct this as her first feature film.
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)
Jessica Makinson debuts in season 3 of the hit crime podcast EXETER, opposite the unbelievable talent of Jeanne Tripplehorn and Ray McKinnon. Catch seasons 1-3 Available March 31st Only on @audible.com
Country music mockumentary, The Sisters Lee, premiers at Idyllwild Cinema Festival on March 11th 2023 @ 6pm.
We Are Moving Stories interviews director Jessica Makinson about short film THE SISTERS LEE. Founder Dr Carmela Baranowska talks to Makinson about comedy and indie films. We Are Moving Stories aims to highlight female and underrepresented filmmakers. Check it out!
https://www.wearemovingstories.com/we-are-moving-stories-films/2023/3/6/the-sisters-lee
Theme Park Improv returns to the stage for their annual SFSketchfest show. Cast includes; Ian Brennan (Glee), Rachel Dratch (SNL), Simon Helberg (Big Bang Theory), 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...
Makinson returns as Heidi Turner and Vice Principal Strong Woman in season 26 of the Emmy Award winning South Park for Comedy Central.
Jan. 28th-Feb. 5th 2022
SEXXY DANCER, a short film written and directed by Jessica Makinson has been selected to screen at Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival 2022 as part of their Dance Retrospective. Clermont-Ferrand is the largest international film festival dedicated to short films. Look online for ways to stream in Jan. 2022!
Files coming soon.
Makinson directing SKIN with cinematographer Ben Kasulke
Copyright © 2018 Jessica Makinson - All Rights Reserved.