Meet Jake Isham | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jake Isham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jake, what do you attribute your success to?
Years ago, a mentor—who happens to be a successful, multi-award-winning artist—gave me a piece of advice that, at the time, seemed deceptively simple: “Follow the 3 Ps: Produce. Promote. Persist.” It took me a decade to fully grasp the depth of that advice and to understand how it could shape my journey as an artist.

It wasn’t until I committed to daily vlogging that the real power of this philosophy hit me. I created 30 daily vlogs in a row, and during that period, I saw a shift in my career. I booked more work than I ever had before. But then, as often happens, I let it slide, and a year and a half later, I decided to try again. This time, I vlogged for over two months straight. Once again, I found myself booking more work than I ever thought possible, landing some of the biggest projects of my career.

The key was the consistency of production—creating at a pace I hadn’t previously thought possible—and then sharing it as far and wide as I could. It was about putting my work out there, pushing it into the world, and keeping up the momentum. It’s no secret that when you produce in volume, you inevitably refine your craft, and when you promote it relentlessly, the opportunities begin to follow.

The most important factor in my success has become clear: Produce. Promote. Persist. Every day I create, I push my boundaries and learn something new. I get my work out into the world as much as possible, and I keep going—even when it feels hard, even when I face setbacks.

Success is less about waiting for the “right” opportunity to knock and more about showing up every day, relentlessly creating and sharing what I make. And when you persist, that’s when the doors really start to open.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From a young age, I’ve always had a deep passion for storytelling from acting on stage since the age of 5 in over 40 different plays. In high school I decided to move behind the camera and then attended film school with the clear goal of becoming a filmmaker. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to hone my craft working with different brands and businesses shooting videos for them, and I when I could made some short films. However, something clicked in me recently that drastically shifted my creative approach. In the past 3 months, I’ve pushed myself to a new level of productivity, completing 13 short films. Now, I’m currently working on shooting and completing 8 more within the next 30 days, alongside working on my first feature film. This pace is a testament to my belief in constantly challenging myself to create, no matter what.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of not being too precious with my art work. I’ve seen many artists freeze in their tracks, paralyzed by the question of whether their work is “good enough.” For so long, I was one of them, but I’ve come to realize that overthinking can be one of the greatest obstacles to creativity. Instead of waiting for perfection, I’ve adopted the mantra “just make the next one.” Each piece of work is a step forward, a learning opportunity. The more I create, the more I learn and grow as an artist.

Professionally, the journey has not always been easy. There have been moments of doubt and plenty of challenges along the way, but perseverance and the desire to tell stories have kept me moving forward. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but each setback taught me something invaluable—whether it was about trusting my instincts or embracing the imperfections of the process.

What excites me most now is the work I’m doing—creating at a pace that pushes me beyond what I thought possible. This mindset has not only transformed my approach to filmmaking but also my sense of fulfillment as an artist. Creativity thrives in the act of doing, not in the pursuit of perfection. For me, it’s about telling the next story, making the next film, and letting go of any fear of judgment.

In the end, I hope my story encourages others to take risks, push through self-doubt, and embrace the process of creating rather than waiting for the “perfect moment.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, that’s a tough one because Los Angeles is so diverse, and there’s something amazing for every budget and interest.

Definetely one of my favorite things is a beach morning in Malibu. I love taking my dog for a walk along the beach. Afterward, grab lunch at Café Habana, a dog-friendly Mexican spot with great food and even better vibes. It’s an ideal place for a chill afternoon.

Since I’m a film nerd, I would definitely recommend catching a movie at the legendary Chinese Theatre. And of course we would have to get tickets for an IMAX showing.

Resturaunts wise – I’m a sucker for Sugarfish (sushi). I could eat there everyday! Something fun and different is finding a rooftop bar/restaurant.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I feel incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing family supporting me. First and foremost, my parents have always been my #1 fans and my rock. Their unwavering support has been the foundation of everything I’ve been able to accomplish—I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Then there are my siblings. We’ve always had this dynamic where we push each other to be better, to work harder, and to keep striving for more. The mutual motivation we share has been invaluable, and I’m grateful for that constant challenge to grow.

And of course, my wife. We’ve been together for nearly a decade, and I can honestly say I’m the person I am today because of her. She has been my constant source of love, strength, and encouragement. She’s not just my partner; she’s my biggest cheerleader.

I’m beyond lucky to have such a solid support system around me—one that inspires me to take risks, pursue my dreams, and always keep moving forward. They remind me that no matter how tough things get, I have the right people by my side, and that makes all the difference.

Website: https://www.jakeisham.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakedirectedthis