Jack Walterman

A native of Lakeville, Minnesota, Jack Walterman graduated with a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California. While there, he focused his energy on writing, producing, and directing genre films that centered around characters with heart, fighting against horrifying odds. His coming-of-age short film MOVE IN DAY premiered, and was well received by audiences, at Midsummer Scream--the World's largest Halloween and Horror convention--in August 2019. During that same summer, Walterman interned at the Flynn Picture Company known for producing large commercial films such as SKYSCRAPER, RAMPAGE, and SAN ANDREAS, as well as critically acclaimed independent films like REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, TIGERLAND, and CHOKE. There his duties included coverage, attending development meetings, and performing administrative duties to keep the day to day operations running smoothly and efficiently. Throughout graduate film school Walterman directed and crewed on several short films, music videos, and commercials. His efforts on classmates' projects were highlighted by the School of Cinematic Arts' First Look Awards--an advanced project showcase run by the Industry Relations Office. A Industry Jury reviewed 57 short films and recognized the winners of 6 categories (Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Social Change, Thriller/Sci-fi/Horror) for the spring of 2020. Walterman was the only student to hold distinct crew head positions on two of the six winning films. He produced BREACH OF TRUST (awarded Best Documentary) and production designed LA RUTA (awarded Best Social Change Film). Before moving to Los Angeles, his innate enthusiasm for collaborative storytelling was recognized by the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's Theatre and Dance Faculty in 2017 when they awarded him the Millie Harrison Spirit Award. Recipient of this award demonstrates a sense of ensemble and collaboration, strong ethics and values, and the spirit of humility; is a positive ambassador for the Department of Theatre and Dance; is creative and thinks outside the box; and is contagiously enthusiastic. During his undergraduate studies Walterman was able to study abroad and perform in both London, England, and at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland. He also directed stage productions and coached competitive speech for neighboring high schools. Over his summer breaks he worked as a teaching artist at the renowned Guthrie Theater's Summer Camp Program. Walterman accomplished all of this before obtaining his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts: Acting/Directing in the spring of 2017. Walterman's performance experience has helped him become an "actor's director" and he takes pride in artistically shepherding stories from conception to premiere and beyond. He is currently in development for a home-invasion horror/thriller film titled HERE TO STAY.