BIO

Jay Heyman is a documentary filmmaker and versatile freelance director/producer based in Brooklyn, NY, that thrives on the art of storytelling. His work has taken him across the United States and around the globe, with a knack for embracing new subject matter, environments and cultures. Jay’s unique ability to forge genuine connections, both on-screen and behind the scenes, sets the stage for crafting narratives that engage, educate and inspire.

Specializing in character-driven storytelling, Jay’s thoughtful and respectful approach establishes trust with his subjects, whether navigating the streets of Phnom Penh, exploring a rural village in Ethiopia, observing a militia group in Pennsylvania, or inside a board room at a Fortune 500 company. Comfortable in diverse settings, he prioritizes creating a similar comfort level for those on camera, ensuring an authentic and impactful narrative. His work has earned him the privilege of meeting a multitude of individuals from various walks of life, exposing him to a mosaic of experiences that he brings to each and every project.

In recent years, Jay has worked in multiple capacities for the BBC and Channel 4 in the UK, co-directing segments for an episode of BBC’s Panorama on the 2020 Presidential Election and produced and shot for a BBC News documentary about the first execution of a female in 70 years in the United States. Jay has produced and shot Channel 4’s investigative series, Dispatches, on two episodes that exposed the inhumane factory farming practices in the U.S., including overseeing an undercover investigation into a poultry processing plant in East Texas.   

Jay’s documentary skill set extends to corporate brands like Ford Motor Company, Apple, IBM, Chase Bank, Liberty Mutual Insurance, among others. Notably, with Subaru of America, Jay directed numerous films exploring the personal stories of dealership owners nationwide and their commitment to community and non-profit partnerships. He also directed an online documentary series for Subaru about waste management issues within the National Parks system through collaboration with the National Parks Service and the National Parks Conservation Association. Ultimately, these are stories about connection, service to others, hope and inspiration.

Throughout Jay’s career, he has been drawn to storytelling that goes beyond entertainment, working with non-profit organizations to raise awareness and highlight advocacy efforts. Whether it is in collaboration with a corporate partner or working directly with an organization, Jay finds significant value in these projects, tirelessly crafting a story that will attract and engage a broader audience. Recent projects include a short film for Restoration Immigration Legal Aid, a DC-based non-profit organization that provides pro bono immigration legal assistance to those most vulnerable and an Artist Portrait Series for Sea Dog Theater, a NYC-based non-profit theater company dedicated to amplifying stories of alienation and reconciliation.  

Jay Heyman’s journey in storytelling is an avenue to empower others to share their stories and a continuous exploration that both enriches his work and personal outlook.