Mark S. Jacobs has worn many hats throughout his illustrious career -a United States Army veteran, television, and film director (DGA), producer, cinematographer, journalist, and video editor. His story is one of dedication, innovation, and a passion for storytelling.
Before making his mark in the world of television, commercials, music videos, documentaries, and feature films, Mark dedicated 28 years of his life to television news. His journey began as a top photojournalist and news manager, where he led teams to deliver innovative local news content. Mark played a pivotal role in testing and implementing new technologies in the realms of photojournalism, editing, and news production.
Mark's exceptional skills in news photography and video editing did not go unnoticed. He was honored with an impressive tally of 51 television news awards, including 22 Emmys, two Edward R. Murrow awards, and five Golden Mics. His commitment to excellence in storytelling and his impact on the industry were evident in the recognition he received.
In 2017, Mark achieved another milestone as he was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame. This honor was a testament to his significant contributions to the field of television news and journalism.
The transition from television news to the world of television series, commercials, feature films, and pilots marked a new chapter in Mark's career. Since 2004, he has directed over 55 television series and pilots, earning accolades such as a daytime Emmy and other prestigious prizes. Some of the notable series under his direction include "Breaking Bonaduce," "Rob n Big," "Kitchen Nightmares," "Glee," "The Great Christmas Light Fight," and "Ellen."
Mark's creative prowess extends beyond television, as he has directed Coldplay's "Church" music video and the feature documentary "Jesse's Story," released in 2009. The latter earned him ten national and international motion picture awards, showcasing his versatility and storytelling finesse.
As the president and founder of Zzyzx Films Inc, a production company focused on non-profit and philanthropic filmmaking, Mark continues to make a positive impact. The company produces short and feature-length films that address critical issues in the community.
Mark's commitment to making a difference goes beyond the screen. Since 2014, he has led numerous teams to Eswatini, Africa, where they provide for children affected by HIV and AIDS. The result of their efforts is a community center providing education, nutrition, and shelter to those in need.
Mark S. Jacobs' journey from an Army veteran to a celebrated filmmaker is a testament to his unwavering dedication, creative brilliance, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world, both on and off the screen.
Credits: Mark Jacobs
Director: Television
Never Say Never – Nat Geo/Discovery/Disney+
The Great Christmas Light Fight (Consul>ng Producer Season 9)– Disney + ABC
Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways – Variety Series – NBC
Mob the Father – Docuseries – A&E
Angel Brinks – Docuseries WE + AMC
The Brightside – Comedy Series – E Entertainment
Zombies Cast Party – Disney Studios
Beverly Trillbillies – Docuseries Viacom + VH1
Iman and Teana – Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
The Challenge – Pod Buster – Viacom + MTV
Squad Wars – Hybrid Reality Series – Buzzfeed + YouTube RED 1st Year Medical – Docuseries - (Pilot)
Betrayed – Scripted Re-Crea>on Series – Discovery
Geeking Out with Kevin Smith – Variety Series – AMC
Knock Knock Live with Ryan Seacrest – Docuseries - FOX Famously Single – Therapy Docuseries – Viacom + Vh1 Breadwinners – Docuseries – Paramount TV
Pink Collared Criminals – Scripted Re-Crea>on Series – Pirates TV Coaching Bad – Therapy Docuseries – Paramount TV
Ink Shrinks - Therapy Docuseries – Paramount TV
Beasts of the Bayou – Scripted Drama Series – Discovery
Lucky Dog – Docuseries – CBS
Basketball Wives – Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
Imataste – Cooking Docuseries – Food Network
The Glee Project – Compe>>on Reality Series - NBC + Oxygen + Ryan Murphy
Football Wives – Docuseries – Viacom VH1d
Loved To Death – Docuseries – Animal Planet
Dad Camp – Therapy Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
Kitchen Nightmares – Cooking Docuseries – FOX
L.A. Shrink – Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
The Phone – Compe>>on Reality Series – Viacom + MTV
I want to work for Diddy – Viacom + Vh1
Obsessed – Therapy Docuseries – A&E
The Group – Therapy Docuseries – WE
The Two Corey’s Season 2 – A&E
Shoot To Kill – Viacom + VH1
Good in the Hood – A&E
Rob&Big–Viacom+MTV
Adventures in HollyHood – Docuseries – Viacom + MTV Breaking Bonaduce Season 2 – Docuseries – Viacom + MTV
Build for Speed – Docuseries – Viacom + MTV
Rachel Ray – Cooking Variety – King World + CBS
Biggest Loser: Special Edi>on – Compe>>on Reality Series – NBC It Girls – Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
The Gia – Therapy Docuseries – NBC
A New You – Therapy Docuseries - FOX
Fly Fishing the World – Sports Variety Series – Disney + ESPN
Fly Fishing America – Sports Variety Series – Disney + ESPN
Director: Documentary
Yellow Star – Featuere – Zzyzx Films(post)
A Noble Walk – Feature – Zzyzx Films (in produc>on) Plaborm for Jesus – Zzyzx Films (in produc>on) Grace Rancho – Short – Zzyzx Films
Orianthi “Live” From Hollywood –Feature Fron>er Music Trinity Kids – Feature - Providence Health
AIG Outcomes – Short – American Interna>onal Group Phenomenex – Short– Zzyzx Films
Shoot Around – Short – Disney + / ESPN
Jesse’s Story – Feature – Fes>val
The World of Televisia – Short- Televisa Interna>onal South X Southwest – Feature – FOX
Racism: “Building Bridges” Feature -FOX
Genera>on Stress – Feature - FOX
Ecstasy: “Are You Killing Your Brain” – Feature - FOX Alcohol: “Truth or Consequences” – Feature - FOX
The Exxon Valdes Disaster: Aaer the Spill – Feature - PBS
Director of Photography
Ready to Love – BET Tami Ever Aaer – Vh1 Game of Clones – MTV Scared Famous – Vh1 Squad Wars – YouTube Red Hellevator – GSN Geeking Out – GSN Framework – Paramount Lucky Dog – CBS
Beasts of the Bayou – Discovery The Glee Project – Oxygen Kitchen Nightmares – FOX Jesse’s Story – Zzyzx Films Obsessed – A&E
I Want to Work for Diddy – V1 The Two Corey’s – A&E Breaking Bonaduce – Vh1
7 Day Switch – A&E
Rob & Big – MTV Supergroup – Vh1
Beauty and the Geek – NBC
Cinematographer
Yellow Star – Featuere – Zzyzx Films
A Noble Walk – Feature – Zzyzx Films
How To Fight for Jesus – Zzyzx Films
Grace Rancho – Short – Zzyzx Films
Rodeo De Las Aguas – Doheny Road Spirits
Never Say Never – Na>onal Geographic/Discovery/Disney+ Church – Coldplay - Atlan>c Records (USA) Parlophone (UK) Orianthi “Live” From Hollywood - Fron>er
Vamonos – Genera>on Recovery
Rock n Roll Dog – Masque – Zzyzx Films
Racism: “Building Bridges” – FOX
Genera>on Stress – FOX
Ecstasy: “Are You Killing Your Brain” – FOX
Alcohol: “Truth or Consequences” – FOX
Fox Rox – Music Variety Series – FOX
Sam The Cooking Guy – Cooking Docuseries – FOX Inside Entertainment –– FOX
San Diego Music Awards – Live Awards Program – FOX Summer Fun – Variety Special – CBS
Music Video
Church – Coldplay - Atlan>c Records (USA) Parlophone (UK) Director, Editor
Vamonos – Genera>on Recovery – Zzyzx Films Director, Editor Rock n Roll Dog – Masque – Zzyzx Films Director, Editor
Viva Las Vegas – ZZ Top – Warner Brothers Best Boy/Grip Big Log – Robert Plant – Capital Records Best Boy/Grip You Want This – Janet Jackson – Virgin Records Best Boy/Grip
Director: Commercial
Rodeo De Las Aguas – Doheny Road Spirits
Shoot Around – Long Form Short Form – Disney ESPN
Honda Civic Tour – Long Form – Honda USA
Who is Fiilex? – Short Film – Fiilex Ligh>ng Corpora>on
A Pirates Tale – Scripted – Kingston Technologies
New York, New York Hotel and Casino – Encore Produc>ons Stratosphere Hotel and Casino – Scripted – Encore Produc>ons Honeymoon in Las Vegas with Will Smith and L.L. Cool J - NBC
EP, Co-ExecuHve Producer, Supervising Producer
Yellow Star – Featuere – Zzyzx Films(post)
A Noble Walk – Feature – Zzyzx Films (in produc>on)
Plaborm for Jesus – Zzyzx Films (in produc>on)
A Noble Walk – Feature – Zzyzx Films (EP)
How To Fight for Jesus – Zzyzx Films (EP)
Grace Rancho – Short – Zzyzx Films (EP)
Orianthi “Live” From Hollywood –Feature Fron>er Music (EP)
The Great Christmas Light Fight – Disney – ABC (CP)
Coaching Bad – Paramount (Co EP)
Jesse’s Story – Zzyzx Films (EP)
I want to work for Diddy – Vh1 (Co EP)
The Two Coreys – A&E (SP)
Racism:“BuildingBridges”–FOX (EP)
Genera>on Stress – FOX (EP)
Ecstasy: “Are You Killing Your Brain” – FOX (EP)
Alcohol: “Truth or Consequences” – FOX (EP)
Fox Rox – Music Variety Series – FOX (Creator EP)
Sam The Cooking Guy – Cooking Docuseries – FOX (CO Creator EP) Inside Entertainment –– FOX (Co Creator EP)
San Diego Music Awards – Live Awards Program – FOX (EP) Summer Fun – Variety Special – CBS (EP)
Director: Television
Never Say Never – Nat Geo/Discovery/Disney+
The Great Christmas Light Fight (Consul>ng Producer Season 9)– Disney + ABC
Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways – Variety Series – NBC
Mob the Father – Docuseries – A&E
Angel Brinks – Docuseries WE + AMC
The Brightside – Comedy Series – E Entertainment
Zombies Cast Party – Disney Studios
Beverly Trillbillies – Docuseries Viacom + VH1
Iman and Teana – Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
The Challenge – Pod Buster – Viacom + MTV
Squad Wars – Hybrid Reality Series – Buzzfeed + YouTube RED 1st Year Medical – Docuseries - (Pilot)
Betrayed – Scripted Re-Crea>on Series – Discovery
Geeking Out with Kevin Smith – Variety Series – AMC
Knock Knock Live with Ryan Seacrest – Docuseries - FOX Famously Single – Therapy Docuseries – Viacom + Vh1 Breadwinners – Docuseries – Paramount TV
Pink Collared Criminals – Scripted Re-Crea>on Series – Pirates TV Coaching Bad – Therapy Docuseries – Paramount TV
Ink Shrinks - Therapy Docuseries – Paramount TV
Beasts of the Bayou – Scripted Drama Series – Discovery
Lucky Dog – Docuseries – CBS
Basketball Wives – Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
Imataste – Cooking Docuseries – Food Network
The Glee Project – Compe>>on Reality Series - NBC + Oxygen + Ryan Murphy
Football Wives – Docuseries – Viacom VH1d
Loved To Death – Docuseries – Animal Planet
Dad Camp – Therapy Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
Kitchen Nightmares – Cooking Docuseries – FOX
L.A. Shrink – Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
The Phone – Compe>>on Reality Series – Viacom + MTV
I want to work for Diddy – Viacom + Vh1
Obsessed – Therapy Docuseries – A&E
The Group – Therapy Docuseries – WE
The Two Corey’s Season 2 – A&E
Shoot To Kill – Viacom + VH1
Good in the Hood – A&E
Rob&Big–Viacom+MTV
Adventures in HollyHood – Docuseries – Viacom + MTV Breaking Bonaduce Season 2 – Docuseries – Viacom + MTV
Build for Speed – Docuseries – Viacom + MTV
Rachel Ray – Cooking Variety – King World + CBS
Biggest Loser: Special Edi>on – Compe>>on Reality Series – NBC It Girls – Docuseries – Viacom + VH1
The Gia – Therapy Docuseries – NBC
A New You – Therapy Docuseries - FOX
Fly Fishing the World – Sports Variety Series – Disney + ESPN
Fly Fishing America – Sports Variety Series – Disney + ESPN
Director: Documentary
Yellow Star – Featuere – Zzyzx Films(post)
A Noble Walk – Feature – Zzyzx Films (in produc>on) Plaborm for Jesus – Zzyzx Films (in produc>on) Grace Rancho – Short – Zzyzx Films
Orianthi “Live” From Hollywood –Feature Fron>er Music Trinity Kids – Feature - Providence Health
AIG Outcomes – Short – American Interna>onal Group Phenomenex – Short– Zzyzx Films
Shoot Around – Short – Disney + / ESPN
Jesse’s Story – Feature – Fes>val
The World of Televisia – Short- Televisa Interna>onal South X Southwest – Feature – FOX
Racism: “Building Bridges” Feature -FOX
Genera>on Stress – Feature - FOX
Ecstasy: “Are You Killing Your Brain” – Feature - FOX Alcohol: “Truth or Consequences” – Feature - FOX
The Exxon Valdes Disaster: Aaer the Spill – Feature - PBS
Director of Photography
Ready to Love – BET Tami Ever Aaer – Vh1 Game of Clones – MTV Scared Famous – Vh1 Squad Wars – YouTube Red Hellevator – GSN Geeking Out – GSN Framework – Paramount Lucky Dog – CBS
Beasts of the Bayou – Discovery The Glee Project – Oxygen Kitchen Nightmares – FOX Jesse’s Story – Zzyzx Films Obsessed – A&E
I Want to Work for Diddy – V1 The Two Corey’s – A&E Breaking Bonaduce – Vh1
7 Day Switch – A&E
Rob & Big – MTV Supergroup – Vh1
Beauty and the Geek – NBC
Cinematographer
Yellow Star – Featuere – Zzyzx Films
A Noble Walk – Feature – Zzyzx Films
How To Fight for Jesus – Zzyzx Films
Grace Rancho – Short – Zzyzx Films
Rodeo De Las Aguas – Doheny Road Spirits
Never Say Never – Na>onal Geographic/Discovery/Disney+ Church – Coldplay - Atlan>c Records (USA) Parlophone (UK) Orianthi “Live” From Hollywood - Fron>er
Vamonos – Genera>on Recovery
Rock n Roll Dog – Masque – Zzyzx Films
Racism: “Building Bridges” – FOX
Genera>on Stress – FOX
Ecstasy: “Are You Killing Your Brain” – FOX
Alcohol: “Truth or Consequences” – FOX
Fox Rox – Music Variety Series – FOX
Sam The Cooking Guy – Cooking Docuseries – FOX Inside Entertainment –– FOX
San Diego Music Awards – Live Awards Program – FOX Summer Fun – Variety Special – CBS
Music Video
Church – Coldplay - Atlan>c Records (USA) Parlophone (UK) Director, Editor
Vamonos – Genera>on Recovery – Zzyzx Films Director, Editor Rock n Roll Dog – Masque – Zzyzx Films Director, Editor
Viva Las Vegas – ZZ Top – Warner Brothers Best Boy/Grip Big Log – Robert Plant – Capital Records Best Boy/Grip You Want This – Janet Jackson – Virgin Records Best Boy/Grip
Director: Commercial
Rodeo De Las Aguas – Doheny Road Spirits
Shoot Around – Long Form Short Form – Disney ESPN
Honda Civic Tour – Long Form – Honda USA
Who is Fiilex? – Short Film – Fiilex Ligh>ng Corpora>on
A Pirates Tale – Scripted – Kingston Technologies
New York, New York Hotel and Casino – Encore Produc>ons Stratosphere Hotel and Casino – Scripted – Encore Produc>ons Honeymoon in Las Vegas with Will Smith and L.L. Cool J - NBC
EP, Co-ExecuHve Producer, Supervising Producer
Yellow Star – Featuere – Zzyzx Films(post)
A Noble Walk – Feature – Zzyzx Films (in produc>on)
Plaborm for Jesus – Zzyzx Films (in produc>on)
A Noble Walk – Feature – Zzyzx Films (EP)
How To Fight for Jesus – Zzyzx Films (EP)
Grace Rancho – Short – Zzyzx Films (EP)
Orianthi “Live” From Hollywood –Feature Fron>er Music (EP)
The Great Christmas Light Fight – Disney – ABC (CP)
Coaching Bad – Paramount (Co EP)
Jesse’s Story – Zzyzx Films (EP)
I want to work for Diddy – Vh1 (Co EP)
The Two Coreys – A&E (SP)
Racism:“BuildingBridges”–FOX (EP)
Genera>on Stress – FOX (EP)
Ecstasy: “Are You Killing Your Brain” – FOX (EP)
Alcohol: “Truth or Consequences” – FOX (EP)
Fox Rox – Music Variety Series – FOX (Creator EP)
Sam The Cooking Guy – Cooking Docuseries – FOX (CO Creator EP) Inside Entertainment –– FOX (Co Creator EP)
San Diego Music Awards – Live Awards Program – FOX (EP) Summer Fun – Variety Special – CBS (EP)