Jo's career as a multifaceted artist began with a clever ruse, feigning illness to avoid attending school. However, a substitute teacher's screening of "The Making of Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid" had a profound impact on Jo, sparking an immediate fascination with the magic of movies.
As a young actor, Jo started by working as a background extra on films like "Sea of Love" and "Dream Team", where he had the opportunity to learn from industry legends Al Pacino and Michael Keaton. The allure of California's sunshine eventually drew him away from the cold Canadian winters, and he honed his craft at the Famous Comedy Store, sharing the stage with comedic greats like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Robin Williams.
Jo's first professional role in "Sneakers" brought him face-to-face with Robert Redford, a serendipitous encounter that hinted at his promising career. He continued to train with renowned acting coaches, including Howard Fine, Charlie Laughton, and Ernie Lively, while also writing several screenplays.
This led to the creation of his short film "Who's Killing the Meter Maids?", which starred Mariska Hargitay and Richard Steinmetz. The film's success inspired Jo to establish Nichol Moon Entertainment and Arrival Entertainment, production service companies that helped filmmakers bring their projects to life.
Throughout his career, Jo has consulted on over 250 productions, including features, shorts, music videos, and public service announcements. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including "Best Feature" at the 1999 New York Film & Video festival for "Blink of an Eye".
In 2006, Jo co-founded Film Tiger, a production company that has financed and produced several independent feature films. He has also written, produced, and directed various projects, including "Going Thru A Thing", which was inspired by his brother's relationship with his daughter.
Subsequent projects have included co-writing and producing "Battle Drone", as well as producing duties on films like "Frat Pack", "Billionaire", "Escape the Field", and "The Doorman". In development are several new projects, including "Hellcat Izzy", "Dreamboat", and "White Flags", which explore a range of genres and themes.
Throughout his career, Jo has remained committed to his craft, seeking out new material and collaborators who share his passion for storytelling. He is grateful for the opportunities and freedoms afforded by his work, and continues to write, produce, and direct, always pushing himself to explore new creative avenues.
