Jon's professional journey began shortly after his academic tenure at Oberlin College, where he secured a coveted position with the esteemed CBS News documentary unit in the vibrant metropolis of New York City. For a period of seven years, Jon collaborated with the legendary Walter Cronkite, contributing to the critically acclaimed "Twentieth Century" and "21st Century" series, as well as the groundbreaking "Of Black America" television program, which was hosted by the renowned and celebrated Bill Cosby, a prominent figure in American entertainment and social activism.
Jon's extensive professional journey at CBS was marked by a diverse spectrum of innovative and skillful undertakings, comprising the crafting of original scripts, the artful guidance of on-screen narratives, and the meticulous oversight of production logistics for the highly respected WCBS program, "Eye on New York", a esteemed television series that showcased his remarkable abilities as a writer, director, and producer.
Jon's extensive portfolio showcases his remarkable skillset, boasting a notable highlight in the direction of the highly acclaimed documentary, "Countdown to a Contract". This esteemed production garnered widespread recognition and accolades, ultimately culminating in the prestigious Emmy Award, a testament to Jon's exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Jon's remarkable literary endeavors have culminated in the creation of a comprehensive and thought-provoking book, "Black Americans: From Colonial Days to the Present", which serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to illuminating the intricate and multifaceted history of African American experiences.
Jon's scholarly pursuits have led him to author a seminal work that delves into the complexities of African American history, shedding light on the myriad experiences and struggles of Black Americans from colonial times to the present day.
Through his book, Jon has made a significant contribution to the field of African American studies, offering a nuanced and in-depth exploration of the rich cultural heritage and historical trajectory of Black Americans.
"Black Americans: From Colonial Days to the Present" is a testament to Jon's tireless efforts to promote greater understanding and empathy towards the African American community, and his commitment to preserving the history and cultural legacy of Black Americans.
Jon's literary masterpiece is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of African American history and culture, and his work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Black Americans.
Jon founded Wilkman Productions, Inc. in the year 1971, marking the beginning of a prolific career in television, education, and corporate program production. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by spearheading the development of a wide-ranging slate of programs, showcasing his versatility and creativity as a producer.
Jon's impressive production portfolio boasts an array of notable projects, featuring a diverse range of collaborations, including the critically acclaimed "What About Tomorrow" series for ABC, a thought-provoking exploration of the future that has garnered significant attention.
In addition, Jon has worked on the informative and engaging "Voices of America" series for McGraw Hill, a project that highlights the diverse voices and perspectives of individuals from across the United States.
Jon's expertise has also been showcased in the innovative "Transistor" project for AT&T, a cutting-edge initiative that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and technology.
Furthermore, Jon's impressive body of work includes the visually stunning "American Images" series for the United States Information Agency, a project that has received widespread acclaim and earned a prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award.
This exceptional and accomplished individual's professional journey showcases his remarkable capacity to create outstanding content across diverse mediums, formats, and channels, thereby cementing his reputation as a highly respected and proficient producer.
Jon's production company, Wilkman Productions, Inc., enjoyed a remarkable track record of success, consistently delivering a diverse array of films and videos for television and commercial clients, showcasing Jon's impressive range and versatility as a producer. In his multifaceted role, Jon assumed the responsibilities of producer, director, and writer for a total of seven HBO specials, exemplifying his exceptional skill and adaptability. These specials, including "Scandals," "Spies," and "Real Detectives," significantly contributed to Jon's reputation as a talented and accomplished producer, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the industry. Furthermore, Jon's work on two public television series, "Turning Points" and "The Los Angeles History Project," produced in association with KCET, earned him prestigious Emmy awards, a testament to his dedication and excellence in the field, as well as his ability to consistently produce high-quality content that resonates with audiences.
Biography:
Jon is a renowned producer, director, and writer with a successful track record in the entertainment industry. His production company, Wilkman Productions, Inc., has produced a diverse range of films and videos for television and commercial clients, including seven HBO specials and two public television series.
Jon's impressive documentary repertoire showcases a diverse array of television specials, with a notable highlight being the esteemed journalist Jane Pauley's hosting duties on the popular NBC program "L.A. Law". Furthermore, Jon has made substantial contributions to the documentary aspects of historically grounded dramatic films, partnering with the prestigious HBO Pictures on a multitude of projects.
Jon's profound fascination with the realm of history has led him to embark on a multitude of creative endeavors, encompassing the production, direction, and writing of various documentaries that meticulously explore the lives and events of historical figures.
Through his collaborative efforts with his wife and partner, Nancy, Jon has co-created a comprehensive and insightful three-hour biography of the renowned inventor Thomas Edison, aptly titled "The Edison Effect". This remarkable work was showcased on the esteemed History Channel and A&E networks, further solidifying Jon's reputation as a talented and dedicated historian.
In addition to his work on "The Edison Effect", Jon and Nancy have co-authored two illustrated histories, "Picturing Los Angeles" and "Los Angeles: A Pictorial Celebration". These captivating volumes offer a visually stunning representation of the city's rich history and cultural heritage, providing readers with a unique and immersive experience.
Jon's professional portfolio is a comprehensive and impressive collection of recent projects, each meticulously crafted to demonstrate his remarkable expertise and unwavering commitment to his profession.
One of the most notable projects featured in his portfolio is "With Heart and Hand: The Restoration of the Gamble House," a remarkable example of Jon's exceptional ability to create engaging and informative content.
This project serves as a shining testament to Jon's versatility as a writer, as he masterfully combines historical significance and human interest to craft a captivating narrative that is both informative and entertaining.
Throughout the project, Jon's writing is characterized by its clarity, precision, and attention to detail, making it a compelling read that is both informative and engaging.
The project's success is a direct result of Jon's ability to seamlessly weave together disparate elements, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative that is both informative and entertaining.
Jon's work on "With Heart and Hand: The Restoration of the Gamble House" is a testament to his exceptional skill as a writer, and serves as a prime example of his ability to craft compelling and informative content.
As a writer, Jon's dedication to his craft is evident in every project he undertakes, and his work on "With Heart and Hand: The Restoration of the Gamble House" is a shining example of his exceptional skill and versatility.
Jon's professional endeavors extend beyond his work on "With Heart and Hand" to include a comprehensive four-part series, "At Issue: Immigration", showcasing his versatility in tackling intricate and contemporary themes. This project exemplifies his exceptional aptitude for crafting compelling narratives and conveying multifaceted information, thereby solidifying his reputation as a prime candidate for projects necessitating a profound comprehension of the subject matter.
Jon's unwavering enthusiasm for the subject of history is clearly evident in his meticulous work on the comprehensive and engaging publication, "The Port of Los Angeles: A History". This impressive project serves as a testament to his exceptional skill in crafting a captivating narrative that seamlessly balances informative content with entertainment value, resulting in a truly outstanding addition to his professional portfolio.
Jon's remarkable body of work, particularly his seven-part series, "Moguls and Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood," for Turner Classic Movies, serves as a testament to his profound knowledge and profound understanding of the film industry. This comprehensive project showcases his exceptional grasp of the complex intricacies of Hollywood's Golden Age, skillfully bringing this captivating era to vivid life for a broad and diverse audience.
Jon, a distinguished and accomplished professional, has earned the admiration and respect of his peers within the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America, West, owing to his remarkable talent, unwavering dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence in his craft.
His impressive portfolio, a testament to his remarkable aptitude and extensive experience, makes him a highly valued asset to any production team, capable of seamlessly integrating into diverse projects and effortlessly adapting to a wide range of creative challenges.
Jon's versatility and adaptability, hallmarks of his impressive career, have enabled him to tackle an array of projects, further solidifying his reputation as a consummate professional, capable of bringing his unique perspective and exceptional skillset to any production, ensuring a consistently high level of quality and excellence.
