Jonah Zeiger is a multifaceted individual who has made a significant impact in the media, entertainment, and creative industries. As a producer, director, actor, and writer, he has worked on numerous projects in film, television, and theatre, showcasing his versatility and range.
In 2022, Zeiger was appointed by the Mayor of Chicago to serve as Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Film Office in the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. In this role, he oversees the City of Chicago's efforts to support and nurture its thriving film and television industry.
Under Zeiger's leadership, the Chicago Film Office has provided support to a wide range of projects, including FX's The Bear, Apple's Dark Matter, NBC's Chicago Fire, PD, and Med, Showtime's The Chi, and Starz' Force. Additionally, the office has worked with major television programs such as CBS's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Comedy Central's The Daily Show during their residencies in Chicago.
Zeiger is also credited with spearheading a groundbreaking collaboration between Sundance and the City of Chicago, which resulted in the joint project Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024: Championing Creative Independence. This initiative aimed to promote creative independence and sustainable filmmaking practices in the city.
As a champion of inclusive and socially conscious filmmaking, Zeiger has worked to build Chicago into a sustainable and essential hub for independent film and original content. Under his leadership, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois announced a record-breaking $700 million in film expenditures in 2023, representing an overall economic impact of over $1 billion.
Zeiger has also articulated a new vision for strategic investment in the content pipeline, encompassing youth media, creative development, financing, production, and post-production, as well as film scoring, music recording, and synergistic distribution in the age of streaming. He has also launched a film sustainability initiative to help green the Chicago film industry.
Prior to his appointment as Deputy Commissioner, Zeiger taught at Northwestern University's School of Communication and served as an industry liaison. He also taught at DePaul University's School of Cinematic Arts, where he developed a partnership with Cinespace Studios and curated the Visiting Artists Series, featuring guests such as Werner Herzog, Paula Wagner, and Tim Robbins.
Zeiger holds an MFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, and his extensive experience and expertise have made him a respected figure in the film and television industry.
