The future has never been brighter for filmmakers.
But being a great filmmaker and building a great business are two completely different skills.
Hi, I’m Jonathan.
I’m a filmmaker and studio owner who’s spent the last 30 years creating ads for brands. Now I’m helping filmmakers build businesses around the skills they’ve spent years mastering.
- Attracting the right clients
- Converting with confidence
- Building systems that create momentum
Where Are You Now?
Take the free 2-minute Filmmaker Business Assessment and we’ll help you figure out the best next step.
If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place:
- You went to film school, not business school.
- Your income depends on saying yes.
- Your portfolio is strong, but it’s not building a sustainable business.
- You know you should be more intentional, but you’re too busy executing.
- Most business advice feels wrong because it’s not built for filmmakers.
“Jonathan’s really really good at cutting through the noise and getting to what actually matters. The sessions were focused and practical, not theoretical. Being with a small group of experienced pros was a big plus too!”
– Mike H.
“On a practical level, one coaching call alone helped me turn a potential project into $3,000 in recurring bookings. What really stands out is Jonathan himself. He brings real-world experience, but more importantly, he’s honest, genuinely invested, and someone you want in your corner.”
– Terese B.
“Working with Jonathan is such a joy. He brings a positivity and excitement to each session that is infectious. Before this sprint, I was confused about my own positioning and the language I used to talk about myself. Now I have clarity and real tools that I use daily. I can’t recommend working with him enough!”
– Nathan
“I had mostly given up on coaching before I found Jonathan. I genuinely don’t know anyone offering this kind of value to creatives—not only through his coaching, but through the community he’s built with Director’s Cut. What makes him exceptional is that he’s truly invested in seeing people succeed. Whether you’re stumbling through the dark or already on a good path, Jonathan gives you the perspective to see further and move forward with greater clarity.”
– Lindsey G.
“It was really great working with Jonathan on the founders sprint. I really feel that he was genuinely invested in my success as a filmmaker and will go above and beyond to help me achieve that success. it was great have like minded filmmakers and creatives to help me with any other questions I may have. I felt that group helped me identify any other issues I may have encountered on my path to building a successful business. ”
– Elron
“Working with Jonathan through Director’s Cut helped me make an important shift in my methodology on the sales and growth side of creative production. I especially appreciate the focus on fundamentals and helping me see the forest instead of getting lost in the details of each specific tree. Jonathan’s advice is based on extensive real-world experience and comes from a place of pragmatism that is designed to be immediately applicable no matter what stage of your career you are at.”
– Chris B.
Choose Your Next Step.
Whether you’re building a business around yourself or growing a company, there’s a program designed to create more clarity, consistency, and momentum.
SOLO STUDIO SYSTEM
BUILD A BETTER BUSINESS AROUND YOURSELF.
A 4-week system for filmmakers and video professionals ready to stop freelancing randomly and build a more sustainable freelance career.
Most talented video professionals aren’t struggling because of talent. They’re struggling because there’s no system behind the work.
The Solo Studio System gives you a practical framework for creating more clarity, consistency, and opportunity around the work you already do.
FOUNDER SPRINT
BUILD YOUR COMPANY AS INTENTIONALLY AS YOU PRODUCE THE WORK.
You already know how to deliver great work. The Founder Sprint puts that same focus into your company, your positioning, offers, pricing, marketing, and business development.
Through four guided group workshops, we work together on your business to build the strategy and systems that create momentum.
Not sure which one is right for you?
Take the free 2-minute Filmmaker Business Assessment and we’ll help you figure out the best next step.
The Work Didn’t Disappear. It Moved.
The best opportunities today are hiding in plain sight.
- Brands are becoming entertainment companies.
- Creators are becoming studios.
- Businesses are becoming publishers.
The filmmakers who see this shift have the biggest advantage.
- They know what they want to be known for.
- They know where their best opportunities are.
- They know how to make themselves easy to hire.
We talk about what’s changing in the business, emerging opportunities, what’s working, and what we’re all trying to figure out.
“Jonathan's Founder sprint was incredible and a breakthrough for me on how to treat my craft and creativity like a business. I learned so much and would happily take it again to continue unleveling. Jonathan is a great coach and listener and really gets it.”
– Liz H.
“It was great meeting Jonathan. His experience shined straight through, and he got "it" right away. Looking forward to working together!”
– Jonathan Z.
“I highly recommend Jonathan to anyone looking to elevate their video marketing game.”
– Chris M.
“Mr. Del Gatto’s mentorship goes beyond technicalities, he really inspires confidence and pushes you to think outside the box!”
– Melisa D.
“Jonathans an expert in terms of content creation and marketing, and he did a really good job of helping me understand how I can better articulate my message and position my brand as an authority in my market. I highly recommend booking a session with Jonathan.”
– Masai B.
“Jonathan truly listened and helped me understand positioning in ways I hadn't considered. I now have a real cohesive plan and clarity I didn't have before. I'm utterly grateful that someone of his caliber offers his time. If you have an opportunity to work with Jonathan, do it immediately.”
– Robin O.
“Great, great, great mentor! Jonathan's knowledge and experience are incredible, and his kindness stands above all else.”
– Esteban C.
“Jonathan is a fantastic mentor, he HAS really great ideas and helped me pinpoint the things I need to improve on my YouTube channel in order to make it grow more organically”
– Sean W.