
Jason Kraynek
Jason Kraynek has established himself as an Award-Winning Director and Director of Photography, passionate in narrative, story-based films. Stunning visual and practical on-set effects are present within the projects he is involved in. The presence of in-camera techniques and colorful vivid images are displayed prominently throughout his work. As a child, Jason was always interested in performing in front of people through magic, toys, or even thrown together music theater shows for the neighborhood parents. He wanted to be a stand-up comedian at a young age and wrote various skits and drew cartoons throughout childhood. In 1994, Jason started performing, set building, and stage managing various musical theater productions such as Hello Dolly, Chicago, Crazy for you, Once upon a Mattress, Joesph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Music Man, etc. After stage performance for 3 years, Jason moved into improv and sketch comedy taking on actor, director, producer, writer, and editor roles. Including various film projects like: Any Given Sunday, All the World, and the Mongo Like Candy tv series. Jason started his career behind the camera in 1996 (the era of VHS/hi-8/vhs-c). Completely self-taught and learning with every new project- Jason strives to become better and more technically creative with everything he does. He uses practical effects and in-camera techniques whenever possible and looks forward to collaborating with agencies, directors, and projects that want the visual element to be just as important as the rest. The late 90s also provided work as an A/V tech, roadie, and foreman in various event and stage companies. Some groups included - Green Day, Kid Rock, Linkin Park, Dashboard Confessional, Shania Twain, Hall and Oats, Hillary Duff, Coke, etc. In 2003, Jason drifted into the field of photography and developed a media company focusing on video, design, and photography of which over the years has provided him work with various clients and companies including music, corporate, fashion, and event work. In 2011, he branched back into working in film and starting the production company JACENKNET in 2013. Clients he has developed work for in film include - Bill Kurtis, Richard Roeper, ATT, Chicago Bulls, Consumer Reports, Dolby Atmos, Grammy Foundation, Humira, IBM, Interior Design Magazine, Kotex, Leinenkugels, LUVs, Mustang, Match.com, National Geographic, Nike, PBS, Reebok, Rolling Stone, Signeasy, Smuckers, Spothero, Toyota, Uline, United Airlines, Victoria's Secret, Visa, White Castle, X-box, etc.
Credits
Newest first
The Fright StuffCamera Operator2026
Pretty Ugly: The Story of the LunachicksCamera Operator2026
Back on Track: Rebuilding the Waupaca DepotColor Assistant2024
FangCamera Operator2022
FangGaffer2022
FangColorist2022
FangDirector of Photography2022
Izzy Lyon: The Unspun TruthCamera Operator2022
Twisted Little LiesCamera Operator2021
The Christmas ThiefCamera Operator2021
The Christmas ThiefDirector of Photography2021
A Christmas WitnessCamera Operator2021
Later DaysGrip2021
The Way I See ItCamera Operator2020
Heaven is HellCamera Operator2014
Heaven is HellGaffer2014
Heaven is HellStory2014
Heaven is HellStoryboard Artist2014
Heaven is HellDirector of Photography2014
The Real Texas Chainsaw MassacreCinematography2003
Any Given Sundayas Field Photographer1999
Mongo Like Candyas Justin Edwards / Dale / POV / News Stagehand / Boyfriend / Frat Driver—
Mongo Like CandyDirector of Photography—
Mongo Like CandyWriter—
Keeper of the CupCamera Operator—