Jon Glendening

"Director Jonathan Glendening is a real master in the making.” - Cinemaroll Magazine

Jonathan Glendening is a Zambian-born, British director, screenwriter, and editor whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. With four internationally released feature films under his belt, Jonathan has established himself as a force in the film industry, known for his compelling storytelling, engaging visuals, and deft handling of genre cinema. His collaborations with prominent actors such as Tom Felton, Robert Englund, Martin Compston, John Lynch, and Steven Berkoff have resulted in films that are both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Jonathan's journey into filmmaking began early. At just 14, he won his first award for a short film, setting the stage for a career that would see his student films garner accolades at the Houston and Chicago Film Festivals. His passion for filmmaking only grew as he moved up the ranks in the industry, starting as a runner on the TV series Capital City at Elstree Studios. His dedication and talent quickly caught the attention of industry heavyweights, leading him to work as Robert De Niro’s character research assistant on Kenneth Branagh’s Frankenstein and as an assistant to Sir Nicholas Hytner on the Oscar-winning The Madness of King George.

"Jonathan Glendening's light touch is refreshing." - Raindance Film Festival

Jonathan's debut feature film, Summer Rain, was a significant milestone in his career. The film, a Brit-flick rom-com starring Mark Little and Daisy Beaumont, was nominated for several awards and won two Best Film awards along with the Audience Award at the Rome Independent Film Festival. Summer Rain not only launched the British finance company Premier Pictures but also found an international audience through its TV and DVD releases.

"The most entertaining Brit Werewolf flick since Dog Soldiers.” - Bizarre Magazine

Following the success of Summer Rain, Jonathan directed 13Hrs (Night Wolf), a horror film that premiered at Frightfest in front of a packed audience of 1,400 at the Odeon Leicester Square. The film went on to win ‘Best Horror’ at the Grimm Up North Film Festival and topped the iTunes horror charts. 13Hrs showcased Jonathan's ability to blend suspense with horror, earning him praise for his engaging visuals and thrilling action sequences.

"Glendening succeeds with engaging visuals and superb action.” - Fangoria Magazine

Jonathan continued to explore genre filmmaking with S.N.U.B! (Death Bunker), a B-movie homage shot in just 11 days in a ‘Secret Nuclear Underground Bunker’. The film, starring Gary Mavers, Jonathan Moore, and Harriet Thorpe, was the first European feature shot on the Sony EX1 and was released by Isis DVD and distributed by Evolutionary Films, finding an audience in Japan under the title After Crisis.

"The most intense, riotous & simply excellent horror I've seen in years.” - Scream Magazine

Jonathan’s love for grindhouse aesthetics led to the creation of Strippers Vs Werewolves, a film that allowed him to work with horror icon Robert Englund (Freddy Kruger). The film, which was distributed internationally by Kaleidoscope, is a testament to Jonathan's ability to blend horror with humor, creating a uniquely entertaining experience for audiences.

Beyond his feature films, Jonathan has directed and produced a vast array of content for corporate clients, including FIFA, Barclays, Co-op, TFL, and B.P., showcasing his versatility and ability to deliver high-quality work across different mediums. As the Creative Director of Summer Rain Films Ltd, he continues to push creative boundaries while offering comprehensive production and post-production services through the company’s post-production arm, Sizzle-Reels.

Jonathan is also deeply committed to education. He has delivered guest lectures on screenwriting and directing at film schools across the UK and co-ran the ‘Movie Makers’ program, which taught filmmaking to children, teens, and adults. Several junior films from this program won awards at the National Film Theatre, highlighting Jonathan’s passion for nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.

Jonathan’s current slate of projects includes developing his next feature film, Refuge, as well as a six-part horror thriller, The Canonical Five, centered around the crimes of Jack the Ripper. His previous novel, Ravenswing, and the forthcoming non-fiction book demonstrate his continued passion for both historical and fictional narratives.

"Director Jonathan Glendening is one to watch." - Starburst Magazine

Represented in the UK by Ian Taylor of Red Door Vision, Jonathan Glendening remains a dynamic and innovative figure in the film industry. Whether through his award-winning films, educational contributions, or his ongoing creative projects, Jonathan continues to make a significant impact in the world of cinema.