Biography
Jess was born in Louisville Ky to Danny, and Gabrielle DiSantis. When he was 8 years old his father let him borrow the home video camera (which he later permanently commandeered) to make goofy short films starring his little brothers. When he reached middle school he got on the set of a major motion picture filming in Louisville and decided that the film business was his life's calling.
During High school he went to a church beach trip in Panama City Beach Florida over spring break. While there he met his first film mentor Steve Stone, who had attended film school in Las Vegas, and was a graphic and imagery director at the church. Shortly after returning Jess volunteered to work on the video team at church under Steve, so he could learn everything he could. Steve introduced Jess to Zach Meiners, a prior volunteer on the same team, and, at the time, a film student at Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky. Zach invited Jess to work on his student feature film "Pivot Point" as a Grip. This was Jess's first true experience as a crew member on a set. This experience confirmed Jess's passions, and shortly after graduating high school he moved to South Beach Florida to pursue his dream.
In Florida his contact set him up, and helped him find a few jobs as a Production Assistant. After a few initial jobs, he began to find his own work as a VTR assistant, Art department assistant, and Camera Department Production Assistant. Still he thought he was missing something, he felt his personal story needed more depth, and he wanted to learn more in a different setting. So he moved back to Kentucky, and joined the United States Marine Corps from Frankfort Kentucky.
While in the United States Marine Corps, he served as a 4671 Combat Videographer, acquiring crucial training, motivational, and historical imagery for his command. In January 2015, a short 2 years after joining, he was discharged for medical reasons. After being discharged he moved back to Kentucky.
When he moved back to Kentucky, he worked on a few local videos, weddings, and assorted event videography jobs. In May he worked as the director of photography on half of the film "In Dangerous Minds". In late July and August he worked on the Hallmark film "The Ultimate Legacy" starting as a walk on extra, and moving up through the ranks as a stand in for a lead actor, production assistant and Camera PA. After "The Ultimate Legacy" he attended the Steadicam Operators course at Asbury University, and was instructed by industry professionals David Svenson, Eric Lamont, Jay Kilroy, and John "Buzz" Moyer.
After a few jobs in Louisville in the camera department and other departments he was asked to locations manage the feature film "Rust Creek". Since Rust Creek (late 2016) he has worked primarily as a locations manager on many feature films and a network mini series.
In December of 2017 he was afforded the opportunity to write, direct, and produce his first non comedy narrative short film "Deadline" alongside his brother and co-director Josh DiSantis.
Jess now works locally in Louisville, Ky, and travels across the nation, and internationally as a locations manager and writer/director.
