சுயசரிதை
Jo is an actor, writer, director, producer, musician, and author whose career began when he pretended to be sick to skip school. During one of his rare attendances, a substitute teacher showed the film "The Making of Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid." Although he hadn't seen the actual movie, he instantly fell in love with the magic of filmmaking.
Like many actors, Jo started as an extra in films such as "Sea of Love" and "Dream Team," learning firsthand from legends like Al Pacino and Michael Keaton. Drawn away from the harsh Canadian winters by California’s sunshine, he honed his craft at the famous Comedy Store, sharing the stage with icons like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Gary Shandling, Robin Williams, Andrew Dice Clay, and Jim Carrey—an early master class in comedy from some of the greatest talents of the era.
Jo’s first professional role in "Sneakers" brought him face to face with Robert Redford, the original Sundance Kid, a beautiful irony. Acting alongside Oscar winners Sir Ben Kingsley, Sidney Poitier, and cast members Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix, and James Earl Jones confirmed he was on the right path.
He continued his training with esteemed acting coaches including Howard Fine, Charlie Laughton, Ernie Lively, Joanne Gibson, and Susan Scanlon. Alongside writing several screenplays, Jo wrote and directed the short film "Who's Killing the Meter Maids?" starring Mariska Hargitay and Richard Steinmetz as a duo investigating the serial killing of meter maids. This project inspired him to found Nichol Moon Entertainment and Arrival Entertainment, production service companies dedicated to helping filmmakers realize their visions. Overseeing more than 250 productions—including features like Doug Liman's "Swingers," shorts, music videos, and PSAs—Jo played a significant role in the independent film movement of the 1990s. He also won "Best Feature" at the 1999 New York Film & Video Festival for the film "Blink of an Eye."
In 2006, Jo co-founded Film Tiger with partners Arnold Rifkin and A-Mark Entertainment to finance and produce independent features, co-producing films such as "Timber Falls," "Night Train," and "Stag Night." Inspired by his brother's relationship with his daughter, Jo wrote, produced, and directed "Going Thru A Thing," a story about a small-time criminal who coaches his daughter's basketball team to impress a judge, only to be transformed by the experience.
He later co-wrote and produced "Battle Drone," exploring the future of warfare, and took on producing roles for "Frat Pack," "Billionaire" (which won Best Comedy Feature at the Burbank International Film Festival), "Escape the Field," and "The Doorman," starring Ruby Rose and Jean Reno.
Currently in development are projects such as "Hellcat Izzy," focusing on notorious female pilots during World War II; "Dreamboat," a classic romantic comedy; and "White Flags," which centers on a family's struggle after losing their son to a suicide bomb.
Jo continues to write, produce, and direct, collaborating with passionate creatives who love the craft. Grateful to work in an ever-evolving, inspiring, and challenging industry, he embraces the opportunities and freedoms offered by what he calls the "best job in the world.
