who in the world is olivia jackson?
who in the world is olivia jackson?
I’m a Film & Television student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and storytelling through a camera has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It began in 2013 with my mom’s Nikon—one I’d quietly steal from her bag whenever I got the chance. What started as simple curiosity grew into a passion after my first photography class in high school, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
At SCAD, I’ve pushed myself creatively by taking on photography direction projects and saying yes to opportunities that scared me a little. One impulsive decision to shoot behind-the-scenes photos for a friend unexpectedly shifted my path, sparking a genuine love for film direction and cinematography. That instinct eventually led me to documentary directing, where my hunger for meaningful, honest stories found a home. Along the way, I’ve worked as a cinematographer and camera operator, and I regularly pull focus as a 1st Assistant Camera.
To me, film is about capturing a story, a feeling, a fragment of time, or a memory. Creating something people can connect to is one thing—but creating something that lingers with them is another. My work often explores difficult subjects and nightmare scenarios, but it’s equally rooted in love, joy, and the way we remember the world around us. I’m drawn to playing with color, light, and visual effects, and I cherish the chance to grow alongside my work as my style evolves.
I lead creatively first and allow logic to follow. Even when failure feels embarrassing, it’s where I’ve learned the most—and it’s what continues to push me forward as a filmmaker.