It’s nice to “meet” you!

Jena Burchick is a two-time regional Emmy award winning filmmaker, artist and educator. She received her B.S in Electronic Media & Film from Towson University and her MFA in Film from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Jena has produced and directed several short documentary and docu-narrative films exploring themes of conservation, minority representation, and community relationships. Her work has exhibited in film festivals and galleries both nationally and internationally including a broadcast premiere of “The Local Oyster Stout” on Maryland Public Television which won the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Emmy Award in 2021.

Her feature length directorial debut, “Mom & M” is a documentary exploring the complexities of family dynamics while investigating themes related to gender, sexuality, trauma and marginalization. The production and distribution of her work celebrates intentional crewing that aims to engage underrepresented collaborators as well as educate emerging filmmakers. “Mom & M” won the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Emmy Award in 2023.

Additionally, she works professionally as an IATSE 487 Studio Mechanic and Gaffer for commercial, episodic television and feature films such as House of Cards and Jason Bourne, as well as lighting President Obama during his administration. 

She is currently an Assistant Professor at Towson University, teaching media production, theory and career preparedness in the Electronic Media & Film department.

She shares a passionate love for the Baltimore community and a deep appreciation for craft beer with her husband who she often collaborates with.

Director’s Reel