For this month’s Artist Member spotlight, meet Jacob Harding! Originally from Kansas City, Jacob is a writer and director based in Los Angeles. His humble filmmaking origins started at the age of 12 with a cheeky parody video called Fatman. After studying film in high school and college, he moved to LA with his brother Sam, an actor and musician. The two brothers are frequent creative collaborators, with Sam acting in Jacob’s projects and Jacob directing music videos. The video Jacob directed for Sam’s song “CRY” was awarded “Best Music Video” at the Valley Film Fest in 2023.

Jacob also continues to work in LA with his filmmaking partner from way back when, Ryan Moerer. He believes these lasting friendships keep him grounded in his pursuit of great storytelling, as well as the “Midwest values” he seeks to instill in his work. Jacob’s short film, The Wailing Man, recently won “Best Film” and “Best Make-up” at the Oh, Scares Film Festival in Los Angeles. 

Currently, Jacob is developing and pitching Paralysis, an original horror feature. Set in 1978 at a remote lake cabin in the middle of America, the story explores the idea of sleep paralysis as a demonic force. For more about Jacob and his work, check out his Artist Member page or visit his YouTube channel.