Jordan Halland is a director, cinematographer, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY.
With over 15 years of experience, Jordan’s work blends vérité documentary with cinematic branded content. He’s known for capturing emotional, human-centered narratives—whether he's filming with scientists in a lab, adventurers in remote landscapes, or families navigating life-changing moments.
His client list includes Netflix, HBO, CBS, Canon, Vice, Disney, and Outside Magazine, as well as startups and nonprofits focused on social impact. His projects have ranged from intimate profiles to multi-day international productions.
His short films Strongwater and Shaving for Beginners received Vimeo Staff Picks, and his work often explores themes of resilience, identity, and transformation. After a career of writing and directing commercials Jordan made his first jump into narrative with his short film, Heal.
An adventure filmer turned cinemagraphic director, Jordan brings empathy, agility, and a collaborative spirit to every project.
He is currently available for freelance directing, cinematography, and creative partnerships in New York and worldwide.
ABOUT JORDAN
I started to answer him, and he stopped me. “Don’t tell me. Think about it for a while, then write it down. What is your why?”
“Like my mission statement?” I said.
“No. A mission statement is how you want to conduct your business. I want to know why you want to create. What is the kernel of an idea that drives you to focus your whole life around this pursuit? The more clearly you articulate the driving force behind your desire to be a filmmaker, the more obvious every decision will be for your business, and you will draw to you people who resonate with your purpose.”
Why did I want to be a filmmaker? What did I find so compelling about working in such a volatile medium in a time when it would be much easier to have a normal job with set hours and a set paycheck? Whatever the driving force was, it gave me more than a life of corporate comfort ever could.
“It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I love movies.”
“That’s not deep enough. Why do you love movies?”
“I love making something that people connect with.”
“Go deeper.”
I was getting frustrated—not with the exercise, but with myself.
When I first started my career I had a mentor who asked me a simple question:
Why do you want to be a filmmaker?
MY NORTH STAR
How could I orient my entire life around this pursuit without really knowing why? What was I missing? I could feel the answer every time I picked up my camera, I just couldn’t articulate it. I could also recognize when I wasn’t living out of my driving force—anytime I started thinking about how to get more “clicks” on social media, or if I should lean into whatever was trending currently. In those moments, the disconnect was evident but elusive.
Then it came to me. It was a simple phrase that isn’t even proper English, but as soon as I had it, I knew.
The only thing that can change the world is story.
That’s the reason. It has been my north star since that day over a decade ago. It keeps me from falling into the trap of believing that success is found in the amount of followers or what clients I work with. It’s led me to take on projects based on their merit rather than the payday. It has also led me to work with companies and organizations who, without even realizing it, understand the same thing.
I firmly believe the only way anything changes in life—for good or bad—is because of the act of storytelling. If that idea resonates with you, I would love to hear yours.
Jordan and Alan Gordon on Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska while filming “Brighter Night.”
CLIENTS
Equipment
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Canon EU-V2 Expansion Unit (1)
SmallHD Indie 7” monitor (1)
Canon 85MM (1)
Canon 35mm (1)
Canon 70-200 (1)
Canon 24-70 (1)
Canon 100mm Macro (1)
Wooden Camera shoulder mount kit (1)
Shotgun Microphone (1)
SanDisk 512 GB CF Express Cards (4)
SanDisk Pro Dock card reader (1)
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SmallHD Indie 7” monitor (1)
Canon 85MM (1)
Canon 35mm (1)
Canon 70-200 (1)
Canon 24-70 (1)
Canon 100mm Macro (1)
Wooden Camera shoulder mount kit (1)
Shotgun Microphone (1)
SanDisk 512 GB XQD Cards (4)
SanDisk Pro Dock card reader (1)
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Canon 85MM (1)
Canon 35mm (1)
Canon 70-200 (1)
Canon 24-70 (1)
Canon 100mm Macro (1)
Ninja V monitor Kit (1)
Camera Cage
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TeraDek Serv 4k streamer
Teradek Bolt 4k
SmallHD 13” 4K Reference Monitor
SmallHD Indie 7” monitor (2)
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Sachtler 75 Activ Tripod (2)
Mono pod (1)
Zhiuan Crane 3 (1)
Syrp Magic Carpet Slider (1)
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LitePanel Gemini 1X1 2 light kit
Aputure 120dII led 3 light Kit (1)
Aputure MC 12 light kit (1)
Quasar Double Rainbow kit
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Shotgun Microphone (1)
Senheisser LAV kit (2)
Zoom H6 Field Recorder
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Scrim Jim 4X6 (2)
Triple Tap extension Cord (3)
Single Tap Extension Cord (3)
Nesting Apple Box Kit (1)
Kupo 20” C-Stand (6)
Flag kit (1)
6 radio kit
Expendables
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SanDisk Professional PRO-DOCK 4 DIT Kit (1)
Apple Macbook Pro
Starlink Satelite Internet
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2021 Ford Bronco Kitted out for small productions.
On-board power
Storage for everything.
Secure
Built in Work bench with integrated Mount for tripod head.
