About JAY:

I am a colorist and documentary filmmaker who operates at the intersection of traditional cinematic craft and the future of imaging technology. Born in San Jose and based in Los Angeles, my work is driven by a preoccupation with atmosphere, character, and the "unspoken" emotional authenticity that defines great documentary and narrative storytelling.

My foundation is built on the tactile: lighting and capturing on 35mm, Super 16, and high-end digital systems. My tenure in LA’s high pressure camera rental industry wasn't just about building cameras, it was a masterclass in the engineering behind the industry’s most sophisticated optics. I carry that "sensor-to-screen" mentality into the color suite, where I use DaVinci Resolve to bridge the gap between a director’s raw intent and the final theatrical delivery.

However, I believe the modern filmmaker must be as comfortable with code as they are with a light meter. I am fascinated by the evolution of AI as a creative lever, rather than a replacement. To stay at the vanguard of the finishing world, I’ve developed and implemented AI-assisted Python and C++ plugins into my own Resolve workflows, automating the more mundane to make room for more aggressive creative experimentation. Whether I’m optimizing for high-volume ingest or writing plugins that use metadata and exposure scopes to create grading groups, my goal is to make the technology invisible so the story can breathe.

My work often takes me into high-consequence environments where "getting the shot" is only half the battle. I’ve navigated the labyrinthine bureaucracy of UN Protocols and interviews which tackle deeply personal and often traumatic subjects to bring sensitive documentary projects to life: experiences that have taught me that persistence is just as important as technical proficiency.

Whether I am lighting a narrative feature, grading a branded campaign, or engineering a new post-production pipeline, I approach every project with a relentless curiosity and a deep respect for the process. I’m interested in collaborations that push boundaries, value strong visual language, and aren't afraid of the future.

Let’s build something.

jayanth.pennathur@gmail.com — (408)745-9639 — Instagram