ABOUT ME
FILMMAKER . DIRECTOR . PHOTOGRAPHER . SCARE ACTOR.
Jacob Balken is an up-and-coming filmmaker, photographer, and scare actor from Simi Valley, California. For as long as he could remember, he loved using a camera, and Halloween was his favorite holiday. In middle school, he took his first Video Production class and worked in a local haunted house. It was at this point that he found his passions and knew what he wanted to do later in life. He graduated from Santa Susana High School with a focus in TV and the Art of Film and the California Biliteracy Seal in Spanish in June of 2020.
Now, Jacob spends most of his time in school; currently acquiring his transfer degree to go to CSUN to study Business and Marketing with a Minor in Film Production. He hopes to get into Entertainment business/marketing after college. Besides being a full-time college student, he also takes up clients and businesses who want their photos and videos looking their best! Come the fall season, he also works at Reign of Terror in Thousand Oaks, California. Jacob was also granted the opportunity to perform as his own characters in the scare zones for the first year of Valley Fright Nights in Woodland Hills.
ACADEMIC AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS
California State Biliteracy Seal in the area of Spanish - June 2020
Awarded on his HS diploma for taking 4 years of Spanish language classes.
Certification in the Academy of TV and the Art of Film - June 2020
Awarded on his HS diploma for the completion of a senior project.
Cody Hoffman Memorial Scholarship - June 2020
Awarded a scholarship on behalf of the family of a Santa Susana High School Alumni, Cody Hoffman, who passed away in 2016. The scholarship was only applicable to those who have interests in photography and filmmaking.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Santa Susana High School Roadshow Promo- January 2020
Approached by Santa Susana High School Principal Matt Guzzo to create a video of our Roadshow Tour to advertise the school's Open House event.
Red Carpet Cameraman for Kids in the Spotlight - November 2019
Worked KITS' yearly Film Festival on the red carpet interviewing the filmmakers and famous faces of Hollywood.
Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of the Barbary Coast - March - May 2019
Approached by former Santa Susana High School Theatre Director Melissa Albertson to record Night 1 of Play Production's Sweeney Todd play.
Brxndoo Clothing - August 2020 to Present
Approached by musician Brxndoo to photograph his clothing line Brxndoo Clothing and create short form video content for Spotify Loops.
Reign of Terror Haunted House - August 2021 to Present
Cast as a seasonal Scare Actor for Reign of Terror Haunted House.
Fall 2021 and 2022 Role: "Shane", in the section "InbRed".
Did cinematography for the haunted house's marketing videos for the 2022 season and beyond.
Tennis System Concert - December 2021
Filmed a live show for shoegaze punk band Tennis System with a two camera set up.