HELLO.
I'm a director with over 15 years of experience on 5 continents.
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I love the adventure of filmmaking. I love the people, places, stories, collaboration, inspiration, technology, and the magic of it.
I split my time between LA & Toronto. Born and raised in Rochester, NY. Studied cinema and philosophy at the University of Toronto.
Select awards and press below.

AWARDS
&
PRESS
AWARDS
2023 - Beyond The Short - Jimmy Coco
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2022 - Miami Short Film Festival - Semi-Finalist - Jimmy Coco
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2021 Garoa Awards Sao Paulo - Winner - The Scroll of The Prophet Isaiah - Best Documentary & Best Cinematography
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2021 Only The Best Film Awards - Winner - The Scroll of The Prophet Isaiah
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2019 Vimeo Staff Pick - The Scroll of The Prophet Isaiah
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2017 ADCC Awards - Innovation of Tech - Leon’s Smart Furniture
2017 Rochester Intl Film Festival - Shoestring Award - On Days Like These We Must Surf
2016 Vimeo Staff Pick - On Days Like These We Must Surf
2016 RideOn Film Festival - Golden Ride On Award - On Days Like These We Must Surf
2016 Atomic Awards - Bronze Cause & Action - Ronald McDonald House #RMHCthankyou
2015 Strategy Awards - Bronze CSR - SickKids Superhero Trailer
2015 Atomic Awards - Bronze AToMiC Collaboration - Ronald McDonald House Father’s Day
2015 Marketing Awards - Gold - Public Service Branded Content - RMH Father's Day
2014 One Show Awards - Merit Award - SickKids Superhero Trailer
2010 YouTube / Sundance Film Festival Project:Direct - Finalist - Monday Morning
PRESS
Beyond The Short "Jimmy Coco by Jake Kovnat"
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BOOOOOOOM TV "The Scroll of The Prophet Isaiah" by Jake Kovnat
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SHOTS "On Days Like These We Must Surf"
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SURFER "Toronto, Canada Has A Surf Scene?"
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UNCRATE "Surfing On The Great Lakes"
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BILLBOARD "X Ambassadors Explain Inspiration for 'Ahead of Myself' Video"