One of the most important elements in Jonathan’s coaching is that you need to find out why you want to tell your story before you’re ready to tell it properly. Even though I have studied journalism, this was very valuable to me. Jonathan helps you find this urgency and necessity by asking good and critical questions and by using his broad experience to help you think of options. Your story will always be in the front in this process: he teaches you how what you want to say determines how you say it – and helps you find form to strengthen your content.
_ Geart van der Pol, Journalist
Jonathan Herzberg
Jonathan Herzberg (1980) is a distinguished writer, director, teacher, and script doctor based primarily in Amsterdam and Barcelona, with a readiness to travel anywhere his projects take him. His academic journey began with studies in Philosophy, Economics, Political Science, Film Studies, and Literature, culminating in a directing degree from the Dutch Film and Television Academy in 2011.
Jonathan’s filmmaking career took off with the co-writing and directing of the feature-length road movie The Road to Cadiz, which premiered at the Dutch Film Festival, was selected for CPHin Copenhagen, and saw release in over ten Dutch cinemas. Following his graduation, he has created a number of short films, worked as a creative, copywriter, and director in advertising, and developed several long-form projects.
I really enjoyed the practical approach of Jonathan’s Masterclass – he definitely found his own way of approaching the creative process, staying far away from the ever-repeating ‘3 Act Structure Gospel’ and managing to teach in a fun and authentic way.”*
Together with Iris Jacobs, Jonathan Herzberg forms a dynamic duo specializing in story coaching, writing, and directing. Their combined expertise in cinema and theatre offers a unique approach to crafting compelling narratives. Iris, as Jonathan’s partner and art director on all his sets, has gained invaluable insights from his directing and writing style. Their collaboration is designed to help you break through creative blocks and elevate your story to its fullest potential. Whether you’re working on a screenplay, a theatrical piece, or any other narrative form, Jonathan and Iris are dedicated to unlocking the truth of your story and bringing it to life with authenticity and impact. Reach out to us at info@studioirisjacobs.com
” No teacher has taught me as much as Jonathan Herzberg. With his intelligence, he showed me what I’m still allowed to learn, without judgment, soft and relentless at the same time. He has given me and the rest of my class a well-aimed push in telling our own stories.”
— Ireen Oostveen, Reporter Dutch News
Jonathan has written a feature film about Pablo Picasso and Carles Casagemas and is currently developing a detective series and a children’s film. His collaborations with exceptional talents such as Pep Cruz, Francesc Garrido, Montse Guallar, Yorick van Wageningen, Mike Reus, Thekla Reuten, and Darko Peric have further enriched his storytelling prowess.
In recent years, Jonathan has been actively involved in teaching storytelling for both fiction and documentary at the Amsterdam Film School. His workshops and masterclasses in Barcelona and at Bigoli Studios are known for their transformative impact, with participants often leaving relieved, rejuvenated, and with a newfound clarity about their stories. Jonathan’s method involves helping individuals uncover the core truth of their narrative by asking insightful questions and exploring various perspectives.
As a script doctor, Jonathan provides invaluable guidance in refining scripts and narratives, ensuring that stories are compelling and impactful. His approach is rooted in finding the internal logic that binds a story together, whether in fiction or documentary, to guide it towards a powerful conclusion.
