Jonathan Levine: A Career in Directing, Writing, and Producing
From his early days as an assistant to renowned film director Paul Schrader, Jonathan Levine has evolved into a versatile force in the entertainment industry. His career is marked by a unique ability to pivot between genres, moving seamlessly from dramatic horror and indie comedies to heartfelt dramas and zombie romances.
Key Facts
- Directorial Debut: Made his feature debut with the 2006 horror film All the Boys Love Mandy Lane.
- Award-Winning Success: The Wackness won the Audience Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.
- Genre Versatility: Has directed projects ranging from the cancer drama 50/50 to the zombie-romance Warm Bodies.
- Television Work: Created and directed the pilot for the USA Network medical drama Rush.
- Production: Operates his own production company, Megamix, which has a deal with Fifth Season.
Early Career and Short Films
Before stepping into the director's chair for feature films, Levine honed his craft through short-form storytelling. His AFI Thesis short film, Shards (2004), earned him a nomination for a Best Independent Mini-Feature Award at the Black Reel Awards and a Certificate of Excellence for Best Cinematography at the 2005 Brooklyn Film Festival.
In 2005, he wrote and directed the documentary short Love Bytes. The project followed a cross-country road trip aimed at finding love in major cities, utilizing a laptop and an Audi A3 as primary tools for the journey.
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Rise to Feature Film Prominence
Levine entered the feature film scene in 2006 with All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, a dramatic horror film starring Amber Heard. The film gained international exposure, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival and screening at various prestigious venues, including the Sitges Film Festival and the French Cinemathèque.
He achieved significant critical acclaim in 2008 with The Wackness, starring Josh Peck. The film was a festival favorite, winning the Audience Award at Sundance and Best Narrative Feature at the Los Angeles Film Festival. It also secured the Best International Feature Film award at the Zurich Film Festival and a nomination for Best First Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Expanding Genre Boundaries
In 2011, Levine directed 50/50, a drama about a young man battling cancer starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anna Kendrick. Loosely based on the real-life experiences of screenwriter Will Reiser, the film won Audience Awards at both the Aspen and Stockholm Film Festivals.
He continued to experiment with tone in 2013 with Warm Bodies, based on Isaac Marion's novel. The film featured Nicholas Hoult as a zombie who begins to return to a human state, creating a unique blend of romance and horror.
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Television and Recent Projects
Levine's work extends to television, where he co-created the medical drama Rush for the USA Network alongside Gina Matthews and Grant Scharbo. Starring Tom Ellis as the hard-partying Dr. William P. Rush, the series ran for one season.
In 2015, he reunited with Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt for the Christmas comedy The Night Before, which he both co-wrote and directed. His television experience also includes directing a pilot for the Showtime comedy I'm Dying Up Here, based on William Knoedelseder's book about the 1970s LA stand-up scene.
Upcoming Ventures
Levine is set to direct Brooklyn Castle, a feature adaptation of the 2012 documentary focusing on inner-city junior high students competing in a national chess tournament. Additionally, in April 2025, he began production on Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story, a film centered on the life of former NFL player John Tuggle.
Writing and Producing Credits
Beyond directing, Levine is an accomplished writer and producer. He wrote the screenplay for the 2009 short film The Weight and contributed to The Screen Junkies Show with the episode "Zombie Acting Tips." He is currently writing the film adaptation of Grady Hendrix's comedic horror novel Horrorstör for Searchlight Pictures.
As a producer, Levine worked on the 2016 comedy Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and served as an executive producer on Rush. His production company, Megamix, has recently entered a partnership with Fifth Season.
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Career Summary Table
| Year | Project | Role | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | All the Boys Love Mandy Lane | Director | Feature Directorial Debut |
| 2008 | The Wackness | Writer/Director | Sundance Audience Award |
| 2011 | 50/50 | Director | Multiple Audience Awards |
| 2013 | Warm Bodies | Director | Based on Isaac Marion novel |
| 2014 | Rush | Creator/Director/EP | USA Network Series |
| 2015 | The Night Before | Co-Writer/Director | Christmas Comedy |
| 2016 | Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates | Producer | Feature Film |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jonathan Levine's first feature film?
His feature directorial debut was the 2006 dramatic horror film All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, which starred Amber Heard.
Which of his films won an award at the Sundance Film Festival?
The 2008 film The Wackness won the Audience Award and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize (Dramatic) at Sundance.
What is the premise of the film Warm Bodies?
Based on a novel by Isaac Marion, the film follows a zombie who slowly begins to return to normal and forms a relationship with a human girl.
Has Jonathan Levine worked in television?
Yes, he created and directed the pilot for the medical drama Rush and directed a pilot for the Showtime comedy I'm Dying Up Here.
What is the name of Jonathan Levine's production company?
His production company is called Megamix, which has signed a deal with Fifth Season.
What upcoming project is Levine working on regarding the NFL?
In April 2025, Levine began production on Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story, focusing on the life of former NFL player John Tuggle.