Jeremy Whittaker

Jeremy Whittaker grew up in Jamaica. Like many Jamaican youngsters he dreamed of becoming a doctor, maybe a neurosurgeon. That dream was soon to be silenced by another as he did a holiday stint as an intern at a local production house and got bitten by the proverbial 'media bug'. He was immediately smitten by what he experienced while on internship, and soon refocused his efforts by registering at The University of Toronto in Canada where he majored in Communication, Culture, and Information Technology (CCIT) and studied Film Production. While in pursuit of his degree, he simultaneously completed a certificate course in Digital Communication at Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advance Learning. He did not leave his learning for the classroom only though; while still at University, he gained invaluable experience through internships at various media houses, including: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and Universal Music Canada. After graduating from University of Toronto, Whittaker returned to Jamaica where he worked for the island's premiere television broadcasting company, Television Jamaica Ltd. (TVJ), as a Producer of the live two-hour morning show, Smile Jamaica. He also participated in other productions involved in local content development embarked on by the station. Along with his friend, he was also involved in the management of a green studio, Studio 45 which produced a show that aired on a local cable station called Up Close, a talk show that took an in depth look into the life of a dancehall artist, the circumstances, and influences that motivate his artistic decisions. He directed a few music videos, including one that won the People's Choice Award for "Best Video of the Year - Dancehall" at the Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards in 2010. Jeremy returned to live in Toronto, Canada in 2010. He involved himself with the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) where he worked with the Assistant Director team on productions for MTV, FOX, NBC/Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, eOne Entertainment and Dreamworks. Jeremy is now a Director Member of the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC). Jeremy is a co-founder and the CEO of Grasshopper Productions Ltd. Jeremy's most recent endeavour under the Grasshopper banner is the Jamaican/Canadian hit film, Destiny. Destiny, a romantic comedy, is the longest running film locally or internationally in Jamaican history. Destiny won The Gleaner Honour Award for Entertainment 2014 "for its record-breaking performance at the box office and the strengthening of the Jamaica's film industry." In addition, Tuff Gong International - a record label founded by Bob Marley - in partnership with Universal Music distributed the reggae soundtrack worldwide.