Jerry Thompson was born and raised in Las Vegas. Well, he was born in Boulder City but never lived there. He’s not sure why his parents had him there. Maybe they had a coupon or something. He had a full scholarship studying biochemistry at UNLV for three years. While there he drew a bi-weekly comic strip called Primal Squat for the university newspaper. He wrote and illustrated hundreds of comic strips, eventually self-publishing a collection of his works. He sold several dozen copies. Mostly to family. He’s got a couple boxes left in his garage if you want one. While in college he got a job drawing caricatures full time in some of the biggest hotels on the strip. It was around this time that he realized he could actually enjoy his life and switched majors from biochemistry to film production. He ended up earning his B.A. in film but he can still explain to you what a halogen is. He won’t be able to make it interesting though, so maybe avoid him if you see him at a party. Years later he also graduated from Animation Mentor, a three year character animation program. He continues to draw caricatures professionally at events.
After graduating, he founded Light Forge Studios in 2004. Since then, Jerry has been working full time as a director, cinematographer, writer and visual effects artist. He has worked on a variety of projects including independent films, shorts, TV shows, commercials, and corporate work.
Jerry and his brother Mike have co-written and directed many feature films and shorts together. Their first full length film, Thor at the Bus Stop, had successful screenings at several prestigious film festivals including Cinevegas, where it sold out a four hundred seat theater twice, and the Austin Film Festival, where it received a special Jury Mention for Independent Filmmaking. It enjoyed a limited theatrical release and dvd and digital distribution.
Their second feature film, Popovich and the Voice of the Fabled American West, starring circus legend Gregory Popovich, also enjoyed success at film festivals, winning the Audience Choice award at the 2014 Dances with Films film festival, selling out at the Las Vegas Film Festival, and winning an Audience Choice award at the Austin International Film Festival. It also enjoyed a limited theatrical release and dvd and digital distribution.
Light Forge Studios has won the Las Vegas 48 Hour Film competition a record four times, and won the UNLV 48 hour film competition the first two years it was held. Their ten 48 hour films have won over 40 awards including 6 best film wins.
For his artistic and professional achievements, the UNLV College of Fine Arts selected Jerry as their 2009 Alumnus of the Year. The College of Sciences never selected him for anything. They’re probably unimpressed with his rudimentary understanding of halogens.
