Check Out Kendall Goldberg’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Goldberg.

Hi Kendall, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in the Midwest (Chicago suburbs) with a love of creating, always making movies with friends. I came out to the west coast for college, where I attended Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film & Media Arts. Their film program was my launching pad, and it was there where I wrote the script that would become my first feature film, When Jeff Tried to Save the World. I spent my four years at Chapman making shorts and trying to package my feature, not even understanding what that really meant. I searched high and low for financing and cast, ultimately finding Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) who would star in the movie alongside Maya Erskine (PEN15, Mr. & Mrs. Smith), Anna Konkle (PEN15, The After Party), Jim O’Heir (Parks & Recreation), Brendan Meyer (The OA), Steve Berg (The Good Place), and Richard Esteras (The Bear). The pieces of my feature finally came together right as I graduated, and I went back to Chicago to shoot the film in August of 2017. After releasing that feature, I got representation and found my way into the commercial world. Since then, I’ve been developing a handful of features in different genres and I’ve directed commercial campaigns for Wayfair, Nissan, TheAthletic, Disney, BarkBox, The Honest Company, Carvana, and more. I love genre blending and I enjoy focusing on work that is comedy-forward, character-driven, and always anchored in emotional truth.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, I don’t really look at my path as filled with struggle. I genuinely believe everything unfolds exactly as it’s meant to. Of course, as someone who’s always been ambitious and eager, I’ve had to reframe what “success” looks like over time. I used to want things to happen fast—like yesterday. But this career has taught me so much about timing, trust, and patience.

There have definitely been moments where things didn’t go the way I planned, or jobs I thought I’d book that didn’t pan out. But I’ve learned to see those moments not as failures, but as redirections, each one guiding me to something better, something more aligned. I’ve also realized that the creative path isn’t linear, and that’s actually a gift. It gives you time to find your voice, deepen your craft, and build relationships that are meaningful and lasting.

So while the road hasn’t always looked “smooth” in a traditional sense, it’s felt right. And I’ve never doubted I’m on the path I’m meant to be on.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a director and writer working across both commercials and narrative film. I specialize in comedy, specifically, the kind that’s grounded, character-driven, and emotionally honest, even when it gets a little absurd. Whether I’m directing a :30 spot or a feature film, I’m always drawn to stories with heart and humor at the center.

I think what sets me apart is my ability to balance tone, bringing a strong visual style and comedic rhythm while still anchoring everything in real, relatable emotion. I love collaborating with actors and finding those little details or moments that make something feel specific and memorable. I also come from a producing background, so I’m deeply involved in every step of the process and know how to make a lot happen with a little, both creatively and logistically.

What I’m most proud of is that everything I’ve done has felt aligned with who I am. I’ve never chased trends. I’ve built a body of work that reflects my voice, and I’m excited to keep growing it.

I’ve got a few features in development that each bring a unique blend of humor, heart, and a little chaos. There’s a high school comedy reminiscent of Booksmart. A coming-of-age romance set in a nostalgic, gritty carnival world—think Adventureland meets The Edge of Seventeen. A music-fueled time travel love story with Nick & Norah.. vibes and Safety Not Guaranteed energy. And a darkly comedic whodunnit that lives somewhere between Fargo and Knives Out.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is living in the present moment and experiencing the joy that comes with it. It’s being with my favorite people — my fiancé Connor, my friends, my family. And doing what I love. Being on set is where I thrive, especially when I’m working with friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kendallgoldbergfilms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendallgoldbergfilms/

Image Credits
Zac Osgood