Jake Schreier

Jake Schreier is an American film and television director known for bringing indie sensitivity to both small-scale dramas and major studio projects. Born on September 29, 1981 in Berkeley, California, he built his early career in New York's independent film and music scene before breaking through with his debut feature Robot & Frank (2012), a Sundance hit that won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize. He followed with the John Green adaptation Paper Towns (2015), which grossed over $85 million worldwide, and directed episodes of the acclaimed Netflix series Beef (2023), earning a Primetime Emmy nomination. In 2025, he stepped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Thunderbolts*, his biggest commercial project to date. Across film, television, commercials, and music videos, Schreier is valued for his character-driven storytelling and ability to blend genre elements with emotional intimacy. [edit]

Schreier grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, surrounded by its vibrant arts and music culture. He studied filmmaking at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he began directing shorts and music videos. During or shortly after his time at NYU, he co-founded Waverly Films, a Brooklyn-based filmmaking collective that became a hub for creative collaboration. In 2006, he joined Park Pictures, a top commercial and music-video production company, and started directing global campaigns for brands like Beats By Dre, Playstation, and Levi's. He also played keyboard in the indie band Francis and the Lights, a role that deepened his musical sensibility and led to directing videos for the group as well as for Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment. His accumulated commercial and music-video work eventually helped finance and support his debut feature. [edit]

Schreier's feature debut Robot & Frank premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012, winning the Alfred P. Sloan Prize for best film with scientific themes. The indie sci-fi comedy-drama, starring Frank Langella, earned about $5 million at the box office and established Schreier as a director to watch. In 2015, he directed Paper Towns, 20th Century Fox's adaptation of John Green's young adult novel. Starring Cara Delevingne and Nat Wolff, the film grossed $85.5 million worldwide and won three Teen Choice Awards. Schreier moved into television in the 2010s, directing episodes of Kidding and Brand New Cherry Flavor. His most acclaimed TV work came in 2023 with the A24/Netflix limited series Beef, which he also executive produced; the series earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for directing. That same year, his short film/music video We Cry Together for Kendrick Lamar won the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Film Craft. In 2025, Schreier directed Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts*, an ensemble superhero film starring Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, marking his biggest commercial project to date. [edit]

Schreier is known for a grounded, character-first approach that carries across genres. Critics and collaborators describe him as a director who brings indie sensibilities to big-budget projects, prioritizing emotional intimacy over spectacle. His work often explores loneliness, connection, and redemption, whether in a sci-fi drama about a robot caregiver or a dark comedy about road rage. In the commercial and music-video world, he is recognized for visual craft and narrative precision, as evidenced by his Cannes Lions win. Fans of his work appreciate the tonal range he brings to each project, from the warmth of Robot & Frank to the anxiety-fueled tension of Beef. Social media gives glimpses of his set life and gratitude toward collaborators, but he maintains a relatively low public profile compared to many directors of his stature. [edit]

Jake Schreier commands a global audience defined by industry prestige rather than viral celebrity, bridging the gap between intimate indie storytelling and massive franchise spectacle. His career trajectory from New York music videos to Marvel blockbusters has garnered significant professional attention, yet he operates without the chaotic adoration typical of A-list actors. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). While his work on Beef and Thunderbolts* generates substantial media coverage and search volume, the data indicates no current numeric ranking or score within the top tiers of global fame. The director maintains a steady presence through his Instagram account where he shares updates on projects like X-Men Past: BEEF, but this digital footprint does not constitute a formalized public following. Consequently, the fanbase has no formal name; unlike pop stars who cultivate organized armies, Schreier's supporters are scattered viewers of his films and music videos rather than a unified movement with rituals or specific branding. His reputation rests entirely on the quality of his output and his ability to elevate genre projects with emotional depth.[edit]

Jacob Stacey Schreier performs professionally as Jake, though his full birth name remains a point of curiosity for those digging into his background. Before achieving cinematic recognition, he was an active keyboardist and member of the band Francis and the Lights, not merely their visual director. His debut feature Robot & Frank secured the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at Sundance, a rare accolade for blending science fiction with human drama. Schreier directed the Kendrick Lamar short film We Cry Together, which won the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Film Craft in 2023, placing him among a select group of directors recognized at the highest level of global advertising. He stands as one of the few filmmakers to successfully navigate independent cinema, YA adaptations, streaming prestige television, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Recent industry milestones include his confirmation as the director for Marvel's new X-Men movie in August 2026, a role that has sparked significant casting announcements involving Christopher Abbott and Sadie Sink. At the D23 Expo, he revealed plans to pull heavily from comic source material to break new ground for the franchise, while actress Inde Navarrette confirmed meetings regarding the potential role of Mystique.[edit]

Schreier was born and raised in Berkeley, California, by his parents. No additional verified information about their names or professions has been made public. He has not publicly discussed siblings or extended family. As of 2026, Schreier's personal household and family life remain private, with no confirmed spouse, partner, or children. [edit]

Schreier has collaborated with actors including Frank Langella, Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff, Florence Pugh, and Sebastian Stan. In music, he worked closely with Francis and the Lights and directed the acclaimed short film for Kendrick Lamar. His commercial work includes campaigns for Beats By Dre, Playstation, Levi's, Verizon, and HP. He is represented by Park Pictures. [edit]

There are no credible public reports of Jake Schreier's romantic relationships. He has kept his personal life private, with no confirmed dating history, marriage, or children documented in reliable sources. As of 2026, Schreier's relationship status is not publicly known. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Jake Schreier's net worth at $10 Million as of 2026. His financial foundation was built through directing fees for commercials and music videos, particularly his early commercial work with Park Pictures for major brands like Beats By Dre and Playstation. The box office success of Paper Towns, which grossed over $85 million worldwide, alongside his involvement in the Emmy-nominated series Beef, significantly boosted his earning potential and industry profile. His biggest payday likely came from directing Marvel's Thunderbolts*, a studio tentpole that commands a substantial fee. Additional revenue streams include executive producing credits, residual income from his extensive filmography, and commissions for music video projects such as the Cannes-winning short for Kendrick Lamar. Schreier's wealth has grown steadily as he transitioned from indie features to major studio and streaming productions.[edit]

Schreier won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Beef (2023). His debut feature Robot & Frank received the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Paper Towns won three Teen Choice Awards. The short film We Cry Together earned the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Film Craft in 2023. [edit]