Makenna Jow: A Behind-the-Scenes Force in Film Production

Updated on: August 4, 2025

Basic Information

Early Life and Family Background

Makenna Jow was born on April 22, 1997, into an Armenian, European, Cherokee, and Chinese American family. Raised in California from age three, she was steeped in entertainment with her older sister, actress Malese Jow. Makenna showed early talent for film and television logistics and technicalities whereas Malese pursued on-camera roles. She chose a profession behind the camera after growing up with scripts, set visits, and industry chats.

Family Structure at a Glance

Journey into Film Production

After graduating in cinema studies and production management, Makenna worked as a production assistant on independent films. She oversaw background casting calls and on-set logistics on Bunker (2019), her first credit. She became production assistant on Deranged Granny (2020) and associate producer on The Surrogate Scandal (2023) due to her dependability and attention to detail. She became a production coordinator for Imoto Productions in early 2024, managing intricate scheduling, interdepartmental communication, and set operations.

Expanded Filmography & Credits

In collaboration with editors and location managers, she oversaw Viper (2021) pilot prep and post-production. She routinely assisted the chief producer on AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead (2024), solidifying her reputation as a problem-solver.

Roles and Responsibilities

Throughout her tenure at Imoto Productions, Makenna’s primary responsibilities include:

• Coordination: Aligning all production departments—from lighting to costume—to operate on unified schedules.
• Scheduling: Developing and maintaining detailed shooting calendars that integrate set availability, talent call times, and equipment logistics.
• Problem-Solving: Implementing rapid-response frameworks to address unforeseen technical or personnel challenges without delaying production.
• Communication: Serving as the principal liaison among directors, department heads, and external vendors to ensure seamless information flow.

These duties require both technical proficiency with industry software and the interpersonal skills necessary for high-pressure environments.

Imoto Productions Profile and Recent Activity

In 2017, Vancouver and Los Angeles-based Imoto Productions began making female-driven modern thrillers. Its current lineup includes Killer Infatuation, which will begin principal photography in late summer 2025. Makenna helps organize pre-production by writing call sheets, arranging site scouts, and integrating digital scheduling systems like MovieMagic Scheduling and ShotLister. Imoto’s purposeful utilization of remote-friendly workflows is notable given Q2 2025’s 6.2 percent drop in Los Angeles production.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of her film career, Makenna values a grounded lifestyle in Silver Lake, Michigan. Her primary personal interests include:

• Painting: Makenna maintains a small home studio where she explores abstract and landscape work, often drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings of Michigan lakeshores.
• Animal Companionship: Her dog, Muse, accompanies her on daily walks and offers a creative pause between production deadlines.
• Family and Friends: Regular gatherings and collaborative art projects with siblings and close friends underscore her commitment to personal relationships.

This balance between high-intensity professional demands and reflective personal pursuits sustains her long-term creative energy.

Innovative Production Techniques and Contributions

Makenna has pioneered several process improvements that optimize set operations:

Her adoption of Slack-based status channels and custom ShotLister workflows has earned departmental praise and influenced wider studio protocols.

Career Milestones and Future Prospects

Key milestones in Makenna’s career include:

• 2019: First professional credit on Bunker as Production Assistant.
• 2020: Advanced logistics role on Deranged Granny, leading to expanded responsibilities.
• 2023: Associate Producer credit on a mid-budget feature, The Surrogate Scandal.
• 2024: Appointment as Production Coordinator at Imoto Productions.

Looking ahead, she is poised to assume full Producer credits on Imoto’s 2026 releases, leveraging her operational expertise and growing creative input to shape projects from development through distribution.

FAQ

What is Makenna Jow’s primary role in film production?

She serves as a Production Coordinator at Imoto Productions, managing schedules, department coordination, and on-set operations.

How is Makenna related to Malese Jow?

Makenna is the younger sister of actress Malese Jow and grew up alongside her in a creative household.

Which major projects has Makenna worked on?

Her credits include Production Assistant on Deranged Granny (2020) and Associate Producer on The Surrogate Scandal (2023).

Where does Makenna Jow reside?

She resides in Silver Lake, Michigan, focusing on a balanced personal and professional life.

What are Makenna’s creative interests outside of work?

She enjoys painting in her home studio and spending time with her dog, Muse, and close friends.

How has Makenna improved film production workflows?

She implemented digital scheduling tools and real-time communication platforms that have significantly reduced errors and response times.

What are Makenna’s upcoming projects?

She is coordinating Imoto Productions’ thriller Killer Infatuation, set to begin production in late summer 2025.

References