Story First
Every project begins with character, tone, theme, and the emotional promise made to the audience.
About
Independent Gorilla is built on craft, nerve, and respect for the room.
A production company with a cinematic eye, a practical spine, and an Omaha-rooted sense of community.
Jonathan Lanz
Founder · Filmmaker · Creative Technologist
Jonathan Lanz leads Independent Gorilla Productions as a filmmaker, storyteller, and creative technologist. His work bridges practical production, cinematic story development, community-building, and emerging visual tools.
His production philosophy is straightforward: story comes first, collaborators matter, and the finished work should give an audience something to carry after the lights come up.
Jonathan’s background combines hands-on filmmaking, technical systems thinking, project leadership, and a deep belief that a great film set should feel like a temporary family with a shared mission.
Debora Lanz
Creative Partner · Community Presence
Debora Lanz is part of the human foundation behind Independent Gorilla’s public-facing spirit — bringing warmth, grounded perspective, community awareness, and a steady creative presence to the company’s evolving story.
This section is designed as a polished starting point. It can be expanded with Debora’s preferred biography, credits, civic work, historical-society background, creative interests, or specific role within Independent Gorilla.
The intent is simple: present Independent Gorilla not only as a production banner, but as a family-rooted creative house with a living human center.
Company Values
Classic discipline. Modern tools. Human-centered filmmaking.
Independent Gorilla exists at the intersection of story, craft, community, and production practicality.
Omaha Rooted
The company is built from the Midwest outward, with an eye toward sustainable local production culture.
Modern Tools
AI-assisted visual development, structured planning, and practical production systems support the creative process.
Respectful Sets
Collaboration matters: cast, crew, artists, technicians, and community partners all help carry the frame.