About

Jon Portman is an award-winning director and creative leader with 12+ years experience across film, brand, and advertising.

In 2014, Jon co-founded Oxbow, a creative agency specializing in brand design, strategy, and animation where he served as the creative director for five years.

In 2019, Jon founded Very Big Boy, an animation production company, where he serves as director and executive producer. His award-winning films have played internationally at Academy Award and BAFTA-Qualifying festivals. His newest film, Beast of the Seine, premieres in January 2026.

In 2021, Jon co-founded Gentle Beast, a consumer start-up focused on making dog training more accessible, where he leads brand and design.

Jon received his BA in Architectural Studies from Middlebury College. He lives in San Francisco with his wife Gabby and their dogs Mildred and Bruce.

To inquire about projects in development, or to hire Jon for commercial work, give him a shout: