Parkway Middle Schooler Hopes to Make His Mark as Filmmaker

He’s been told he is the next Steven Spielberg.

But for now, his goal is more Internet-focused. “I want to be a Youtube sensation,” said Jordan Chervitz, who just finished fifth grade at .

Jordan is an avid filmmaker. His film, Movie Magic was screened at in April. It’s the second time he’s had a film at the 3-year-old festival.

Jordan and Jake Giancola, his friend and filmmaking partner, spend their free time developing story ideas and turning those ideas into films and videos. “We have a video blog, and we like to write parodies. Jake is a good actor, and he’s funny,” Jordan said.  “I act and edit the films.”

The videos, which are usually filmed and edited in about three days, are reviewed by Jordan’s mother before he’s allowed to post them on YouTube. “I have to see everything before it goes up,” his mother Marianne said. “And we make sure that any kids in the film have their parents’ permission. Some people don’t want to see their children online, and I can understand.” 

Jordan’s love of videography began four years ago as a way to film jam sessions of his band. While he still plays guitar, his interest in filmmaking has surpassed his dream of being a musician. With two grants he received from the Parkway Granting Dreams program, Jordan purchased a green screen, lighting and new film software. The Parkway Alumni Association program provides funds to district students who want to further their learning or gain new skills. 

“The green screen and software are a huge improvement for making fully developed films,” Jordan said. “I made a thank you video for the Granting Dreams people so they would know how much I appreciate the help in getting this equipment.”

A well-rounded young man, Jordan is in the gifted education program and is a member of student council and the safety patrol. He is also a Panther Pal, working with other students to prevent peer bullying. He recently won first place in the fourth/fifth grade category of the district's Martin Luther King Essay Contest.

“I’m not much of a sports guy, but I like bike riding and I play tennis,” Jordan said.  I’m a big reader, but I spend a lot of my time editing films.” 

Jordan is the son of Steven and Marianne Chervitz. He will attend  in the fall. His sister, Allison, is a student at Shenandoah Valley Elementary and occasionally acts in her brother’s films. Jordan's videos can be seen on his YouTube channel.

Correction: This article has been updated to correct Jake Giancola's name. This article was last edited at 4:15 p.m. on July 6.