In this profile series, Revry is highlighting authentic contributors to the LGBTQ+ media and entertainment community. We ask questions to find out who they are and where they are going in the future. The questions remain the same but the answers tell their unique story. It’s time to explore and celebrate true representation beyond the limits of Hollywood. 

Jesse D. Turk is an LA-based director, writer and producer who also has a strong theater background. His most recent work is a drama called ‘The Takeback’, which follows the story of a gay man who steals from his one night stands to cope with his vulnerability. His storytelling is best described as “representing the LGBTQ+ community in unexpected and dynamic ways.”

What are you best known for?

I'm best known for my two short films Holding and The Takeback which both had pretty exciting lives on the festival circuit. Additionally, I was a 2019 mentee of the Ryan Murphy Half Initiative directing program, which was certainly a highlight for me. 

What is the first thing you directed?

The first thing I ever directed was probably a Neil Simon play in high school, but my first project at a professional level was my short film Holding, which tells the story of a man put on hold by a suicide hotline and finding a neighbor in the same predicament (it's based on my co-creator's actual experience). We're actually starting to adapt Holding into a feature film. I'm especially excited about this since the subject matter of the short resonated with millions of viewers struggling with mental health once it was released online. 

What are you working on that no one knows about yet?  

In addition to the feature adaptation of Holding, I'm writing another feature. It's a queer historical drama set in the 60's and focused on a controversial, lesser known figure in gay history. It's been a very challenging but rewarding project to develop.