Today we’d like to introduce you to Herb Jackson Jr.
Hi Herb, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure. I’m Herb Jackson Jr. — I’m a commercial airline pilot, an actor, and a producer.
The pilot thing came first. I spent a long time in the airlines and actually reached the left seat as a captain. One day I was sitting up there at 37,000 feet and had this moment where I thought, “Okay… I did it. This was the dream. Now what?” That question wouldn’t leave me alone.
I considered other things I could possibly try. My dad has a law degree and my brother is in tech, but I always had this creative side that those paths didn’t really feed. A few months later I saw a sign for an acting school while shopping at the mall and decided to give it a shot.
So I started studying acting while still flying full-time. Over time I moved into producing as well, and now I run my own small studio, I Ain’t No Herb Jackson Studios. We focus on telling good stories and helping independent filmmakers get their projects made. I still fly as a 737 captain, and I really enjoy bouncing between both worlds. It’s been a pretty unusual path, but I’m grateful for it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being new to the entertainment industry presents loads of challenges. From lack of experience and insecurity, to being bold enough to put yourself out there for all the world to see. Handling ridicule and criticism along with praise can drive even the strongest individuals insane.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Most of my work these days sits at the intersection of two things I really love: flying and storytelling.
I’m still a full-time Boeing 737 captain. That’s been my main career for a long time, and I genuinely enjoy it. The discipline and teamwork from the cockpit translate surprisingly well into producing.
On the creative side, I run a small independent studio called I Ain’t No Herb Jackson Studios. We focus on developing and producing honest, engaging stories — mostly shorts and indie features — and helping talented filmmakers get their projects made.
Some of the films I’m proud to have been involved with include Angel Fleet, which was an Academy-qualifying screened film, Aguška, which won the Audience Award at the Birmingham Film Festival, Comet Orphan, which was privately screened at Cannes, and The Last Butterflies, where I got to play a character on screen. I also served as executive producer for 8 episodes of Popfuzion TV last season.
I hosted and produced my interview series 5 Minutes with Herb. I’m currently putting together a “Best Of” collection that I’m planning to stream on my platform, Ain’t No Herb TV.
It’s not a huge operation, but we keep things creative, personal, and focused on quality. The goal is simple: make good work with good people and keep growing. I feel fortunate to still be able to do both — flying the line and staying active in film.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Absolutely! First off, thanks so much for having me today. I also wanted to mention my new partnership with Aevolum in the UK. I teamed up with them so I can focus more on the broadcast side of independent works — helping creators get their content distributed and in front of bigger audiences. Looking forward to seeing what comes from it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.herbjacksonjr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iaintnoherbjacksonstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577142327997
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbjacksonjr/
- Twitter: https://x.com/IANHJSLLC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HerbJacksonJr
- Other: https://www.iaintnoherbjacksonstudios.com
