Jim made his first film at 12 years old with his neighborhood friends. It was a stop motion animation followed by a short fight scene. “Dad had an old 8mm movie camera and editing block with a viewer built in, so I did a lot of little short films. I’d shoot some, and sometimes have a friend shoot while I was in the film.”
A few short films were made over the next few years. Jim then studies theatre and film at Indiana University. In addition, he spent a few semesters working on projects with a joint program between the theatre and television departments.
College film still from The Greatest Battle with Rob Heighway and Shawn Harrison.
Jim went on to Chicago and spent the next several years developing skills as a fight choreographer and stuntman while working with the Chicago Stunt Team. His early interest developed into one of the skills he has used both as a filmmaker and as an actor.
Jim takes a breakaway chair during a live stunt show at Chuck Norris’ Kick Drugs out of America event.
He has served as fight choreographer and stunt coordinator on several independent films.
Over the years Jim has worked as an editor, cinematographer, writer, producer, visual effects artist, and sound designer.
Recently he has worked with Dawn of the Underground, directing and editing music videos for up and coming bands. Below, enjoy some of the work that has been done as an independent filmmaker.
“Jim has excellent experience and insight into all aspects of stage and film production. I have personally worked on projects with Jim as a director, actor, stunt coordinator, and grip. In every case, Jim has shown tireless professionalsim and has been a pleasure to work with, Highly recommended.”
Scott Ganyo
Music Video Selections
Director, DP, Editor
Producer: Dawn LeMay
No Budget Filmmaking
Director, DP, Editor
Producer: Dawn LeMay
No Budget Filmmaking
Director, DP, Editor
Producer: Dawn LeMay
No Budget Filmmaking
Director, DP, Editor
Producer: Dawn LeMay
No Budget Filmmaking
Director, DP, Editor
Producer: Dawn LeMay
No Budget Filmmaking
Director, DP, Editor
Producer: Dawn LeMay
No Budget Filmmaking
Director, DP, Editor
Producer: Dawn LeMay
No Budget Filmmaking
1st AD, Editor
Director: Catherine Crouch
Feature Trailers
1st AD/Stunt Coordinator Jim Dougherty
Fight Choreographer Andrew Hayes
Written by Kyle Ham and Steve Timm, Director Kyle Ham
Watch Reparation on Amazon Prime
1st AD Jim Dougherty
Written and Directed by Brian Klemesrud
Watch Dead Draw on Tubi
1st AD/Stunt Coordinator Jim Dougherty
Written by Bob Caso and Directed by Joe and Pete Herbert
Watch Between Waves on Tubi
Short Subject Films and Timed Contest Pieces
Writer/Director Jim Dougherty
Producer: Steven Durgarn
Watch the film on Amazon Prime
Micro-Budget Filmmaking
48 Hour Film Challenge Short
Written by Laura Noel
Co-Directed by Laura Noel and Jim Dougherty
Ensemble Acting Award Winner
Writing Award
Written by and Cinematography by Jim Dougherty
Directed by James Wallace
Winner of Cinematography Award for the Indianapolis 48
Renfield Hill – 50 Hour Film Race
Cinematography and Editing – Jim Dougherty
Written and Directed by Laura Noel
Award for Best Kill
E-bowla
Cinematography and Editing – Jim Dougherty
Drone footage – Daniel Hiatt
Written and Directed by Cindy Maples