Emerald Pictures Signs Directing Duo + Jacksonkarinja

Jan. 13, 2026

Emerald Pictures has signed directing team + jacksonkarinja to its roster. Longtime collaborators of more than fifteen years, + jacksonkarinja is celebrated for a playful, dynamic visual palette and an impressive tonal range, directing work that moves effortlessly from adventurous to intimate.

Gareth Jackson and Mark Karinja met on film crews in New York City, bonding over their shared roots shooting skate, surf, and snowboarding films—Jackson on the West Coast of Mexico and Karinja along the Eastern seaboard. Not long after, they formed + jacksonkarinja. As directors and cinematographers, their hands-on, deeply collaborative approach unites them behind a singular creative vision, brought to life through a sharp cinematic vocabulary. Their work is defined by detailed storytelling, striking composition, and an instinct for crafting films that captivate and entertain.

In commercials, shorts, and music videos alike, + jacksonkarinja raise the bar on what’s possible. They’ve directed real people, seasoned actors, and world-class athletes with equal deftness, drawing nuanced and compelling performances that pull audiences closer. Their reel includes energetic, visually driven spots for Activision, Adidas, Amazon, Apple, BMW, Budweiser, Chase, Converse, eBay, Powerade, Samsung, and Starbucks. Their narrative work includes short films such as Chasing Silence, Emotional Baggage, and Flowers.

Representing the directors’ last names, the “+” in their moniker symbolizes the wider circle of collaborators whose creativity, time, and talent shape each film.

+ jacksonkarinja on signing remarked:

“We couldn’t be happier to join Emerald Pictures. We felt a kinship when we first met with John [Duffin] and Mara [Milićević], and we think that Emerald perfectly matches our sensibilities as filmmakers—we can’t wait to get started.”

 

John Duffin, co-founder and co-managing director of Emerald Pictures, added:

“Gareth and Mark artistically complement one another beautifully. Their skills as filmmakers are as vast and impressive as they are, and it shows in every piece they create. They’re tried and true collaborators who genuinely love the work they do, and we connected with them right away on a deep personal level. They are great humans, and we’re ecstatic to have them with us at Emerald.”