Today we’d like to introduce you to Jedi Bishop.
Hi Jedi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From the start, I’ve always been drawn to creativity. Growing up as the typical theater kid, dance kid, and with martial arts training, I spent countless hours honing different crafts — yet still felt a lingering disconnection. When I was 15, YouTube was becoming huge. While many of my friends were diving into memes and funny videos, I found myself captivated by filmmaking tutorials.
Being homeschooled gave me the advantage of watching as many videos as I wanted — learning editing, writing, and studying behind-the-scenes footage from my favorite movies. That became the connection I had been searching for. Soon, I started making short films with my brothers and sister, using whatever I could get my hands on — from a Nokia Android to a cheap mirrorless camera. That’s when I realized filmmaking was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Around 2020, during the COVID lockdowns, I reached a point where I had to figure out how to truly pursue that dream. I couldn’t afford film school, but I already knew I could learn just as much online. So, I began creating my own film sets with friends and collaborating with other independent filmmakers — constantly learning, networking, and building experience. Over the past five years, I’ve been developing my own independent production company: Ambient Hour Productions.
Today, I’m proud to have a growing team of filmmakers from Knoxville, TN; Nashville, TN; North Carolina; and beyond. We’re still funding our projects out of pocket and sharing our work on our YouTube channel, but within the next year, our goal is to launch our official website and begin production on our first feature film.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road — but honestly, who would want that? The beauty of starting young is having the gift of time: time to learn, to fail, to grow, and to keep pushing forward. Along the way, you start to understand patience — that reminder that you are young and still building. I’m 25 years old now, and even with everything I’ve done, I still find myself caught in that same loop of thought: “Why am I not at this point yet?” or “What do I still need to learn?”
Growing up in a small town like Athens, TN — far from places like Atlanta or Hollywood — wasn’t easy. Opportunities didn’t just appear; I had to go out and find them. I traveled outside of my comfort zone to meet other filmmakers, collaborate, and simply be part of something creative. And honestly, traveling has been one of the best teachers. It opens your eyes to different ways of life, new stories, and new perspectives. You start to realize that filmmaking isn’t limited to big cities or studios — it’s everywhere, in every corner of the world, expressed in countless forms.
Those experiences taught me not just about filmmaking, but about myself. They helped me see what kind of person I want to be — someone who keeps creating, keeps learning, and keeps pushing no matter where I am. Every challenge, every detour, and every small-town struggle has shaped my direction. It’s a reminder that the journey itself is what builds the filmmaker, not just the destination.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a filmmaker. On set, I’m most often found working as an Assistant Director (AD), and behind the scenes, I take on the role of video editor. Beyond that, I’m constantly honing my craft in directing and writing — striving not just to create, but to one day stand among the greats who inspire me: Tarantino, Nolan, Flanagan, and John Hughes, to name a few personal favorites.
My work can be found on my YouTube channel, Ambient Hour Productions, and by 2026, I plan to launch our official website. More than anything, though, what drives all of this is a personal phrase that’s come to define both myself and Ambient Hour:
“The moments overlooked are the stories we tell.”
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
When it comes to books, I’m currently diving into ones that help strengthen my writing. I’m a huge fan of Robert McKee — especially his books Story, Dialogue, and Character. McKee does an incredible job not only explaining the art of screenwriting but also showing how our real-life experiences and influences shape the stories we tell on screen.
For podcasts, I highly recommend Founders, which shares the journeys of filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and creators who built something from the ground up — it’s incredibly insightful. Then there’s Video Archives — I mean, it’s Tarantino and Avary! Enough said. And I have to give a shoutout to my good friend Justin Evans and his narrated story podcast, The Blood & Mone Files. It’s a thrilling and haunting adventure that can definitely spark creative inspiration.
And lastly, never overlook YouTube. Channels like Film Riot, Cinematography Database, and Maxon Red Giant are just a few examples of the endless amount of free, high-quality information out there for filmmakers. There’s so much to learn — you just have to start exploring.
Pricing:
- Negotiable for AD and Video Editing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/@ambienthourpro
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambienthourpro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambienthourpro
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedidiah-gabel-a6b848183/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambienthourpro
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/jedibishop/
