JO
Jeff Okabayashi
Additional Credits
Jeff Okabayashi is an assistant director. He began his academic journey studying mathematics at UCLA but soon realised his passion lay elsewhere. Transferring to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), he earned a Radio/TV Production degree in 1985. During his time at CSUN, he discovered his calling in the film industry, leading him to apply for the prestigious Directors Guild of America (DGA) Assistant Directors Training Program. Out of 3,000 applicants, Okabayashi was one of only ten selected, marking the beginning of his professional journey in filmmaking.
Okabayashi's early career included work on television shows like "Heart of the City," but he quickly transitioned to feature films. His first film credit as a second assistant director was on "An Innocent Man" (1989), and he soon became known for his reliability and work ethic. This reputation led to roles on major blockbusters such as "Backdraft" (1991), "Armageddon" (1998), and "The Rock" (1996). Over the years, he has contributed to numerous high-grossing films, including "Avengers: Endgame," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Spider-Man: No Way Home," and "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings".
Beyond his work on set, Okabayashi is dedicated to mentoring aspiring filmmakers. He frequently returns to CSUN to speak with students, offering insights into the industry and sharing his experiences. Notably, he allowed CSUN students to work as production assistants on "Transformers: Age of Extinction," giving them firsthand experience on a major film set. His commitment to education and mentorship reflects his belief in giving back and supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
Okabayashi's early career included work on television shows like "Heart of the City," but he quickly transitioned to feature films. His first film credit as a second assistant director was on "An Innocent Man" (1989), and he soon became known for his reliability and work ethic. This reputation led to roles on major blockbusters such as "Backdraft" (1991), "Armageddon" (1998), and "The Rock" (1996). Over the years, he has contributed to numerous high-grossing films, including "Avengers: Endgame," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Spider-Man: No Way Home," and "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings".
Beyond his work on set, Okabayashi is dedicated to mentoring aspiring filmmakers. He frequently returns to CSUN to speak with students, offering insights into the industry and sharing his experiences. Notably, he allowed CSUN students to work as production assistants on "Transformers: Age of Extinction," giving them firsthand experience on a major film set. His commitment to education and mentorship reflects his belief in giving back and supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
Known For
Jeff Okabayashi Filmography
| 2025 | Thunderbolts* · as First Assistant Director |
| 2022 | Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness · as First Assistant Director |
| 2022 | Moon Knight (TV Series) · as First Assistant Director |
| 2021 | Spider-Man: No Way Home · as First Assistant Director |
| 2021 | Hawkeye (2021) (TV Series) · as First Assistant Director |
| 2021 | Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings · as First Assistant Director |
| 2019 | Spider-Man: Far from Home · as First Assistant Director |
| 2019 | Avengers: Endgame · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2018 | Avengers: Infinity War · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2017 | Transformers: The Last Knight · as First Assistant Director |
| 2017 | Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales · as Second Unit First Assistant Director |
| 2016 | Westworld (TV Series) · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2016 | Term Life · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2014 | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles · as First Assistant Director |
| 2014 | Transformers: Age of Extinction · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2013 | Saving Mr. Banks · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2013 | Oz the Great and Powerful · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2012 | Bless Me, Ultima · as First Assistant Director |
| 2010 | The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader · as First Assistant Director |
| 2009 | |
| 2009 | Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2009 | Terminator Salvation · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2008 | The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2007 | The Kingdom · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2006 | Miami Vice · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2006 | Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2005 | The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2005 | Underclassman · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2004 | The Alamo · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2003 | Matchstick Men · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2003 | Tears of the Sun · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2003 | The Life of David Gale · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2002 | Road to Perdition · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2002 | Ultimate X: The Movie · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2001 | Pearl Harbor · as Second Assistant Director |
| 2000 | Supernova · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1999 | Mystery Men · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1998 | Armageddon · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1998 | The Replacement Killers · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1997 | Out to Sea · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1997 | Vanishing Point · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1996 | Last Man Standing · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1996 | The Birdcage · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1995 | Mr. Holland's Opus · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1993 | Quick · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1993 | Undercover Blues · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1992 | Honeymoon in Vegas · as Second Second Assistant Director |
| 1992 | Thunderheart · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1991 | Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1991 | Backdraft · as Second Second Assistant Director |
| 1990 | The Bonfire of the Vanities · as Second Second Assistant Director |
| 1990 | 83 Hours 'Til Dawn · as Second Second Assistant Director |
| 1990 | Come See the Paradise · as Second Second Assistant Director |
| 1990 | The Girl Who Came Between Them · as Second Assistant Director |
| 1990 | The Image · as Second Second Assistant Director |
| 1989 | An Innocent Man · as Second Second Assistant Director |
| 1989 | From the Dead of Night · as Second Second Assistant Director |