PERSONAL 

We caught up with JD Ellenberger, a longtime friend and collaborator, to get a major update on his work and creative journey. Last time we spoke, he shared his fearless approach to living life fully — and we felt it was the perfect moment to feature him as the first story in the return of the Wiseguy Attitude.

JD Ellenberger is an award-winning filmmaker, author, model, and pyrography artist whose multifaceted career spans more than a decade. He began his journey in cinema in 2010 under the mentorship of horror legend George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead), establishing a bold and distinctive voice in independent film. Since then, he has continued to push creative boundaries across film, writing, music, and visual art, building a body of work that is as daring as it is deeply personal.

Last time we talked, you said you wanted to do everything you’ve ever dreamt of, without fear. How has that mindset held up? Has your definition of “living to the fullest” changed since then? 
“Living life to the fullest” is rather subjective, because for some people, it is traveling, while others, it may be something more daring, such as skydiving or overcoming other fears. For me, it has always been about creating art every single day of my life. It is what keeps me above ground. In that regard, I feel as though I am living my life to the fullest, as I was put on this Earth to create art.

CREATIVE LIFE

You’ve always worked across film, writing, music, and pyrography. Has one of them taken center stage lately, or are you still juggling them all?
I still attempt to juggle them all, although priorities do alternate. For example, my last film, Lachrymose Primrose, engulfed three or four years of my life. Once it was finished, I needed to decompress, so I shifted my focus back to the pyrography business. With that said, in the little spare time that I do have, I have been writing a new screenplay. And I am still dying to get back to writing more novels and novellas.

What themes or emotions are you exploring most in your current projects? Has your storytelling changed, maybe even grown darker or lighter?
My forte is macabre writing, especially when writing stories or screenplays. When I first entered the world of film, I tried a “campier” approach to writing and it just was not me. But with that said, comedy, especially stand-up, has always held a special place in my heart. And for years now, I have had a comedic screenplay in my head, which is quite hilarious.

You once said you write best during the witching hour. Has that creative routine evolved, or are you still keeping those midnight hours?
I’m not keeping midnight hours per se. But they are witching-hour hours. I generally wake up and begin my day at three or four in the morning.

Running your own film company, Seafaring Pictures, must keep you busy. How has your creative crew or approach changed in the last year or two?
The past year or two has been consistent. The same hard work and dedication as always. Although, I am trying to utilize the “socials” more. As much as I hate the fact that artists need to constantly promote, because I feel that it takes time away from working on the actual art, it is a sadly necessary evil. As much as I hate to do it, I will even be launching some TikTok channels soon.

FILM & HALLOWEEN

You and your team have been working on something special for Wiseguy. Without spoiling too much, what can you tell us about it?
Yes. Two very special Halloween commercials. That is all that I will say, as we want your customers to be surprised. Although there are some hints if you scour my Instagram page.

In regards to the team, I brought in a great crew which was exclusive to the commercials. Bringing in Heather Holman was a huge help. She and I had never collaborated together before but worked extremely well together. Between her home and her exquisite taste in decorating, I believe we created two extraordinary sets.

As for the other two actors, Michael Spedden, who plays the monster in one of the commercials, actually acted in Lachrymose Primrose. He played the disc jockey. And David J. Fairhead and I have known one another for 15 years now. We run in the same film circles and were both signed to the same book publisher. This was the first time I ever had him act on screen for me, although we have been attempting to do so for many years now. It was nice to make that finally happen. And for the second commercial, the children happened to be neighborhood children that Heather got for us. They equally did an amazing job. I am proud of everyone involved.

(Tiny spoiler: still from one of the Halloween commercials)

What kind of energy or inspiration did you bring into this project?
Last year, I did a Halloween commercial for Wiseguy Original, which was an honor, but it was last minute and a bit rushed. So when I was asked to do another commercial for Wiseguy this year, I was asked early enough that I had time to prepare, and that added a lot more excitement to the project. And it allowed my imagination to run wild. And any time that you ask a filmmaker to do a commercial, the end result will always be a short, micro film. And that is always exciting to me.

STYLE

Has your style evolved since we last spoke? Anything new you’ve been experimenting with?
The style is still the same. The vintage look that is at times mixed with my old punk aesthetic. The two styles marry nicely together. And of course, I always carry that sense of family tradition with my vintage working-class attire.

Do you ever feel like you’re carrying your family’s spirit forward — in your art, your clothing, or your outlook on life?
I love this question. I certainly do feel like I am carrying their spirit.

My father was a pyrography artist, although his style was folk art, whereas my style is portraits and realism. I also carry the spirit of my grandmother, who I called Nanny, as she was my biggest cheerleader. She was always supporting my art and my writings.

Then of course my style, which I derive from my Irish working-class ancestors. My biggest fear is dying and being forgotten. Perhaps that is why I am a workaholic. And it is why I am always trying to pay respect to my ancestors. I want them to know that their spirit also lives on inside of me. So they too are never forgotten. That is really important to me.

What does being a Wiseguy mean to you these days? Has that definition changed as your work has evolved?
What I love most about Wiseguy Original is that the company is much like myself. Small, independent, and family owned. That speaks volumes to me. The Wiseguy work ethic and my work ethic are very similar. I admire that. We do what we do out of passion and the need to create. I’m certain that we could all find more stress-free, higher paying jobs than what we do, but that is not who we are. I am a brand model for numerous companies. And I only work with companies who I admire. If I do not like a company’s work or their attitude, I am not working with them. And speaking with all sincerity, Wiseguy Original has always been my favorite collaborator. I truly feel like a member of the family. Everyone in the family has been so supportive, kind, and caring. We have been there for one another during personal crises as well as collaborative projects. I love that.

Do you have a pair of Wiseguy suspenders that have become part of your creative ritual?
Wiseguy Suspenders, because of their comfort, have become a part of my daily ritual. I can no longer wear belts. And the suspenders are also a part of my creative ritual as well. When I am working on pyrography art, I prefer to wear my leather suspenders. Pyrography art and using the element of fire to create is so innately primal. I feel that the leather suspenders pair perfectly with the art form. And when I am filming, I prefer the elastic suspenders. One because of the comfort, but also because I can accessorize the patterns on the suspenders with my suit and ties.

REFLECTIONS

Is there a lesson or realization that’s hit you recently, something you wish your younger creative self had known?
There are certainly realizations that help with my current and future self. The biggest being to make the most of your time while you are on this earth. In the past few years, I have witnessed far too many unexpected deaths from people far too young to be gone, yet they are. Perhaps I would tell my younger self that we are not as invisible as we think that we are when we are young. Do it all now. Do not worry about failing. Do not worry about criticism. Just create. Or whatever you feel like you were born to do, just do it. I can’t see a greater regret than laying on your deathbed regretting not doing something you longed to do.

If you could speak to the person you were when you made your first film, what would you tell him now?
I learned the hard way to be self-reliant. A harsh reality is that most people will not be as dedicated as you. That is just fact.

For most, filmmaking will be a hobby, or something to check off their bucket list. It took five years into my career for me to learn this. That is when I started teaching myself to do as many tasks as I possibly could. Everything from writing, directing, editing, sound, foley, lighting, design. That way, if someone does not come through for you, you can rely on yourself.

I would love to have a reliable and permanent team. I love collaborating. The truth of the matter is, especially at my age, is that people have spouses, kids, normal jobs and other interests that they would rather dedicate their lives to. And you can’t fault them for that. But you realize just how rare of a breed you are when all you can think about is creating.

What’s one thing that’s surprised you lately — about life, art, or yourself?
I may have to get back to you on that one because I cannot think of anything offhand that surprises me. For better or worse, we have seen it all over the past five years, haven’t we? Plagues, lockdowns, radioactive shrimp being sold at Walmart. The world has gone topsy-turvy. Art is the only constant that I have, so I will embrace that.