J. D.–Jery
J. D. (left) and Jery (right)
Born	Joseph D. Sami (1964-03-31) March 31, 1964[1] Jerald Arockiam (1964-12-22) December 22, 1964[2] Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation	Filmmakers
Years active	1997–present
Website	jdjery.com

Joseph D. Sami and Jerald Arockiam, collectively known as J. D.–Jery, are an Indian filmmaking duo, who work predominantly in Tamil cinema.^[3] They offer a variety of Media services through their film production company JD-Jery's Media Park.The Duo has been producing commercials for consumer brands and directed films and tele-serials.Recently they have directed a film The legend (2022).

Early life

Joseph D' Samy known as JD, was born on March 31, 1964, in Kumbakonam. And Jerald Arockiam known as Jery, was born on December 22, 1964, in Dindigul and brought up in Kodaikanal. They met while pursuing their bachelor's degree in statistics at St.Joseph's College,Trichy and shared a collective interest for the cinema industry, as they watched a lot of movies together. They continued to do their master's degree in Presidency and Loyola College respectively.

JD started working for director Balu Mahendra. Later JD and Jery started their career in Doordarshan. Meanwhile, they Directed a lot of short films together which was telecasted in a satellite channel, which got the attention of Amitabh Bachan, who later approached them to direct a movie under his production. And the duo JD and Jery started their journey as JD-JERY in the Media Industry.

Career

Joseph D’Samy (JD) and Jerald Arockiam (JERY) initially came together to establish their media promotions firm JD-JERY's Media Park in the early 2000s, as they both had a collective passion towards the media industry and a strong conviction to tell stories. With over 23 years of experience in the industry, the duo has successfully executed several ad films, Television serials, tele-films, documentaries, feature films, an animated film and have also authored several books.

They directed several tele-programs in both Tamil and Hindi for renowned television channels. Kathugal, Thagamai Irruppavargal, Kannuku Teriyatha Jeevangal, P.C Sorcar's Indrajal, Kanavugalai Nanavakum Computer, Dear Thatha, Aadarshila-Apprajitha, Aadarshila-Arpitha, Ninaika Terintha Maname, kaditham, Cinema Valartha Chella Piranigal, Cinemavin Marupakkam, Andiravu, Devaki, Kalipetti, Irratayar Arratai, Thee, Ariyatha Mugangal, Innal Ponnal, Titanic Oru Parvai, Hollywood Paravai are some of their well known works.

Their first film as directors was Ullaasam (1997), a romantic action movie, which had Ajith Kumar and Vikram in the lead roles and produced by Amitabh Bachchan. With three renowned hut songs (Cho Larey, Muthae Muthamma and Veesum Kattrukku). The duo made an animation feature film Pandavas(2000),The first of its kind movie adapted from Mahabharata, an Indian Epic and went on to claim the National Award for Best Animated Film in English. They have directed their next movie Whistle (2003), was their next directorial success in the horror genre with a cast of then new faces Vikramaditya, Sherin, Gayathri Raghuram alongside Vivek and Manorama,. The movie produced by Media Dreams was received well.The duo subsequently worked as the production designers for Director Shankar in the movie Shivaji (2007), aiding during story discussions.Director Jery was Starred in the movie Paradesi(2013) by Director Bala and Music by G.V. Prakash Kumar. The portrayal of his role Kangaani was well received by the audience.

The duo has been directing hit commercials consistently for top brands such as VGP Golden beach, Chennai Silks, Saravana Stores, A2B, Pothys, Anjappar, JFA, Sun Direct, Sakthi Masala and many more.

Apart from directing they have also organised several events such as Oli Utsav, Leoni pattimandram and Win TV inauguration Fest.

JD-Jery has directed documentaries such as Bommallatam, Kalamkari, Nadaswaram, Bhagavata Mela emphasising the rarely brushed cultural aspects of our society.

Their latest Movie The Legend (2022), is a Pan-Indian, Tamil-language, Science fiction action film.The movie stars an ensemble cast with Legend Saravanan in the titular role along with Urvashi Rautela, Geethika Tiwari, Vivek, Suman and Nasser as the supporting actors.The music was composed by Harris Jayaraj, while the cinematography and editing were handled by R.Velraj and Ruben.The film was theatrically released on 28 July 2022, and it became a huge success after its release on Disney+Hotstar.

The duo has written several short stories and articles for popular magazines and have compiled and published several books including Kanavugal Pesa Vandhavan, Kalamkari, Nadaswaram, Hollywood Cinema(sila pathivugal), kankatti Vilayattu, Vilambara padam Vera Level.

Robert-Arockiam Trust

Robert-Arokiam Trust was established in the memories of JD and Jery's fathers Mr.Robert D' Sami and Mr. Arockiam.Under the Trust, The SARAL Awards were received by various artists for their contribution in the field of Literature.The yearly recipients of the SARAL Awards are:

• 2009- Mr.DilipKumar
• 2010- Mr.Gnana Kuthan
• 2011- Mr. Ashokamithran
• 2012- Mr.Vannanilavan and Mr.Vannadasan
• 2013- Mr. Pirabanjan
• 2014- Mr. Vikramadhityan

Awards and recognition

JD-Jery has received several awards for their commercials at the THOMAS EDISON AWARDS [TEA] for Advertisements.

• 2016- Best Jewellery Advertisement for Sree Kumaran Thanga Maligai
• 2018- Best Textile Advertisement for The Chennai Silks
• 2019- Best Social Awareness Advertisement for CCTV Campaign

- Best Showroom Advertisement for The Chennai Silks,T.Nagar launch

Filmography

References