Who We Are
Unrivaled Films brings together the creative wisdom and boundary-pushing innovation of two Emmy Award winning friends, co-workers, and collaborators who served as the go-to film production duo at a major sports media company for years.
As co-owners of Unrivaled Films, Jon and Jeff pour their hearts into every project as visual and narrative storytellers with utmost respect for each client’s unique goals from pre-production to completion, producing visuals and sound that will bring to life the important stories you long to tell in fresh and memorable ways.
Based in Charlotte, Unrivaled Films has produced critically acclaimed and beloved documentaries for major streaming services, network television docuseries, viral music videos, and nationally televised commercial branding ventures all around the world.
Despite their numerous national awards, honors, and accomplishments at a relatively young age, Jeff and Jon pride themselves in remaining students of the industry, always seeking new ways to deliver films they are honored to produce.
Jon Housholder | Co-Owner, Director, Editor, Producer
Jon is a three-time Emmy Award winner as a producer, editor, and director. Over the past decade, he has created nationally televised films, commercials, trailers, documentaries, and docuseries for networks, online streaming platforms, and major corporations.
He previously worked at NASCAR Studios in Charlotte for eight years, and for Menards Corporate Advertising in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for two years, as a producer, editor, and director.
A proud Midwest native, Jon graduated with honors from Wartburg College In Waverly, Iowa with a double major in communication arts and public relations, serving as the Student Body Vice President and was a two-sport athlete (football and track).
Jon currently lives in Charlotte with his wife, Liz, and their daughter, Addison.
Jeff Schafer | Co-Owner, Director, Editor, Producer
As a passionate storyteller, Jeff specializes in directing, editing and producing emotional and compelling films, documentaries and commercials. A four-time Emmy Award winner, Jeff strives to exceed expectations by paying attention to every detail.
Jeff attended Pfeiffer University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, to play baseball. He was voted by his peers to be the President of the baseball club at Charlotte. He graduated with a Business Management degree.
In 2007, Jeff was offered an internship with NASCAR Images as a Production Assistant. This would ultimately mold his passion and creative vision as he progressed his career. Now, with 15 years experience in the production industry, Jeff seeks new ways to construct the narrative while continuing to build the Unrivaled Films company.
Jeff currently lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife, Victoria and their son, Keegan.
Clients
Awards
38th Annual Sports Emmy Winner: Outstanding Social TV Experience
38th Annual Sports Emmy Award Nominee: Outstanding Post Produced Audio/Sound
Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Award Winner: Best Action/Thriller/Sci-fi
Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Award Winner: Best Sound Design
The Monthly Film Festival Nominee: Best Film
The Monthly Film Festival Nominee: Best Trailer
Crimson Screen Horror Film Fest: Official Selection
Los Angeles Cinefest: Official Selection
MPCWS Short Film Social Gala Award Winner
Southern Shorts Awards: Best Mystery Thriller of Award of Excellence
39th Annual Sports Emmy Award Winner: Outstanding Social TV Experience
41st Annual Sports Emmy Award Nominee: Outstanding Promotional Announcement
42nd Annual Sports Emmy Award Nominee: Outstanding Interactive Original Programming
42nd Annual Sports Emmy Award Winner: Outstanding Post-Produced Audio/Sound
2019 Clio Sports Bronze Winner
Hollywood Screenings Film Festival: Official Selection
43rd Annual Sports Emmy Award Nominee: Outstanding Short Documentary
43rd Annual Sports Emmy Award Nominee: Outstanding Promotional Announcement