I’m C.J. Ai, a commercial director and filmmaker based in Chicago, with over 25 years of experience in commercial filmmaking. I have directed and contributed to more than 300 commercials and branded films, and served as second unit director on the crime series Day and Night. 

Through CJAI Studio, I combine cinematic storytelling, visual craft and generative AI to create commercials, brand films and narrative films. My approach is hands-on, from developing the visual direction to shaping the edit and refining the details, with attention to emotion, atmosphere and rhythm. 

I work across concept development, production and post-production, collaborating with specialists as each project requires. With a filmmaking background in China and a base in Chicago, I’m available for local and remote collaborations with brands, agencies and production teams, including projects spanning the U.S. and China.