Johnathan was a smart and gentle person who showed

empathy with all he came in contact with.

I will remember him as one of the kindest

people I have ever had the pleasure of working with

and I send my thoughts to his family and co workers at WSF.

I loved Jonathan, and I'm incredibly saddened by this immense loss. I was lucky enough to get to know and work with him for several years through Washington Square Films, and was always happy to see him and catch up whenever I came by the office. Jonathan was hilarious, whip-smart, kind, and full of wild stories about all sorts of things. I could listen to him talk for hours. He was generous - he would never hesitate to give or loan you something you needed. He was real - he had no-bullshit insight and advice about working in a tough industry. And the way he decorated his desk area at WSF was absolutely insane - jammed with meticulously arranged memories and niche collectibles. I didn’t understand what half the stuff was, but the explosion of personality reflected him brilliantly.

One of my favorite memories with Jonathan was when we did an Always campaign in LA together. After the final shoot day, Jonathan promised everyone from the agency and creative team that there was a “secret bar” he was going to take us to. No one knew what this meant, but because everyone loved Jonathan and his enthusiasm was so contagious, we all, of course, agreed to go.

When we got to the secret bar, Jonathan was barred from entry because he was wearing an extremely large backpack. I remember laughing really hard, watching him figure out what to do (he eventually removed his valuables and hid the backpack behind a bush—nothing was going to keep him from getting into that bar).

Once we were inside, Jonathan excitedly led us to a hidden shed in the back, where he claimed they had fantastic alcoholic slushies. When we got there, he confidently ordered 20 slushies for everyone.

“We don’t have alcoholic slushies,” the bartender said.

“What?!” said Jonathan. “But I was here last summer, and you had the best—”

“We’ve never had alcoholic slushies,” the bartender replied.

Some people might’ve been annoyed or disappointed. But not Jonathan.

It took him about ten seconds to sigh, shrug, and get on with it, ordering margaritas for everyone instead. We had such a fun night hanging out, laughing about the whole situation, swapping stories with Jonathan.

Who he was made every situation worth being in. Life was an adventure when you were with him.

I caught up with Jonathan on the phone a few months ago and heard about everything going on with his health. I was devastated, of course, but also truly amazed by his energy and commitment - to working, to writing a book, to fighting every diagnosis, ordeal, and treatment he was put through. He radiated energy and had optimism and endless heart, even in the most awful circumstances. He was so proud of his kids - he always talked about them - and his wife, who I’ve never had the chance to meet but sounds just amazing.

He told me he was proud of me whenever I accomplished something, and that it brought him joy whenever a film I made did well, had a screening, anything. I would do anything to make Jonathan proud, and I’ll keep him in my heart, always - as an example of what it means to love and be loved with your fullest self, and as a ray of sunshine whose light could never be diminished.

Sad news. I worked with Jonathan and WSF in the early 2000's.

He was always positive and calm, especially in tense situations.

He was a pleasure to work with.

Sending my condolences to his family and the WSF family.

Jonathan was one of the good ones: honest, true, selfless. In a cut-throat biz, he was anything but, kind and considerate. Proof that nice guys don’t always finish last. May his spirit keep shining - thru family, friends and WSF.

With profound condolences to Washington Square Films and family on the loss of my cousin Jonathan Schwartz. We shared some amazing stories of our entertainment industry work. He on the business side and I as a Production Designer for top national broadcasting networks. What a ride it has been. He loved Washington Square Films. He followed in his father, Herb’s legacy .

And say ye Amen Cuz. 🙏

I only worked with Jonathan once back in 2018 but he made a big impression on me.   He was a real pro who put the needs of his clients and directors above all else, save for the love and devotion for his wife and children.   He will be missed.

It seemed fitting that I learned of his passing while wearing the WSF hoodie he gifted our agency team.  I'll wear it even more in his honor.

My condolences to Jonathan's  family and to all who loved him.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Jonathan for the past seven years. He was an exceptional Managing Director/Executive Producer—he was passionate about WSF, the craft, the people, and always went above and beyond.

On our sales trips, Jonathan was the master of finding the best events happening in whatever town we were in—usually a niche but amazing music show, a sports game, or an off-the-beaten-path diner or taco stand. His vintage shirt and rad t-shirt combo always sparked a conversation—it was part of his storytelling and his charm.

We loved talking about travel, and he usually thinking about the next adventure to take with his family—who he spoke about with such love and pride.

Jonathan was one of a kind. I feel lucky to have known him. He will be missed dearly.