ella mckenzie

Writer, Director, Producer, Editor: Filmmaker

Hi, I’m ella!

In an everchanging entertainment industry and an equally tumultuous sociopolitical world, I believe in the power of filmmaking to offer new perspectives, bring people together, and at its very best, inspire.

In pursuit of this passion, I interned in the Summer of 2022 for independent documentary film writer/director Alexander Freeman in support of his quest to tell authentic disabled stories. In the Summer of 2023, I was a Development Intern for the leading independent entertainment company, FilmNation Entertainment, based in NYC and LA. There, I presented nuanced script coverage to the entire company on a weekly basis. Also at FilmNation, I prepared a research presentation on the spectrum of feminist film, which was praised and utilized by the company’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion department. 

As a 2024 highest honors double-major graduate from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Arts in Film, Television, & Media (FTVM) and Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE), I will continue to pursue my passions in my post-graduate career as a filmmaker and creative.

I am the writer, director, producer, and editor of an independent coming-of-age 30-minute musical drama, "Sanctuary," which is approaching its festival run. In my senior year, I was selected to direct the UMich Film Department's largest ensemble production, "Nerd Association," a 35-minute short film, which won "Best of Fest" at our student film festival.

In my time on these sets as director and on many more in various other positions, I have fallen in love with filmmaking and discovering the power it holds. As I prepare for the move to Los Angeles, I am eager to dive headfirst into the industry and strive toward being a part of the energetic and spirited world that is filmmaking.

📸 by Stefan Petrmichl
"Sanctuary" On-set Stills                           📸 by Stefan Petrmichl