Born and raised in Southern California, writer/director Shannon Van Metre fell in love with filmmaking in her early teens—not just with storytelling, but with the visual language that brings it to life. Forgoing film school, she chose to learn on the ground, spending two decades working in the camera department on acclaimed television series and feature films. During that time, she honed her craft by closely observing directors at work, developing an instinct for performance, pacing, composition, and the countless choices that shape a story on screen.

Her experience behind the camera was further shaped through her selection for Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative, a competitive and immersive directing program created to expand opportunities for emerging directors. The program gave Shannon the chance to step fully into the role she had been preparing for throughout her career.

Through her company, Van Metre Films, Shannon has written, directed, and produced award-winning shorts including FuN? and Kleen, both noted for their emotional nuance and grounded performances. As a writer/director, she brings a deeply visual, actor-focused approach to her work, shaped by two decades behind the camera and a belief that character and performance are at the heart of every great story.

Shannon’s feature work includes The Water King, which she is set to direct in Scotland, as well as five original screenplays: Out of the Fray, Works of Fiction, The Curse of Kenneth Anger, Give It a Minute, and Twila Fritch. Spanning drama, thriller, and comedy, her work is grounded in distinctive characters, visual storytelling, and the humor, complexity, and humanity found in unexpected places.