Fran Burst

Film and television director. Creative producer.

EMMY-winning independent filmmaker FRAN BURST-TERRANELLA has created more than 700 programs--from television shows, commercials, PSAs and documentaries, to branded entertainment, corporate image, sales and marketing, public relations, fundraising, training and videos for the web.

Fran’s documentaries have aired nationally on ABC, TBS and PBS and her clients are of every size and scope -- from international Fortune 500 companies and non-profits to a diversity of Georgia firms. While she has directed dozens of hours of award-winning short scripted material, "The 12 Lives of Sissy Carlyle" is her debut feature film.

Fran specializes in projects that engage, entertain, and motivate audiences to act. She works in many areas and particularly seeks out projects focused on environmental issues including climate change, sustainable communities and water quality and conservation.

Her work has garnered more than 100 honors including Tellys, CINE Golden Eagles and recognition at film festivals from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Houston and Atlanta to Australia, Scotland, Spain and Canada.

A founding member of the Atlanta Film Society and Women in Film and Television/Atlanta, Fran served as co-president of the Georgia Production Partnership from 2006--09, a key advocacy and leadership organization for the Georgia film and television industry. Currently, she chairs GPP's Speaker Series and Festivals committees.

In 2007 the Art Institute of Atlanta selected Fran as Faculty Member of the Year. Women in Film and Television Atlanta has recognized her with an Outstanding Contribution Award and an Award of Achievement, and NATAS has honored her with a Silver Circle award.

A life-long Southerner, Fran found her storytelling medium in college film studies at the University of Texas, Rice and Harvard and became the first woman to direct a film as a Master’s Thesis at the University of Texas at Austin.