Shanay Russell

Writer, Director, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist! For majority of my life, I played it safe, hoping to achieve academic success and enjoy the peace that comes with a stable job. I was never under the impression that I could succeed in multiple areas. I was trapped in a stuffy box that said I was only allowed to do and be one thing-- a therapist. But, in 2017 I decided to rip the box that was my thinking open and allow myself to see a life that was full, complex, and whatever I needed it to be. So, I continued to work as an MFT, but I moved to Los Angeles, began my MFA in Writing and Contemporary Media and never looked back. I graduated from Antioch University in June of 2019, wrote, directed, and produced my first short film, "The Elevator" in July of 2019, participated in a 48 hour film competition in August of 2019, and now I am currently working on my pilot and web-series. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you soon!