About Jen McGowan
Jen McGowan is a Los Angeles-based film and television director, known for crafting powerful stories that explore intimate connections between strangers across drama, dramedy, and genre. Her work is recognized for its epic visuals, emotional performances, and strong narrative depth.
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Feature Films & Acclaimed Work
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Jen’s recent film, Rust Creek, was released theatrically by IFC Midnight and hailed as “the feminist thriller Hollywood needs right now” by Harper’s Bazaar. The film premiered at #3 on Netflix US, remained in the top ten for over a week, and ranked among the top ten in 40 countries. It holds an 84% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Her debut feature, Kelly & Cal, starring Juliette Lewis & Cybill Shepherd, premiered at SXSW, earning a nomination for the Audience Award and winning her the Gamechanger Award. The film was released theatrically by IFC Films to widespread critical acclaim.
Television & Episodic Work
Star Trek: Discovery
Titans
The Twilight Zone
The Purge
Education & Early Career
Jen earned a BFA in Acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts (Atlantic Theater) before shifting her focus to directing in the MFA program at USC.
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She worked as a UPM in commercials and music videos for many years.
Her unique background in performance, technical expertise, production and storytelling informs her distinctive character-driven directing style.
Beyond Filmmaking
Outside of directing, McGowan is an amateur boxer and has competed in the USA Boxing Masters Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.
She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, producer/director Phil Lott, and their dog, Beau.
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She also holds a Global Talent Work Visa for the UK, expanding her work internationally.
