SPOTLIGHT ON: BTS PANELIST JEN MCGOWAN
Director of Rust Creek, Star Trek: Discovery, Kelly & Cal, and more
We’re kicking off our SPOTLIGHT ON: BTS PANELISTS series with someone who truly embodies the bold, versatile spirit of Back to Set: the powerhouse filmmaker Jen McGowan.
A celebrated film and television director with an eye for tension, humanity, and visual impact, McGowan’s body of work spans gritty thrillers, grounded dramedies, and high-stakes genre storytelling. Whether behind the camera of an intimate indie or a world-building TV series, her work consistently centers emotionally rich connections—often between unlikely characters and in unpredictable settings.
From Festival Darling to Netflix Hitmaker
McGowan’s most recent feature, Rust Creek, is a masterclass in suspense. Released theatrically by IFC Midnight, the film was praised by Harper’s Bazaar as “the feminist thriller Hollywood needs right now.” With its taut storytelling and a breakout performance from Hermione Corfield, Rust Creek found massive success on Netflix—premiering at #3 in the U.S. and landing in the Top 10 in over 40 countries. It currently holds a certified “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes (84%), a testament to both McGowan’s command of genre and her ability to center female protagonists in stories typically dominated by men.
But Rust Creek wasn’t her first critical hit. Her directorial debut, Kelly & Cal, starring Juliette Lewis and Cybill Shepherd, premiered at SXSW where McGowan took home the prestigious Game Changer Award. The film blends humor and melancholy in a story about identity, aging, and the unexpected connections that change us. Audiences and critics alike took notice, with IFC Films handling its theatrical release.
Shaping Genre on the Small Screen
McGowan’s work in television has brought her talents to some of the most visually ambitious and narratively complex shows on air. She’s directed multiple episodes of Star Trek: Discovery and Titans, and helmed episodes of The Twilight Zone and The Purge. Her TV directing credits contribute to seasons that have received honors including a Peabody, a Saturn Award, and recognition from the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA).
Across genres and platforms, McGowan brings an unmistakable style—layered characters, elegant visual storytelling, and a sharp sense of tension. Her episodes often stand out for their ability to ground spectacle in emotional truth.
A Director Who Builds Community
McGowan is not just a visionary director—she’s also a fierce advocate for inclusion and sustainability in the entertainment industry. As an Icon Member of Alliance of Women Directors, she’s long been a leader and ally in the movement to expand access and opportunity for women and gender-expansive directors.
In her full interview on the AWD site, McGowan shares practical wisdom on navigating Hollywood as an outsider, the challenges of career sustainability, and why it’s essential for directors to build their networks beyond traditional gatekeepers. Her transparency and candor make her not only a compelling filmmaker, but a vital voice in shaping a better industry.
At Home in the Ring and On Set
McGowan’s path to directing was as unconventional as her characters. She began as an actor, studying in the BFA program at NYU’s Atlantic Theater Company before earning her MFA in Directing from USC. That dual training—steeped in both performance and visual storytelling—is evident in her work, where nuanced performances meet cinematic precision.
And in case you need one more reason to admire her: McGowan is also an amateur boxer. She competed in the USA Boxing Masters Tournament in Las Vegas, balancing the discipline of the ring with the demands of the director’s chair. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, producer/director Phil Lott, and their dog, Beau. She also holds a UK Global Talent Visa, further expanding her reach as an international creative force.
We’re thrilled to welcome Jen McGowan to this year’s BACK TO SET: Working Directors Intensive. Whether you’re a longtime fan of her work or just discovering her films and television episodes, don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the most dynamic and intentional directors working today.