SPOTLIGHT ON: BTS PANELIST KRISTIN WINDELL
AWD Icon Member Kristin Windell is a television director known for her sharp storytelling and collaborative spirit. A graduate of the Warner Bros. Directors’ Workshop, she lives in the San Gabriel Valley with her family and continues to bring powerful stories to life on screens everywhere.
From Editor’s Chair to Director’s Vision
Kristin Windell’s journey into directing began after a successful 15-year career as an editor in Hollywood. "I love crafting stories," she shares. "Sitting in the editor’s chair, I had the good fortune to interview hundreds of directors. I enjoyed the process and through this immersion, I saw myself able to do a good job of directing."
That realization wasn’t just a passing thought—it was a pivotal moment. Kristin approached her producer, who agreed to give her a shot at directing, provided she put in the work and shadowed a few directors first. It was the beginning of a bold new chapter. “I decided I needed to be the change I wanted to see in the show,” she says.
Challenges, Growth, and Leaps of Faith
Transitioning from editing to directing wasn’t without risk—but Kristin embraced it. “Four years ago, I definitely took a leap of faith. Realizing we only regret what we don’t do in life, I left something I loved—editing.”
Despite the challenge, Kristin acknowledges the supportive environment she found herself in. “I’m lucky in that I work with producers who have a lot of shows in production. In the end, it’s been a smooth road.”
Her unique insight as an editor gave her a critical eye when evaluating the work of directors. “There were directors we worked with multiple times who often left holes in the story. I began to believe that maybe I knew how to tell the story better.” That belief—and the courage to act on it—has clearly paid off.
Directing with Purpose and Passion
Kristin is most proud of directing the Arrow episode “Lost Canary”—a female-driven story produced and written by women. “The set reeked of Girl Power, and I loved it,” she says. It’s moments like these that underscore why diverse voices behind the camera matter.
Today, she finds herself in the “female who can direct action” lane—something she’s happy to embrace, though she notes, “Directing a fight scene can be the same as directing a prom dance. It’s all about your vision.”
Her approach on set is deeply collaborative: “Best idea always wins. I feel that listening to others’ ideas opens up a world of possibility.” That openness, paired with her technical expertise and storytelling instincts, defines her directorial style.
Words of Wisdom and What’s Next
Kristin’s advice to aspiring filmmakers is heartfelt and empowering: “Surround yourself with mentors and friends that inspire you to be the kind of filmmaker you want to be. Be true to who you are and trust your gut. Remember that small wins lead to big wins. If you have a story in your head, get out there and shoot it.”
And as for what's next? Kristin continues to bring her vision to a wide range of television, with credits including Found, Quantum Leap, Kung Fu, All American, Secrets of Sulphur Springs, Magnum P.I., Doom Patrol, and Hawaii Five-O.
With her background as a top editor, her passion for storytelling, and her fearless commitment to stepping into new roles, Kristin Windell is a force to watch—and a voice that continues to shape the landscape of modern television.
WANT to learn more?
Catch Kristin at our AWD ICONS PANEL on Saturday, September 27 at 3:45pm!
Don’t miss out - buy your tickets today!