Megan Stowe

Unaffiliated

1) What was your first professionally directed work and when was it?
My directorial debut started with The Trevor Project’s “Every Single One” campaign, which I directed in November 2022. This project featured LGBTQ+ young individuals reading heartfelt letters to those who played a pivotal role in their journey of self-discovery. Before this, I had taken on directorial responsibilities for numerous projects, although I did not officially hold the title of director.

2) How did you get into directing?
My path to directing was a natural progression, fueled by a lifelong passion for human-centric storytelling. After college, I entered the world of television development, immersing myself in all facets of production, including producing. However, my heart always gravitated toward directing. It was during my tenure as VP, brand & content at The Trevor Project that I wholeheartedly embraced this role. This transformative experience solidified my calling as a director, where I used the power of storytelling to bridge gaps and highlight the richness of diverse human experiences.

3) What is your most recent project?
My most recent projects were both for Pride in 2023. One of them, “Stories of Pride: The Power of Us,” delves into the LGBTQ+ community’s unwavering support, affirmation, and inspiration for each other. The other, “Styles of Pride: Fashion Forward,” was a collaboration with Macy’s, celebrating how fashion has the power to reshape narratives, propel society forward, and help us recognize ourselves. Currently, I’m in the final development stages of my upcoming short film and actively exploring various financing options. The film centers on the themes of grief and acceptance as a father embarks on a transformative journey to support his daughter’s identity.

4) What is the best part of being a director?
For me, the best part of being a director is the incredible opportunity to share stories that capture the essence of the human experience, bridging gaps between cultures and beliefs. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with other talented creatives and the excitement of problem-solving on the fly, which keeps each project dynamic and rewarding.

5) What is the worst part of being a director?
I don’t believe there’s a “worst” aspect of being a director, but rather, one that stands out as the most challenging: the initial struggle to break into the industry. Securing those pivotal opportunities can often resemble a steep, uphill climb, especially when you lack established connections to rely on. It’s disheartening to think about the abundance of immensely talented individuals out there, each possessing their unique voices, yet facing the risk of never having the chance to share their stories due to a lack of the right opportunities. This is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m committed to continuing the push for change in the industry, striving to create more inclusive pathways for emerging talents to thrive.

6) What is your current career focus: commercials and branded content, television, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?
My current career focus is narrative films, branded content, and commercials, yet I remain open to any avenues that convey the intricacies of the human experience. Whether through film, television, commercials, or branded content, my passion lies in crafting narratives that resonate with people, allowing them to connect with characters, emotions, and ideas that touch the essence of what it means to be human. Because of this, I’m open to any opportunities that come my way and excited to continue to evolve my craft and pursue new challenges.

7) Have you a mentor and if so, who is that person (or persons) and what has been the lesson learned from that mentoring which resonates with you?
I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented individuals in my life, and they’ve all made a lasting impact on me. One person, in particular, Paul Harrison, has been my biggest cheerleader over the years. He taught me to believe in myself and to never be afraid to take risks in pursuit of my dreams. Paul’s unwavering support and mentorship have been instrumental in my journey as a director. His wisdom and encouragement have not only shaped my professional growth but also instilled in me the importance of paying it forward.

8) Who is your favorite director and why?
There are so many talented directors I deeply respect, like Dee Rees, who stands out for her emotionally charged work, particularly with her coming-of-age drama, Pariah. Similarly, I hold Greta Gerwig in high regard for her significant contributions to women in the film industry. Her ability to convey authentic and relatable stories from a female perspective has paved the way for increased representation. Gerwig’s influence serves as a testament to the power of diverse voices in cinema and continues to be a tremendous source of inspiration for many, myself included.

9) What is your favorite movie? Your favorite television/online program? Your favorite commercial or branded content?
Picking a single favorite movie or TV show is quite a challenge because there are so many that have had a profound impact on me throughout my life. However, if I had to choose, Fried Green Tomatoes would definitely be at the top of that list. This film stands out for me because it portrayed a lesbian love story during a time when such narratives were exceedingly rare in mainstream media. Growing up, I loved this film so much, but it wasn’t until I came out in college that I truly understood why it resonated with me so deeply. I also want to mention My So-Called Life, a show that marked a significant moment in my life. It was the first time I had ever seen a gay character on screen. Although it only lasted one season, it was a groundbreaking series that showcased the evolving landscape of television and the power of media to reflect and influence society’s views. Ultimately, both Fried Green Tomatoes and My So-Called Life reaffirm my belief in the potential of cinema to challenge societal norms, foster empathy, and inspire positive change.

10) Tell us about your background (i.e., where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
I was born and raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina and later moved to the Midwest for college. My career began in television development with networks like OWN, Esquire, and Discovery. Along the way, I met my incredible wife and found myself in Kansas City, where I became head of creative at Sprint. My journey then led me to The Trevor Project, where I became VP of brand & content, taking on the role of primary director for our impactful content initiatives. This is where my passion for telling authentic stories that reflect the LGBTQ+ experience really emerged. It’s also where I directed the award-winning campaign, “Learn with Love,” aimed at cultivating public awareness and acceptance of transgender and nonbinary youth. Its impact was undeniable, earning three Gold Telly awards, shortlisting for a Clio Award in Film Craft (Direction), and receiving a People’s Voice Webby award. During this time, I was recognized as one of The Verywell Mind’s 2023 Health Champions, sharing the honor with notable figures like Selena Gomez, Brené Brown, and Carson Daly. All of these experiences have fueled my lifelong dream of becoming a director sharing narratives that humanize our stories and, in turn, foster empathy and drive change.

11) Have you had occasion to bring your storytelling/directorial talent to bear in the Metaverse, tapping into the potential of AR, VR, AI, NFTs and/or experiential fare? If so, tell us about that work and what lessons you have taken away from the experience?
While I haven’t had the opportunity to direct in these emerging spaces yet, I’m excited to learn more about them. They not only expand the horizons of storytelling but also provide innovative ways to engage audiences and create new experiences.

Contact

• Megan Stowe, Email: meganlaurenstowe@gmail.com, Website: www.megan-stowe.com