Ezra Productions is committed to fostering diverse talent in the video production industry. As part of that mission, our Female Filmmaker Friday series highlights best-in-class diverse directors, editors, and DPs from across the globe. This week, we’re excited to present female commercial video director, Megan Stowe.
Megan Stowe’s documentary filmmaking and commercial directing work is driven by a profound passion to leverage storytelling as a catalyst for positive change. Her work centers around narratives that challenge preconceptions, broaden horizons, inspire empathy, and unite people in their shared humanity. Her mission is to raise awareness and foster acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals through creating impactful, story-driven content that resonates with audiences. Megan’s work has won countless awards, and she was recently honored as one of the selected directors for the SHOOT 21st Annual New Directors Showcase.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Megan to get a peek into her world and how she got to where she is today.
Why did you get into the world of video production?
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 video 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.
Check out this touching video Megan directed for Sprint’s 1Million Project:
What video production project are you most proud of?
One of my proudest achievements was directing the award-winning campaign “Learn with Love,” aimed at changing hearts and minds around the experiences of transgender and nonbinary youth. One of the most memorable moments during its production was an emotional encounter with an elderly gentleman from Houston, Texas. His heartfelt admission of regret for not making more effort to understand his transgender granddaughter and son, followed by his commitment to educate himself and others, underscored the transformative power of our storytelling. This powerful experience further cemented my dedication to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and reinforced the significance of creating inclusive spaces for impactful, empathetic storytelling. This campaign earned three Gold Telly awards, a spot on the Clio Award in Film Craft (Direction), and a People’s Voice Webby award, solidifying its impact.
Check out this video Megan directed for The Trevor Project, entitled “‘Learn with Love.”
Why is representation important in the mainstream media?
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I understand the significance of positive representation in mainstream media. Recognizing oneself in these narratives and relating to the experiences they depict is something I wish I’d had while growing up. While there has been some progress, we still have a long way to go.
In a climate where misinformation and the pursuit of power have fueled the fires of hate, the need for visibility—especially positive images of LGBTQ+ individuals—has never been more important. Amplifying our stories and creating visibility can challenge preconceived notions, provoke thought, and inspire real change. It also provides LGBTQ+ young people with the opportunity to see themselves and their stories, making them feel less alone in the world. These stories, for me, are not just a form of entertainment, but a powerful means to challenge biases, broaden perspectives, and inspire empathy.
How do you help other women in the video production industry?
Supporting and empowering women in the film industry is something I’ve always been passionate about. It’s one of the reasons I started Boyish, a platform dedicated to showcasing the work of other women filmmakers. I am deeply committed to fostering meaningful change within the film and television industry itself, and I intend to continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Do you have any advice for other women who are in working in film or commercial video production?
I’m still navigating this landscape myself, but the best advice I’ve been given so far is to build a strong network and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support. Additionally, never give up. Your voice, perspective, and story needs to be shared with the world.
We’re so grateful to female commercial director Megan for taking the time to share her story with us. As a woman-owned video production company and creative agency, Ezra Productions is committed to working with women, minorities, and young people, and helping them thrive in the video production industry. Whether you’re looking for a production company in Los Angeles or New York, we’re experts at creating engaging video that promotes your brand and social change. Contact us to learn more about our services as a commercial video production company.