Stephen Steelman, a Los Angeles-based director, just received his MFA in directing from the American Film Institute. His thesis film, WHAT IF WE COULD STAY, stars Jillian Bell (from 22 Jump Street & Workaholics) and Gloria Cole (Nope, Legion). His horror short JUICED, featuring Ian Gary (Top Gun: Maverick), premiered at SCREAMFEST 2021, earning him a spot in SHOOT! Magazine’s NEW DIRECTOR SHOWCASE. Since 2011, he’s crafted music videos and tour visuals for top-tier artists like KACEY MUSGRAVES, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, THE MISFITS, GALANTIS, and more. Always experimenting with new technology, his VR short RACING FOR PINKS premiered at Hollyshorts 2018. As a creative technologist at XR Studios, he directed LED volume performances for artists like Leon Bridges and Julia Michaels.
