Shawn Spitler

Born and raised in the cornfields of Ohio, I began making movies at the age of 15 and would later join the Marine Corps at age 22. I served as a combat photographer for five years where I learned to tell a story in a single photograph in uncontrolled environments. I deployed to seven countries with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, photographically documenting the human condition; becoming a storyteller as interested in people as I am in pictures. By grace alone, after being honorably discharge I was accepted to New York University's graduate film program. In 2011 my wife, two daughters and I left California so I could attend graduate school in New York City. Discipline from the Marines has easily translated into the film industry where I've developed skills and deepened my passion in writing, directing and sound editing. In 2014 I garnered a Best Director award from the 2014 Canada International Film Festival for my short film "Soul Stealer", about a female Marine photographer ambushed in Afghanistan. I have relocated to Southern California with my wife and daughters and we work together to tell stories that impact our culture.