SAM MAC ADAM

Currently nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction in a TV Movie, Samantha MacAdam is a multi-award-winning Guyanese-Canadian writer and director.

Named by PLAYBACK as "One to Watch" and an alumna of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television Warner Bros. Discovery's Director Initiative, Sam’s career began in film editing, an invaluable skill set you can see in her directing style. Sam thinks big picture, from the script to production to post; her forte is sharp comedy and horror, pacing, and cinematic visuals.

Sam’s first notable writing accomplishment was when she wrote the story for "The Nut Job 3,” the third installment of the animated feature film franchise, which stars Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, and Maya Rudolph.

Her directorial comedic short debut, "Prom Night," which she also wrote and co-edited, premiered at Just for Laughs and beat out 650 films to be a top 5 finalist in Kevin Hart's LOL EAT MY SHORTS Showcase. Sam was the only Canadian and solo female director finalist. The film is now available on Hart's LOL Network.

Today, Sam just wrapped directing two episodes for the Canadian Classic series, “This Hour Has 22 Minutes,” including their Halloween special. Sam’s episodes were record-view-breaking, and she is currently in pre-production on her first horror film and an indie coming-of-age comedy. More news to come on this soon!

Over the past decade, Sam has directed numerous television, web series, and commercials. Some include "Shelved," a new comedy from Showrunner Anthony Q. Farrell (The Office), produced by Colin Brunton (Schitt's Creek) and Counterfeit Productions. A MOW Romcom, "Fashionably In Love" (Reel One Entertainment/CityTV), and CBC's Juno Awards commercial campaign, which she also co-wrote, and that stars Barbie's Simu Liu. Sam was nominated for two PROMAX awards (Best Director/Best in Live Events) for this campaign.

Sam has also directed several pilots for CBC Gem and for Cream Productions, and Clique Pictures.

While Sam absolutely loves directing on projects, she also is developing her own IP. A feature comedy, “BAD REPUTATION,” and a feature horror film, “THE HORRIBLE HISTORY OF HARRIET JONES.” The latter was just selected for Toronto’s elite Blood In Snow Festival, and she is currently working with acclaimed writer/director Jeff Howard (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, Oculus) where he is providing his expertise as a story consultant.

Sam's work has received numerous spotlights, and she is an alumna of many programs. Some included Women In The Director's Chair: Story & Leadership, and the Toronto International Film Festival's Big Pitch Event and the Netflix Banff Pitch this competition, to name a few. Sam has always been a fan of popcorn, blockbuster movies, and she continues to follow her passion for writing and directing commercially viable stories with universal themes and messages. She is currently repped by The Characters and Revolver Films.

From being featured in Playback to speaking on the DGC Directing Panels to her latest spotlight in She Does the City, Sam and her work are often topics for the press as she’s known for her inspirational projects and her bold voice. For news on Sam, you can check out her Instagram and social links. Below is some select press.