Cornelia's remarkable career in the arts has spanned multiple decades, with a diverse array of achievements across various creative mediums. Her artistic journey commenced with a profound connection to the esteemed author Madeleine L'Engle, who not only served as her godmother but also played a pivotal mentorship role in her life. L'Engle, a celebrated literary figure known for her iconic works such as A Wrinkle in Time and the beloved Austin Family series, extended an invitation to Cornelia to bring several of her novels and plays to life on the big and small screens.
Cornelia Otis Skinner, a renowned American actress, playwright, and author, had the privilege of working under the esteemed guidance of Madeleine L'Engle, a celebrated author of young adult fiction, as she adapted two of her own novels into screenplays. The first novel, Camilla Dickinson, and the second, Love Letters of a Portuguese Nun, were meticulously transformed by Cornelia, showcasing her exceptional skills in storytelling and narrative adaptation.
Cornelia's professional trajectory has been marked by a profound and sustained commitment to the film industry, where she has distinguished herself as a talented and versatile director. In recent times, she has been engaged in a wide range of directing projects, continually pushing the boundaries of her creative expression.
As of 2019, Cornelia is immersed in the production process of not one, not two, but three significant projects: two short films and a feature-length film, all of which are slated for completion later in the year. This impressive slate of projects underscores her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ability to balance multiple creative endeavors simultaneously.
In the preceding year, 2018, Cornelia brought her directorial expertise to the forefront with the release of Language Arts, a film that boasted an impressive ensemble cast, including Ashley Zukerman, Sarah Shahi, Pamela Reed, and numerous other talented actors. This critically acclaimed project served as a testament to Cornelia's skill in bringing complex narratives to life, and her ability to elicit compelling performances from her cast.
Cornelia took the reins in 2017, helming the production of Alt, a science-fiction feature film that effortlessly blends humor and imagination. This captivating cinematic endeavor boasts an impressive cast, featuring the talents of Elise Eberle, Sloane Morgan Siegel, and a multitude of other accomplished actors.
As Alt navigates the final stages of post-production, anticipation is building for its upcoming premiere at various film festivals.
Cornelia has a notable directorial background, boasting a diverse range of projects that showcase her versatility and skill behind the camera. One of her most notable directorial efforts is the gripping thriller West of Redemption, which boasts an impressive cast that includes the talented Billy Zane, Kevin Alejandro, and Mariana Klaveno. The film's success was not limited to its captivating storyline, as it also received widespread critical acclaim, garnering numerous awards and accolades.
Noteworthy is the 2012 cinematic endeavor, Camilla Dickinson, which garnered widespread critical acclaim, subsequently earning a multitude of prestigious awards, including the most coveted Best Narrative Feature and Best Director accolades bestowed upon it by the esteemed Women's Independent Film Festival.
The film, which has garnered a significant following, is currently accessible on the prominent digital platforms of Amazon, YouTube, and iTunes, allowing a vast audience to experience its thought-provoking narrative and masterful direction.
Cornelia made a significant mark in the world of filmmaking in the year 2006, when she took on the dual role of writer and director for her debut feature, The Dark Horse. This highly acclaimed film had its world premiere at the esteemed Seattle International Film Festival, where it garnered widespread critical acclaim and recognition. The film's impressive performance did not go unnoticed, as it went on to win a plethora of awards at various prestigious film festivals, including the Best Feature Drama accolade at the International Family Film Festival. To this day, The Dark Horse remains a testament to Cornelia's exceptional storytelling abilities and her capacity to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Cornelia's multifaceted career encompasses a wide range of artistic endeavors, with her work in the film industry being merely one facet of her impressive portfolio. As a classically-trained thespian, she has honed her skills in both acting and directing, with a profound passion for the stage. In fact, she co-founded the esteemed Seattle Shakespeare Company, where she not only directed a multitude of stage plays for an impressive twenty-year span, but also served as its casting director for a remarkable seven-year tenure.
Beyond her work in the spotlight, Cornelia's extensive experience extends into the realm of production, where she has demonstrated her versatility by taking on various roles. With distinction, she has served as an executive producer, producer, and casting director for numerous projects, showcasing her exceptional organizational skills, creative vision, and ability to bring people together to achieve a common goal.
Cornelia is actively engaged in the creative process of crafting and refining a multitude of projects for her production company, Kairos, which is a testament to her dedication and passion for bringing innovative ideas to life.
