Emily Dean, a dynamic and multifaceted creative individual, originates from Australia, but has since relocated to the culturally rich and vibrant city of Los Angeles, where she continues to draw inspiration from her surroundings. As a proud Asian-Australian American, she embodies a distinctive fusion of cultural influences that have significantly shaped her artistic perspective and creative endeavors.
From a remarkably early age of three, Emily's extraordinary gift for drawing laid the foundation for a lifelong devotion to the artistic realm. As she navigated the threshold of childhood, her natural aptitude for the creative arts began to manifest in ways both subtle and profound. By the tender age of twelve, Emily's innate curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit had already led her to start experimenting with the art of filmmaking, a medium that would soon become a vital component of her artistic expression. And by the time she reached the milestone of fifteen, Emily's remarkable talent and unwavering dedication had earned her a professional foothold as a storyboard artist for television commercials, a testament to her exceptional skills and an indication of the remarkable achievements that lay ahead.
Emily's academic journey led her to the prestigious University of Sydney, where she embarked on a rigorous course of study, ultimately graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours I) in History and English, a testament to her academic prowess. Under the guidance of distinguished professors Richard Waterhouse and John Y. Wong, she refined her skills and knowledge in her chosen fields. Her studies in Cultural Studies and 20th Century Chinese History served as a solid foundation for her future pursuits, providing a rich understanding of the complexities of human culture and the intricacies of Chinese history.
Emily's academic pursuits took her to the University of Sydney, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours I) in History and English, mentored by esteemed professors Richard Waterhouse and John Y. Wong.
Following the successful culmination of her academic endeavors, Emily embarked on a journey to nurture her innate affinity for animation by enrolling at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts, renowned for its exceptional programs in the field of animation and arts.
Throughout the course of her storied and distinguished career, Emily has had the privilege of contributing her remarkable talents to a diverse array of cinematic endeavors, effortlessly transitioning between the realms of both animated and live-action feature films.
Emily's remarkable collection of creative endeavors comprises a distinctive animated short film titled FORGET ME NOT, which garnered a prestigious nomination for an Australian Academy Award (AACTA) in the year 2012, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
Additionally, her live-action sci-fi short film ANDROMEDA, a testament to her versatility and innovative storytelling, made its way through the festival circuit, captivating audiences in both 2018 and 2019, further solidifying her reputation as a talented filmmaker.
Emily's eagerly awaited directorial debut, TAO, is a sci-fi adventure story that promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of Chinese culture and futuristic elements. As a female-driven narrative, TAO offers a refreshing perspective on the sci-fi genre, allowing Emily to showcase her impressive storytelling abilities and character development skills.
Emily, a trailblazing figure in the entertainment industry, has established her own production banner, Grade 8 Productions, through which she exercises her multifaceted talents as a writer, director, and executive producer.
