Shaz Bennett, a remarkably skilled and accomplished filmmaker, left an indelible mark on the industry with her debut feature film "Alaska is a Drag", which she both wrote and directed. This remarkable work garnered widespread recognition from prominent publications, including Vogue, Filmmaker, and OUT magazine, who all deemed it a film to keep a watchful eye on. Bennett's impressive achievements in the film industry continued to grow and flourish, as she went on to win numerous prestigious awards for her work, including the coveted best feature film award and jury awards at esteemed festivals such as New Filmmakers LA, Leeds, Chattanooga, Urbanworld, and the Smithsonian African American Film Festival.
Bennett's illustrious career in the film industry was marked by numerous accomplishments, extending far beyond her remarkable work as a director. In a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication, she was one of only eight women selected for the esteemed AFI Directing Workshop for Women, a prestigious program that has fostered the growth of many notable filmmakers. Additionally, Bennett's outstanding contributions to the industry were formally recognized with the New York Women in Film & Television's Nancy Malone Award, a coveted honor that acknowledges the achievements of women who have made significant impacts in the field of filmmaking.
Not only has Bennett made a significant impact in the film industry, but she has also established herself as a prominent figure in the world of television. Her journey in television writing commenced with her contributions to the A&E series "The Glades", where she honed her skills and laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Subsequently, she joined the writing team for the Lifetime series "UnREAL", further solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile writer. Additionally, she took on the role of producer for the popular spin-off "The Faith Diaries", showcasing her ability to excel in multiple capacities. Furthermore, Bennett brought her expertise to the police procedural series "Bosch" on Amazon, once again demonstrating her range and adaptability as a writer.
Bennett's extensive television directing credits comprise a diverse array of episodes, including those featured on the prestigious Showtime network, specifically the critically acclaimed series "Billions". Her work also extends to the TNT network, where she has directed episodes of the popular drama "Animal Kingdom". Furthermore, Bennett has demonstrated her versatility by directing episodes of the Amazon original series "Bosch", a testament to her ability to adapt to various formats and styles.
In addition to her impressive directing credits, Bennett has also had the opportunity to work on Ava Duvernay's "Queen Sugar", a series that airs on the Oprah Winfrey Network. This experience has undoubtedly further honed her skills as a filmmaker and television writer, allowing her to draw upon a wide range of creative influences and approaches.
Throughout her career, Bennett's extensive experience and impressive portfolio have solidified her position as a talented and versatile filmmaker and television writer, capable of tackling a broad range of projects and genres with ease and aplomb.
