From swinging a dolly on theater sets to directing some of the biggest vertical dramas on ReelShort — Jen Parkhill's path into this industry wasn't planned. It just took off.

In this episode, award-winning filmmaker Jen Parkhill (JP, they/she) joins Pauline Gray to trace their journey from professional actor and Tisch School of the Arts theater training to becoming one of the most acclaimed directors in vertical storytelling. JP opens up about the leap from stage to screen, what theater taught them about pulling a single, committed take out of an actor, and the creative problem-solving that comes with directing on tight vertical-format budgets and schedules.

We also get into the weight — and the honor — of being one of the first openly queer directors entrusted with a major LGBTQ vertical series, the responsibility that came with helming Poolboy, and why JP believes queer stories need queer creators behind the camera to get them right. JP speaks candidly about identity, representation, and the lifelong process of refusing to be boxed in — creatively, culturally, and personally.

Looking ahead, JP shares what's next: developing original vertical series of their own, a recent writers' workshop through a Sundance and TikTok collaboration, and a long-held dream project — a girl-love story they're determined to bring to the screen.

Whether you're new to vertical dramas or already know the genre, this conversation is a look at what it takes to build a directing career on instinct, craft, and refusing to fit the mold.

About Jen Parkhill
Jen Parkhill "JP" (they/she) is an award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles and Austin. A graduate of Tisch School of the Arts, NYU, and a proud member of the Latinx and LGBTQIA+ communities, JP's narrative approach is passionate, poetic, and playful, drawing on their background as a professional actor to cultivate inspired performances and holistic artistic collaboration.

JP's vertical directing credits include a progression of award-winning YA vertical dramas for ReelShort: Waterboy (Vertical Drama of the Year, The Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards 2026), Poolboy (Best LGBTQ Vertical of the Year, The Vertical Critics Circle Awards), Stableboy, and Waterboy: Second Down, the first sequel created within ReelShort's Boys Love franchise.

Connect with Jen Parkhill
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Directing Reel
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