Ellen Houlihan is an Emmy and Clio-winning Director, Script Writer and Creative Director Copywriter based in New York City and Los Angeles focused on Celebrity and Branded Content, available for representation or hire. She writes, concepts and bids on directing assignments with top studios, TV networks, ad agencies and brands; while developing her own passion projects. Samples upon request. #FreeTheWork!
Most notably, Ellen has directed Gabrielle Union, the late great comedy icon Sally Kellerman aka Hot Lips Houlihan (no relation), rock stars (real and proverbial), noted comedians, CEOs and extraordinary “real people” alike.
As a storyteller, Ellen loves subverting the status quo, championing underdogs and finding the POW! in empowerment. She has been recognized for her talent as an “actor’s director” focused on getting dynamic dialogue-driven performances across scripted, documentary, entertainment, branded and corporate film projects.
Hailing from a large Irish family with NYC roots, Ellen was born with “the gift of gab” and always sought adventure— or a chance at an unforgettable story— in the big city before moving west to LA where she spent years toiling in the trenches on major motion picture sets; assisting notorious Hollywood power players; performing at Upright Citizens Brigade and The Groundlings Theatre- Saturday Night Live feeder theatre companies; earning her Film Directing MFA at top advertising portfolio school Art Center College of Design, breaking into all things Cannes and Clios; and enrolling in master classes with everyone from director Werner Herzog; to Yale Drama MFA actors; ASC cinematographers; and writers on the top streaming and network series to hone her craft. Ellen also holds a BA in Comms from Fordham University.
In her spare time, you can find Ellen on the pulse of all things culture: standing room only rock concerts, film screenings, theatre and comedy shows, art exhibits and book talks meticulously documented on her Instagram account @directedbyellenhoulihan; riffing and improvising on stage and off; competing in Pickleball championship tournaments she takes way too seriously (real comedy in action); unwinding in nature Upstate or on the coast despite her pale skin’s protestations; and connecting to youth culture mentoring teen filmmakers and “reluctantly volunteering” as tribute to take her nieces to Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo concerts for “cool fun auntie” bonus points.
The thrill of entertaining and being entertained 24/7 is possibly an addiction but is the only way Ellen wants to live her life.
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