Suggestions
Heather Taylor
Writer/Director and Co-Founder of creative studio, Cereal Made
Professional Background
Heather Taylor is an accomplished writer and director renowned for her ability to weave intricate narratives that delve into complex family dynamics within the realms of supernatural, sci-fi, and horror genres. With her compelling storytelling, Heather continuously seeks to challenge social assumptions, advocating for stories from underrepresented backgrounds to gain the recognition and visibility they deserve. Currently, she is lending her creativity and expertise to a Hulu drama, showcasing her versatility as a go-to talent in the modern entertainment landscape.
Aside from her work in series television, Heather is also an acclaimed podcast creator. Her podcast, ANOMALY, distinguished itself at the prestigious 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, receiving official selection honors and affirming her talents beyond the screen. Furthermore, she is set to unveil her feature film FAMILY SEDUCTIONS, produced by renowned entities Neshama Entertainment and MarVista Entertainment, to be released in 2021. This project promises to further highlight her dedication to crafting narratives that resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
Heather's journey into storytelling may well have begun with her academic pursuits. She earned a Masters in Screenwriting from City University, London, equipping herself with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive field of filmmaking. Her participation in elite training and mentorship programs, such as the 2019 Bell Media Prime Time TV Program in collaboration with ABC Signature Studios and the 2019 Corus Writer’s Apprentice Program, speaks to her continuous drive for professional growth and excellence in the industry.
In addition to her academic background, she was recognized as a finalist in prestigious competitions, namely the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Awards (2019) and the PAGE Awards (2020), highlighting her emerging voice in the realm of screenwriting.
Education and Achievements
Heather's educational journey laid the groundwork for her dynamic career in film and television. Her studies in screenwriting at City University, London, complemented by participation in courses offered by Raindance, Mount Royal University, and an Associate Arts Degree from Langara College, helped her cultivate her unique voice and sharpen her storytelling skills.
Her dedication to honing her craft extends beyond screenwriting into the realm of playwriting as she took part in the advanced playwriting program at the Royal Court Theatre while residing in London. This breadth of experience allows her to navigate multiple facets of writing, ensuring she continually pushes the boundaries of her work. Heather has also authored three fluid poetry collections, further showcasing her rich literary talent.
Among her many accomplishments, Heather’s first feature film script, The Last Thakur, premiered at the London International Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in her career. The film's cinematic and television release in the UK was met with audience enthusiasm, establishing her as a formidable voice in the narrative cinema landscape. Additionally, Heather produced and created the sci-fi web series Raptured, which reached an impressive milestone of over a million views, reflecting her ability to engage viewers across platforms. Another notableHighlight of her career is her horror short, Stitched, which garnered accolades and awards from over 20 film festivals globally for best director, writing, and cinematography, signifying her expertise and artistry in visual storytelling.
Notable Work Experience
Prior to fully immersing herself in screenwriting and filmmaking, Heather built a strong foundation as a creative strategist with diverse experience across various sectors. She worked with world-class organizations such as The Economist and BBC, where she honed her skills in creative direction and brand strategy. Her impressive portfolio includes successful campaigns and content creation for internationally recognized brands including IKEA, PayPal, Microsoft, IBM, Nespresso, RBC, Samsung, and Cisco, as well as advocating for gender equality through content developed for UN Women.
In her role as Director of Creative Strategy - North America for The Economist, Heather successfully oversaw the development of strategic initiatives that resonated with a diverse clientele. Her time as SVP, Global Integration for Mediaco at Weber Shandwick and VP, Head of Content and Strategy at Social@Ogilvy has equipped her with a broad skill set that encompasses branding, digital communication, and social media management. This extensive background enhances her ability to conceptualize and present engaging narratives, whether in film or in directed content.
Though she has transitioned into writing and directing, Heather’s early contributions to the media sphere also include working as an Editorial Director at Econsultancy, Acting Editor for BBC's About the BBC, and serving as Social Media & PR Manager at giffgaff, establishing herself as a multi-faceted professional whose impact spans both creative and strategic domains.
Community Initiatives
Beyond her professional pursuits, Heather’s commitment to social change radiates through her community involvement. A proud and notable moment in her life came after the impactful London riots when she orchestrated a cleanup initiative, gathering over 500 individuals under the collective name of the “Broom Army.” This grassroots movement not only garnered significant media attention but also emphasized the strength of collaboration in driving positive change. In recognition of her efforts and community leadership, Heather received a Local Heroes award, exemplifying her dedication to empowering others and promoting civic engagement.
With her distinguished body of work, Heather Taylor continues to leave an indelible mark on the film and television industry, successfully integrating her passion for storytelling with meaningful contributions to society. As she continues to inspire, provoke thought, and elevate underrepresented narratives into the mainstream, Heather's journey exemplifies the importance of challenging stereotypes while paving the way for future generations of storytellers.
tags([
screenwriter
director
Hulu drama
Tribeca Film Festival
feature film
supernatural
sci-fi
horror
creative strategist
poetry collections
London International Film Festival
sci-fi web series
Broom Army
community leader
storytelling
narrative cinema
social change
creative content
film festivals
storyteller
advocacy
media communications
women in film
emerging voices
creative direction
brand strategy